Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licenced Practical Nurses (LPNs) complete many of the same fundamental nursing tasks. Both types of nurses work together to care for sick and injured patients. But there are some differences in the scope of practice of an RN and an LPN.
A Registered Nurse and a Licensed Practical Nurse’s roles can be quite different. But to be successful LPNs and RNs must work together for positive patient outcomes.
According to nursingprocess.org, an important difference between a Licensed Practical Nurse vs. a Registered Nurses scope of practice is that LPNs are not allowed to do initial clinical assessments. Providing healthcare providers with an accurate initial physical assessment of a patient is one of the most essential components of the nursing process for RNs. The American College of Critical Care Nurses states LPNs are not allowed to perform initial assessments because a Registered Nurse must be the one to interpret assessment data and identify patient concerns/needs that require nursing interventions.
Delegation is defined as the act of transferring responsibility and accountability to another person to carry out a task while maintaining accountability for the action and the outcome. RNs must delegate during their shift, and they will commonly delegate to LPNs and nurse aides. Some of the tasks that an RN may delegate to an LPN include gathering data such as vital signs and reporting those to a Registered Nurse, giving medications, and completing routine procedures.
Registered Nurses cannot delegate certain tasks to a Licensed Practical Nurse. LPNs are not allowed to analyze data such as vital signs or make decisions based on those vital signs. The LPN must report those findings to the RN, who will then decide how to proceed with care. Other tasks that an RN may not delegate are:
Both Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses have the opportunity to advance their careers. LPNs often choose to advance their career by attaining certain certifications, such as IV administration, or by pursuing management positions. LPN-trained nurses may also go on to complete an LPN to RN program to become registered nurses. Typical LPN to RN programs can take between one year and four years. Registered Nurses have other options for career advancement. RNs may choose to go on and receive their Masters Degree, complete certification in their area of nursing, and also the opportunity for advanced management positions. It is also financially beneficial for nurses to advance their careers. In 2021 the average salary for an RN was $82,750. For an LPN their average salary was $51,850 thus making it very lucrative for nurses to continue on and graduate from an RN program.
Both RNs and LPNs alike must take an exam to be able to become licensed to practice nursing. To become an RN, nurses take the NCLEX-RN exam, and LPNs must complete the NCLEX-PN exam. There are many similarities between the exams but also some key differences. The NCLEX-RN focuses on the management of care and supervision of others while assisting RNs and working under supervision is more central to the NCLEX-PN. Both exams are computer adaptive and effective, each having participants answer between 85 and 150 questions and will focus heavily on nursing clinical judgment.
To prepare for the NCLEX examination, many RNs and LPNs choose to take part in an NCLEX review course to fill in the gaps left from nursing school or for an organized study plan. Feuer NCLEX Comprehensive Content Based Review Course has been helping students prepare for the NCLEX since 1971. The review courses offered are Live Online, Self-Paced Online, and Home-Study Courses, allowing students to choose the course best for their learning needs and style. Courses like these help students after graduation hone their skills and enhance their knowledge of nursing content and test-taking strategies.
Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses are vital in our healthcare operations. Each has an important skill set that is necessary for a nursing unit to work cohesively and smoothly. With the nursing shortage in the United States not improving soon, RNs and LPNs will need to continue working together to improve healthcare outcomes in our county. According to an article from the National Institute of Medicine, The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that more than 275,000 additional nurses are needed from 2020 to 2030. This creates a great opportunity for those wanting to enter the nursing field whether they choose to become an LPN or an RN.
We are here to help you on your NCLEX journey.
Written by Feuer Nursing Review.
Nursing is a profession that is constantly evolving. Because of that, nursing education must also evolve. But there are many challenges that nursing students and educators face that inhibit change. This article will explore the current and future challenges and trends in nursing education in the United States.
The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered how nurses are taught. What used to be all in-person learning has now moved to a more virtual landscape. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, clinical sites have also been limited. Hospitals are dealing with their staffing shortage, making finding available nurses to precept nursing students almost impossible. This has caused many students to miss out on clinical experiences that their peers before them had taken part in.
