UNDERSTANDING THE NEXT GEN NCLEX (NGN): WHAT TO EXPECT AND QUESTION TYPES
Are you ready for the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) exam? This big change aims to test your nursing skills in making decisions and using your judgment. With the NGN coming soon, it’s important to know what’s new and what questions you’ll face. But are you really ready for this new challenge?
Key Takeaways
- The NGN exam aims to assess entry-level nurses’ clinical judgment and decision-making skills.
- New question formats, including Case Study (Electronic Health Record), Matrix (Grid), Bow-tie, and Extended Multiple Response, will be introduced.
- The NGN will use Computerized Adaptive Testing to provide questions of varying difficulty based on the test-taker’s responses.
- The exam will include between 85 and 150 questions, with a 5-hour time limit.
- The scoring model will incorporate partial credit, allowing for a more nuanced evaluation of candidates’ knowledge and skills.
What is the Next Generation NCLEX?
The Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) is a big change to the NCLEX exam. It’s the main test for nursing licenses across the country. The NGN focuses more on clinical judgment and soft skills. These skills are key for nurses today.
The NGN is here to make sure nurses can give good care as healthcare needs grow. It’s all about making sure nurses are ready for the job.
Overview of the NGN Exam
The NGN exam starts on April 1, 2023. It will have a minimum of 85 questions (70 scored and 15 unscored). Or, it could have up to 150 questions (135 scored and 15 unscored).
After the basic exam, there’s a 10% chance of getting special clinical judgment questions. These questions are different from the usual ones.
Rationale for Introducing the NGN
The Next Generation NCLEX brings new question types. These types test clinical judgment skills. Skills that are vital for nursing.
This change means new nurses will be ready for the complex healthcare world. They’ll be able to handle the demands of their job better.
| New NGN Question Types | Description |
|---|---|
| Extended Multiple Response | Includes additional answering options and partial credit scoring |
| Extended Drag and Drop | Challenges exam-takers in thoughtful ways |
| Cloze (Click or drag answer options to fill in the blank) | Assesses critical thinking and decision-making skills |
| Highlight Text | Requires identifying key information in a given text |
| Matrix/Grid | Evaluates the ability to make connections and analyze relationships |
| Bow-tie | Draws on all six steps of the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model |
| Trend | Assesses the ability to interpret and respond to changes over time |
Launch Date of the Next Generation NCLEX
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has confirmed that the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) will start on April 1, 2023. If you started nursing school in Fall 2021 or later, you’ll take the NGN.
The NGN will replace the current NCLEX-RN® exam, which has been used since 1994. This new exam focuses on testing nursing candidates’ clinical judgment and decision-making skills. These skills are key for safe and effective patient care.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the US. | – |
| 65% of entry-level nurse errors were related to poor clinical decision-making. | – |
| 50% of entry-level nurses were involved in practice errors. | – |
| Only 20% of employers are satisfied with new nurses’ decision-making abilities. | – |
| Clinical judgment is required in up to 46% of all tasks performed by entry-level nurses. | – |
| 85% of test-takers opted to complete the “special research section” evaluating clinical judgment ability on the NGN test. | – |
The next generation nclex launch date is April 1, 2023. Nursing students starting in Fall 2021 or later will be the first to try the new exam. This change is a big step in how nursing prepares for the future healthcare needs of patients.
New Question Types in the NGN
The Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) will bring new question formats to test nursing skills. These formats aim to check how well candidates think and solve problems. They are key for safe patient care.
Case Study (Electronic Health Record)
Candidates will look at a detailed patient story, including all medical records. They must use these records to decide what to do next.
Matrix (Grid)
Matrix questions give candidates a table to fill out. They need to pick the best options for a complex patient situation.
Bow-tie
Bow-tie questions ask candidates to find the main health issue from patient records. They must then decide on the right steps to take and what to watch for.
Drop-Down (Cloze, Table, Rationale)
Drop-down questions let candidates pick from a list in a table or text. This tests their ability to make smart choices with the information they have.
Drag & Drop
Drag & Drop questions ask candidates to put options in order. They don’t have to use all the options. This shows how they prioritize and sequence tasks.
Extended Multiple Response
Extended Multiple Response lets candidates pick one or more answers at once. They can get partial credit, encouraging a thorough approach to questions.