The recent nursing shortage that has plagued our country has not only affected nursing working bedside, and it has also affected nursing instructors. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, U.S. nursing schools turned away 91,938 qualified applications from baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs in 2021 due to an insufficient number of faculty, clinical sites, classroom space, clinical preceptors, and budget constraints.
The aging population of nursing instructors in our country is also a challenge. The median age of nurses in the United States is 52 years old, making them close to retirement age.
According to nursejournal.org, pay inequality in nurse educator roles is a significant obstacle to attracting new faculty. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a nurse educator is $75,470. Nurses with similar education levels make far more than nurse educators, with nurse practitioners making $114,510 annually, on average. Thus, many nurses are choosing more traditional clinical roles because of the opportunity to make more money.
The nursing shortage is projected to continue for some time, and by 2025 there could be between 200,000 and 450,000 nursing jobs available. This has made nursing education challenging. Educational institutions have had to devise creative ways to combat the shortage of nurses in our country, especially in our rural areas. Many nursing schools are offering virtual options for students. Online nursing degree programs provide a way for nurses to obtain a degree while continuing to work full-time, keeping up with their work responsibilities and family obligations.
Over the last three years, there has been a significant decrease in the first-time pass rate of candidates taking the NCLEX Exam. In 2019 NCLEX Statistics from NCSBN show that the first-time pass rate was 88.18%. Most recently, in 2022, the first-time pass rate dropped to 79.90%. This has caused nursing education programs to reflect on their current curriculum and see if it is the best way of instruction to help students achieve success on the NCLEX examination.
Technology in nursing is constantly evolving and changing, and nurses and nursing instructors must stay current on the latest changes. Many nursing schools have adopted virtual learning, improved simulations, and telehealth options into their curriculum. Another facet of technology that is emerging in the nursing field is artificial intelligence. Artificial Intelligence or AI will affect numerous areas of nursing education including administration, clinical care, curriculum, as well as research. AI helps to streamline certain processes and workflows allowing nurses more time to provide quality and safe care to patients.
Due to the NCLEX shifting from the traditional exam to the Next Generation NCLEX, nursing schools will have to change the style of their teaching and their exams as well. The new style of exam will focus heavily on nursing clinical judgment. Clinical judgment, as defined by the American Association of Colleges of Nurses, refers to the process by which nurses make decisions based on nursing knowledge, other disciplinary understanding, critical thinking, and clinical reasoning. To test clinical judgment, the NCLEX plans to incorporate more case studies, like you would see in the real world, to reflect the kinds of decisions nurses have to make in various healthcare settings. Because of these changes, the nursing school curriculum will have to adapt. One way nursing programs can adapt is by adopting a competency-based education model. AACN defines competency-based education[3] as “a system of instruction, assessment, feedback, self-reflection, and academic reporting based on students demonstrating that they have learned the knowledge, attitudes, motivations, self-perceptions, and skills expected of them as they progress through their education.” The benefits of competency-based education are:
Many hospitals and institutions require their nurses to have bachelor’s degrees. The number of nurses who continue and get their master’s degree is rising. 13.2 percent of the current nursing workforce hold masters or doctoral degrees. As we discussed earlier, a monetary increase with a master’s degree is one of the main factors for nurses to pursue an advanced degree.
Staying ahead of these changes and adapting to the current challenges will be essential for nursing instructors and students alike to continue being successful in their nursing programs and careers.
Feuer Nursing Review’s comprehensive content-based review course has been helping repeat test takers and foreign trained nurses pass the NCLEX RN/LPN exam since 1971. We have updated our curriculum and incorporated the clinical judgement model to effectively prepare students for the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) exam.
Read our former students NCLEX Success stories on our website https://www.feuernursingreview.com/testimonials/. For more information about our 2023 courses, visit our homepage at feuernursingreview.com.
We are here to help you on your NCLEX journey.
Written by Feuer Nursing Review.
Nursing is the nation’s largest healthcare profession, with over 4.2 million nurses in the United States. As the nursing shortage continues to grow, new nurses are constantly needed to keep up with patient demand. Recently the United States has seen a surge in nurses from the Philippines, India, and Nigeria. But for these nurses to be able to practice in the United States, there are many requirements that they must achieve and complete before they are able to treat any patients.
Nurses from Africa that want to work in the United States must meet specific educational criteria set forth by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS). Nurses from Africa must have proof of graduation from an accredited nursing program, valid nursing licenses, and have worked as a registered nurse for at least two years. In some states, foreign-trained nurses must take an English Proficiency Test. The English Proficiency Test is broken up into four sections, Listening and Reading and Speaking, and Writing. The English proficiency test can take up to four hours to complete and once completed applicants must achieve a total score of 84 and a speaking score of 26. Students who are exempt from taking the test are students who completed their nursing education at a program whose education was completed in English, and the program was completed in one of the following countries:
Immigration
To legally work as a nurse in the United States, you must apply for a Registered Nurse Immigrant Visa. For nurses to be considered for a work visa, they must complete the following:
The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) will evaluate transcripts and qualifications to ensure that requirements are completed before you can apply to take the licensing exam in the state where you wish to work. You may also be asked to take the CGFNS Qualifying Exam to determine if you are eligible and ready to take the NCLEX licensure examination. The Qualifying Exam is an additional cost.
Students who meet the above requirements can apply for the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination.) Applicants must apply in the states that they seek employment. Applicants should be aware that there is a $200 fee to apply to take the NCLEX. Currently, applicants can take the NCLEX at an NCLEX testing center in the following countries:
Candidates can retake the NCLEX if they do not pass on their first attempt. However, they will have to pay the fee again. For the second time NCLEX test takers, the pass rate is 39.07%. Many programs are available for nurses who struggle with the NCLEX or want tips and strategies to help them pass. Feuer NCLEX Comprehensive Content Based Review Course has been helping students prepare for the NCLEX since 1971. The review courses offered are Live Online, Self-Paced Online, and Home-Study Courses, allowing students to choose the course best for their learning needs and style. Courses like these help students after graduation hone their skills and enhance their knowledge of nursing content and test-taking strategies.
Due to the current nursing shortage in the United States, many hospitals, clinics, and other areas of healthcare are constantly hiring nurses. Many of these companies are offering large sign-on bonuses and tuition reimbursement. The best way for nurses to find job opportunities is to look online. Search job boards and individual hospitals’ websites for available job openings. From there, you can refine your search to find a job that fits your needs.
It is an exciting opportunity for foreign nurses to work in the United States of America. The nursing shortage is projected to continue for some time and by 2025 there could be between 200,000 and 450,000 nursing jobs available. This creates an excellent opportunity for nurses to immigrate to the United States.
Written by Feuer Nursing Review
For a Nursing Program to be successful it not only has to have nursing students, but it also needs to have nursing students that go on to pass the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) licensing exam. In this article, we are going to discuss how the decrease in NCLEX pass rates is affecting Nursing Programs around the country.
Over the last three years, there has been a significant decrease in the first-time pass rate of candidates taking the NCLEX Exam. In 2019 NCLEX Statistics from NCSBN show that the first-time pass rate was 88.18%. Most recently in 2022, the first-time pass rate had dropped to 79.90%. There are many reasons why the initial pass rates have dropped. Some of the most common include the COVID-pandemic, test anxiety, and decreased focus on the core curriculum.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many nursing schools switched over to an online model of instruction. This left many students without classroom hours and decreased hands-on practice time.
The Journal of Professional Nursing states that The NCLEX pass rate is considered the premier indicator of program quality. Nursing programs utilize first-time pass rates (F-TPR) as a basis for making program decisions – especially when confronted with a falling rate. But this shouldn’t be the only measure of a Nursing Program. Schools should also look into students’ skills and not focus only on the NCLEX. For example, a student may succeed in the hands-on demonstrations but struggle with testing. So these students may go on to be great nurses but become a statistic because they have trouble with test taking. Many nursing students who do not pass their first time taking the NCLEX go on to be great nurses. Looking at the nursing program as a whole is a much better measure of the quality of a nursing program.