These ngn new question types in the NGN exam focus on testing a candidate’s skills in case studies in ngn, matrix grid questions, bow-tie questions, drop-down questions, drag and drop questions, and extended multiple response. This ensures they can give safe and effective patient care.
See also
- WHERE IT PAYS TO BE A NURSE
- LAST-MINUTE NCLEX TIPS & DAY-BEFORE STRATEGIES
- REQUIREMENTS FOR TAKING THE NCLEX IN 2024
- HOW MANY TIMES CAN YOU TAKE THE NCLEX?
- CAN YOU TAKE THE NCLEX AT HOME OR ONLINE?
- THE ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR NEW GRAD NURSES
Changes in Number of Questions
The nursing world is changing, and so is the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) exam. Candidates will now face more questions. You’ll have to answer at least 85 questions, with 70 scored and 15 unscored ones. But, you could get up to 150 questions, with 135 scored and 15 unscored ones.
This change shows the growing need for nurses to think critically and make good decisions. The changes in number of NGN questions and the NGN minimum and maximum questions test your ability to act wisely in real healthcare situations.
| Exam Component | Minimum Number of Questions | Maximum Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Scored Questions | 70 | 135 |
| Unscored Questions | 15 | 15 |
| Total Questions | 85 | 150 |
The NGN exam’s new question count shows nursing’s focus on preparing nurses for today’s healthcare needs. It’s all about sharpening your skills in making smart decisions and critical thinking. This way, nurses are ready to handle the challenges of their careers.
“The changes in the number of questions on the Next Generation NCLEX reflect the evolving needs of the nursing profession and the importance of ensuring that nursing candidates can demonstrate their ability to make informed decisions and apply their knowledge effectively in real-world healthcare settings.”
New Scoring Methodology: Polytomous Scoring
The Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) brings a new scoring method called Polytomous Scoring. This method gives partial credit, unlike the old system where answers were just right or wrong. The NGN scoring rules aim to test candidates’ knowledge and judgment more deeply.
0/1 Scoring Rule
Under the 0/1 Scoring Rule, right answers get 1 point and wrong answers get 0. This keeps the test simple but still makes candidates focus on giving the right answers.
+/- Scoring Rule
The +/- Scoring Rule goes further with partial credit. Candidates get points for right answers and lose points for wrong ones. The lowest score for a question is 0, pushing candidates to think carefully about their answers.
Rationales Scoring Rule
The Rationales Scoring Rule is different. Candidates must not just pick the right answer but also explain why. This rule stresses the need for good reasoning and decision-making. It makes sure candidates can not only find the right answer but also explain why.
These new scoring methods in the NGN change how nursing candidates are tested. They focus more on knowledge, judgment, and critical thinking. By using Polytomous Scoring, the NGN prepares future nurses for the fast-changing healthcare world.
Aspects Remaining Unchanged in the NGN
The Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) brings big changes to the nursing exam. But, some important things will stay the same. Candidates will have the same time, way of taking the exam, and how their performance is reported as before.
The NCLEX exam time limit will still be 5 hours. This gives test-takers enough time to show what they know. The nclex delivery method will also keep using the Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) format. This means the exam changes based on how well you do, offering questions that match your level.
Students will still get a detailed look at how they did on the exam. The report might change a bit to fit the NGN’s new standards. But, it will still be a key tool for students. It helps them see where they’re strong and where they need to work harder.
| Aspect | Remains Unchanged in NGN |
|---|---|
| Exam Time Limit | 5 hours |
| Delivery Method | Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) |
| Candidate Performance Report | Provided to candidates |
The NGN keeps the main parts the same, making the test feel familiar for candidates. At the same time, it brings new changes to test what remains unchanged in ngn and clinical judgment skills better.
Preparing for the UNDERSTANDING THE NEXT GEN NCLEX (NGN): WHAT TO EXPECT AND QUESTION TYPES
The nursing world is changing, and so is how we test nursing students. The Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) brings a big change, focusing more on making good decisions and using clinical judgment. Nursing students and programs need to work on two key areas: getting used to new question types and improving their clinical judgment skills.
Importance of Practicing New Question Types
The NGN exam will have new question formats like Case Studies, Matrix, Bow-tie, Drop-Down, Drag & Drop, and Extended Multiple Response. It’s important for candidates to get used to these formats. By practicing with different types of questions, students can get better at understanding complex situations, analyzing data, and giving detailed answers.