According to Kathleen Gains, MSN, RN, BA, CBC at Nurse.org, The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) evaluate nursing schools and programs in the United States. For a nursing school to become accredited they must meet certain standards. Some of the standards include state regulations and school management. The accreditation process also looks at the school’s curriculum and the NCLEX pass rates of the school.
Many states want the NCLEX pass rates to be within 5-10% of the national average, which in 2022 was 79.90%. If schools do not meet this benchmark they can lose their state funding and their accreditation status with the ACEN or CCNE. Some studies show that if a school’s NCLEX pass rate is under 80%, the school is placed on probation and given 2 years to improve its pass rates.
Schools are constantly looking for new and innovative ways to increase their NCLEX scores. Feuer NCLEX Comprehensive Content Based review course has been helping students prepare for the NCLEX since 1971. The review courses offered are Live Online, Self-Paced Online and Home-Study Courses, giving students the freedom to choose what course is best for their learning needs and style. Courses like these help students after graduation hone their skills and enhance their knowledge of nursing content and test taking strategies.
When we think about the decrease in NCLEX pass rates we need to think about what that means for the future. Will schools decrease their program sizes to try and increase NCLEX pass rates? Will that add to the nursing shortage our country is already facing? Will smaller schools risk losing their accreditation? Will the Next-Generation NCLEX bring the rates down even lower? Important questions that we don’t have answers to, yet.
Written by Feuer Nursing Review
Nursing graduates all over the world must undergo a type of examination known as National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). For as long as one can remember, the NCLEX exam has been a form of grading and final evaluation for nurses before getting their licensure and being allowed to legally practice nursing in the United States, Canada, and Australia. It is an assessment exam that will check the knowledge and skills of entry-level nurses.
The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) has variations, enabling nursing graduates with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or nursing graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree to seat for the NCLEX-RN. In the same light nursing graduates from Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) or those from Licensed Practical Nursing must seat for the NCLEX-PN to earn their licensure.
With prospective candidates preparing by enrolling for NCLEX prep courses and studying NCLEX practice questions, some have been thrown off guard at the new NCLEX exam that has been introduced. The Next Generation NCLEX or NGN as it is being called is to commence by next year and was announced in August 2019 by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
The new categories of questions for the Next Gen appear to be harder to understand and answer, making students and faculty very anxious about the upcoming changes to the question format, and how to best prepare.
What strategies can you use to best prepare for the Next Gen questions?
Recent research and past exam statistics showed a lack of clinical judgement in new or novice nurses. This factor is the major reason why major changes were made to the new NCLEX exam. In the NGN, there will be a huge emphasis on the measurement of clinical judgement ability in new nursing graduates in real-life scenarios. The NCSBN clinical judgement model with regards to the NGN is to take note of nurses’ critical thinking and decision-making ability in assessing situations, generating a concern that prioritizes the client or patient, and generating the best possible solution.
Generally, it tests the interactions between nurses and their patients, and how nurses should and would provide solutions to clients in real life.
While there has been limited information on the new examination format, some new items have been confirmed to be a part of the Next Gen NCLEX.
This addition to the new examination will feature situations that will require candidates to pair scenarios with solutions in two columns.
This new addition features a situation where candidates will have to make judgements about findings with relevant information from client data and scenarios. The answers to this will have to be checked in boxes in a matrix format.
This new addition features a situation where candidates would have to provide as many as six different responses on the proper course of action or care with a narrative case study as a reference.
Like the former NCLEX, the NGN tests graduates’ ability to critically think, judge and make decisions, but on a more realistic life situation.
Although the new questions are expected to be more difficult because it requires applying clinical judgement skills to life-like situations, taking the Best NCLEX prep courses, using NCLEX Reviewer and relating it to real life will help you succeed in the exam.
Feuer Nursing Review’s comprehensive content-based review course has been helping repeat test takers and foreign trained nurses pass the NCLEX RN/LPN exam since 1971. We have updated our curriculum and incorporated the clinical judgement model to effectively prepare students for the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) exam.
Read our former students NCLEX Success stories on our website https://www.feuernursingreview.com/testimonials/. For more information about our 2023 courses, visit our homepage at feuernursingreview.com.
We are here to help you on your NCLEX journey.
Studying for the NCLEX can be intimidating. Especially once you see how thick review books can be and knowing that not all content would appear in the exam. Don’t worry though, I got here 9 studying tips (same things I did before) that you can apply to pass the NCLEX.
People have different study styles as our fingerprints differ from one another. Some people might need complete silence while others enjoy and more effectively digest information while listening to Taylor Swift. I know people who need a study buddy and I also know a lot of people who’re more inclined to study on their own. There are also people who study better in the morning than at night, and otherwise.
Before you plan on reviewing for the NCLEX, take a sweet time figuring out your study style. This will help you better gather and store information rather than just running your way through every topic you’ll study.
Cramming for exams? We’ve all been there – but it’s not for everyone!
Segmenting your studies into sections or taking it piece by piece will help you avoid procrastination. Aside from that, studies suggest that retention of information after an all-nighter is very low. This will also inhibit your mind from running in full capacity since you’ll be exhausted because you were up all night.
Having a study plan that breaks out sections into pieces will help you feel less overwhelmed. This will also help you get full control of what material you’ll be studying and will give you a better chance of passing the exam.
No test coming up? Great! You can schedule at least an hour a day to study. Since there isn’t a cloud hanging over your head pressuring you, you’ll be able to retain more information compared to cramming the day or night before.
This, by far, is the most demanding study tip to follow. We’re at a point where anywhere we look, we see screens. We are all addicted to our gadgets!
When was the last time it took you an hour before looking at your phone to check if someone sent you a message? You can’t remember? If you ask me a question, I can’t remember either! Sometimes, you just look at it to check how much battery you’ve got left. You can’t focus on studying if you’re compelled to check your phone from time to time.
This small thing – our phones – is the new challenger when it comes to grabbing our attention. Do yourself a favor and leave it in the other room. Intentionally relocate anything that stops you from focusing on studying, and yes, that includes your cat.
It’s hard to study for anatomy with this distraction!
byu/bananadairy incats
When you go through a chapter for the first try, try not to highlight anything or don’t try to write down anything. Just skim through it. On your second read through, this is the time to write down notes, highlight important words, the time to focus on bolded words and phrases, words that are placed in boxes, and information that is drawn out or has a triangle next to it. (The triangle is an indication that this is important NCLEX information – do not forget about that.)
As you go through the practice questions, remember to think and feel as if you’re actually taking the NCLEX. These practice questions aren’t just there to check how much knowledge about the questions you have so far, it can also serve as a simulation of the real thing!
Remember that training dummy from your CPR lessons? Yes. Pretend like it’s the real thing!
Read through the test questions carefully and narrow down your options using deductive reasoning to find the correct answer.
Do you think that the question you chose is logically correct? If your answer is yes, write down the reasons why you think it is and do not forget to note down key details as to why that answer is the right one.
Yes. Binders.
You will use this to store EVERY handwritten notes you have so you can easily pull them out whenever you need to look back on any important information.
Who doesn’t love a reward?
Passing the NCLEX is the one true gift for someone who’s reviewing for the NCLEX, but giving yourself small things throughout your review will definitely boost your motivation. You can try to tell yourself that once you’re done doing three chapters, you’ll take yourself out for some Boba. You perfected the practice questions on chapter six? You deserve to get those earrings you found on Etsy.
Remember though, these incentives do not have to cost anything, okay? As long as it can help you get motivated to continue studying, just go for it!
Break plans (including times where you’ll want to get good sleep) will be something to look forward to and will also help you avoid the want to slack off. When you’re done with two chapters, or if you’ve managed to successfully manage to answer a set of practice questions, take a break. You can also schedule a break at a specific time.