Developing Clinical Judgment Skills
The NGN also focuses on how well candidates can make decisions and use their judgment. Nursing programs should give students lots of chances to work on these skills. This could mean learning through case studies, simulation exercises, and scenario-based tests. These activities help students learn to look at patient data, spot risks, and decide on the best nursing actions.
By working on both the practical and thinking skills needed for the NGN, nursing students and programs can get ready for the changing nursing world. This approach will help students do well on the exam and also prepare them to give safe and effective care in real situations.
Resources and Study Materials for the NGN
The nursing world is gearing up for the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) in spring 2023. There are many resources and study materials available to help students and programs prepare. These tools are crucial for success in this big exam change.
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) offers exam content outlines and sample questions. These materials show the new question types, like case studies and matrix items. Knowing these formats is key to improving your clinical judgment skills for the exam.
Nursing programs and students can also use adaptive learning platforms and practice tests. These tools mimic the NGN’s interactive, scenario-based exam format. They also give immediate feedback on how you’re doing.
Workshops and webinars on clinical judgment skill development are another great resource. These sessions are interactive and focus on improving your ability to make good clinical decisions.
Textbooks and study guides updated for the NGN are also a must-have. They ensure your study materials for next generation nclex are up-to-date and thorough. With these resources for ngn, nursing programs and students can face the NGN with confidence.
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| NCSBN Exam Content Outlines and Sample Questions | Detailed information on the new NGN question types and format |
| Adaptive Learning Platforms and Practice Tests | Interactive tools to experience and prepare for the NGN question formats |
| Workshops and Webinars on Clinical Judgment | Educational sessions focused on developing the cognitive skills needed for the NGN |
| Updated Textbooks and Study Guides | Resources that have been revised to align with the NGN content and format |
Employer Expectations and the NGN
The Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) is changing how new nurses are tested. It focuses on their ability to make good decisions and think critically. These skills are key for caring for patients well.
Employers will want these skills more and more in new nurses. Nursing programs and those wanting to be nurses need to get ready for this. They must show they can give safe and effective care.
To meet what employers expect with the ngn, nursing programs should work on students’ thinking skills. They should:
- Use lots of case studies and simulations
- Focus on making decisions based on evidence
- Use the National Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (NCJMM)
By focusing on the ngn, nursing graduates will be ready for their jobs. They will meet the healthcare industry’s changing needs.
| Key Employer Expectations for NGN-Prepared Nurses | Potential Impact on Nursing Profession |
|---|---|
| Strong clinical judgment and decision-making skills | Improved patient outcomes and reduced medical errors |
| Ability to effectively prioritize and delegate tasks | Enhanced team coordination and efficiency |
| Proficiency in utilizing electronic health records (EHRs) | Better integration of technology in nursing practice |
“The NGN represents a significant shift in the way we assess the competence of entry-level nurses. Employers will be looking for graduates who can demonstrate their ability to think critically and make sound clinical judgments.”
The employer expectations for ngn will shape nursing education and practice. Nursing programs and candidates must adapt to these changes. This ensures they give care that focuses on the patient.
Conclusion
The Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) is a big step forward in testing nursing skills. It brings new question types and focuses on clinical judgment. This change aims to make sure nurses are ready for real-world challenges.
Nursing students and programs that work on critical thinking will do well with NGN. They’ll be ready for the nursing world’s changes.
The NGN marks a shift towards a deeper check of a nurse’s skills. It looks at their ability to make smart choices and act in real situations. This is key for keeping patients safe and making sure new nurses are ready.
Nursing students and teachers should learn about NGN’s new questions and scores. This way, they can get ready for the new nursing tests. By seeing NGN as a chance to grow, nursing can keep up its promise of top-notch patient care.
FAQ
What is the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN)?
What is the rationale for introducing the NGN?
When will the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) launch?
What are the new question types in the NGN?
How many questions will the NGN have?
What is the new scoring methodology for the NGN?
What aspects of the NCLEX will remain unchanged in the NGN?
How can I prepare for the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN)?
What resources and study materials are available for the NGN?
How will the NGN affect employer expectations for newly licensed nurses?