Keep in mind that these breaks SHOULD NOT take longer than 15 minutes since this will get you too far out of the zone.
You can also try moving around. Get outside and take a short walk. Getting your blood moving will help you keep your brain focused. Also, don’t forget to swing by the bathroom once you’re done. Studying without an empty bladder can be very distracting.
Asking for help is something the hardest thing to do but take note, in studying, it is very important to ask for some.
There are a lot of places or people you can look for resources and ask for help that can help you succeed at the NCLEX.
You can ask a friend who is also an aspiring nurse, your roommate, or you can also enroll in tutoring lessons. Speaking of enrolling, FEUER nursing review offers a wide range of comprehensive review materials that can help you pass the NCLEX. Furthermore, you can ask someone else to read the practice questions for you or get someone that can help you understand a particular section you’re having a hard time understanding.
Aside from that, for foreign nurses, there are also specific NCLEX exam requirements that need to be completed so do not hesitate to ask for help to better understand those requirements.
Always keep in mind that we are all in this together!
That’s my 9 studying tips that also helped me pass the NCLEX. I hope it can do you good as it did for me!
Yes, I know. It’s easy to feel defeated, especially when you’re reminded of failing the NCLEX five times. It might have even crossed your mind that nursing isn’t for you. Don’t beat yourself up. This exam is hard, and it only goes harder every year. Still, I guarantee you, it’s not the end of the world.
It’s probable that you might have missed something, you were overthinking, or you’ve over-evaluated yourself. Whatever the case may be, here’s your chance to prove to anyone, especially yourself, that you deserve to be called an RN!
There are four types of learners: Visual learners, Auditory learners, Read/Write Learners, and Kinesthetic learners.
Since you’ve already passed the nursing school, you probably already know what kind of learner you are. In many cases, people tend to combine two, or three, or even all learning techniques to better understand what they are studying.
Drawing out sketches of the chambers of the heart or using color-coded medication classes will greatly help you better understand ideas if you’re a visual learner.
Listening to podcasts that talk about NCLEX or watching YouTube videos that showcase lectures online will also be effective if you’re an auditory learner.
Do you understand things better when people brainstorm with you? Organize a study group to discuss concepts together.
Having a hard time understanding complicated topics? Use visual materials that will help enhance attention and retain what you’ve studied.
Also, don’t just keep on reading what you’ve already read or keep on writing old notes – this isn’t 100% effective. What’s effective is to associate everything you’ve learned and relate it to every clinical experience you got from school. Trust me, you’ll have a lightbulb moment every time you get to connect a dot to another.
Committing to the preparation before reviewing or studying will help you win half the battle that’s why you need to plan how you will study.
Formulate a schedule where you will pick days that you will study when you’ll take a break and days where you’ll be taking practice exams.
It’s also a great help to create a goal before every study session. Here’s an example:
Do a checklist that will state that your goal for the Monday afternoon study is to master a specific topic, followed by doing 20 practice questions about said topic.
Does it sound complicated? No! Because having a study plan will help you properly start your review.
Having no study plan is going to be a complete waste of time and WILL NOT help you succeed in passing the NCLEX. It doesn’t matter how many hours you put in on studying, it will always be about how you use those hours.
This might be the fourth, sixth, or seventh time you’re taking the test. By now, you should know that assuming that there will be easy questions will not help. What you need to do is to just focus on every question that will come. Aside from that, you need to understand that what might be easy for you may be complicated for someone else. Keep in mind that every question that appears is as important as the next.
Investing in effective practice examination books and/or enrolling in a classroom review course is a must and a worthwhile investment to pass the NCLEX. Feuer Nursing Review offers comprehensive review materials that can help you put this examination in the bag.
Exam companies, including Feuer, can provide noteworthy guides that can help you prepare for NCLEX. It won’t also hurt to spend extra time browsing the internet for other guides that will best suit your review needs.
Knowing how the test is written and knowing what the correct answers are is what NCLEX is. Strategizing is important when taking this test.
Before choosing an answer, try to eliminate wrong answers first. “Extremes” like NONE or ALL answers should be avoided, and whatever happens, always make sure to put patient safety first.
Practicing these techniques will help you notice the ideas in the answers:
Assess the patient first, always. Calling for a doctor isn’t always the best thing to do. Use the Airway-Breathing-Circulation approach, etc.
If you’re having a hard time coming up with an idea about a concept or topic, use deductive reasoning. If it doesn’t work, you could always rely on your “nurse intuition”.
You will for sure, meet the dreading select-all-that-apply questions. Don’t panic. You can always use the same approach we have discussed to remove wrong answer choices using your knowledge and by investigating the wording of answers.
Test anxiety is real. It’s possible that no one had told you or you didn’t know about it on the first few times you have taken the test. That’s why you had a hard time taking it. Don’t worry though, for everybody, especially for nervous test takers, there’s a way to completely manage your stress.
Prepare for the examination with focus and determination but do not make it bigger than your life. It’s vital to still make sure that there’s a test-life balance in the days, weeks, or months leading up to the examination.
Schedule activities in your days to do something fun, get proper sleep, and exercise. Doing this will help you keep a balance – your mind won’t build stress when you do this.
Say that the test is only a day or hours away, DO NOT cram information. Doing that will only make things worse. You need this time to relax, to calm, and to clear your mind. Do something that will help you stay grounded. Cook a hearty breakfast, listen to your favorite music tracks, go on a run. Do anything that will help soothe and calm your senses.
Also, the best way to lessen getting anxious before the test is to study and review properly. Knowing your study style and planning how you will study are ways to make sure that you’ve taken information appropriately. Trust me, NCLEX won’t seem frightening when you feel confident that you’ve done your review properly.
As we find ourselves in Black History Month, it is important to recognize the outstanding contributions Black Nurses have made. Mary Seacole, Harriet Tubman, and Mary Eliza Mahoney are 3 people who championed the nursing profession.
These are just some of the nurses whose life work has continued to have a lasting impact on the world. We salute the Black nurses who are currently working and impacting our communities today.
Happy Black History Month!
It does not take a mathematician to realize why there is a current nursing shortage. At the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic, where confusion was everywhere and treating the virus was in its infancy, nurses were pushed to their very limit. Long hours and endlessly contending with the possibility of losing patients at an alarming rate is a lot on any person. Eventually, it took its toll on the nurses, doctors, and all hospital staff. With so many individuals treated for the virus, many nurses began to contract the virus themselves, leading to further absences and quarantines of those we leaned on most. The nursing shortage of 2021 can be clearly seen and felt everywhere, but the actual numbers speak for themselves.
Statistics on 2021 Nursing Shortage
Nurses across the nation are ranked by state, and generally, we need one nurse for every 1,000 residents. That might sound like a lot for one individual, but keep in mind, every person is not sick at all times, so nurses are not taking care of 1,000 patients at once. It is just a statistic that makes it easier to see if and where there is a shortage.
One of the more striking issues with the nursing shortage of 2021 is how it affects states individually. For instance, California is the primary state where the nursing shortage is considerable. Their current nurse supply is 343,400, with a demand of 387,900 according to the 1,000 residents for every nurse model. That means there is a current shortage of 44,500 nurses in California. The next highest is Texas, with a lack of 15,900 nurses, and New Jersey, with a nurse deficit of 11,400. (https://www.ncsbn.org/1237.htm)
What Aspiring Nurses Need to Know
Nursing is a calling, and when you hear that call, no other job on the planet will match the satisfaction you will feel from becoming a nurse. However, a nursing degree is not an easy thing to achieve. Nurses take most of the same courses a doctor will take. It can be a lot to take on, but the rewards of achieving your goals are unparalleled. Here are just a few things to keep in mind when you begin your nursing school journey.
Workload Overload
One of the main complaints from nursing students is the intense amount of work involved in nursing. There are a lot of courses, and workloads in those courses can be a lot to contend with. However, it is essential that you prioritize your time appropriately to ensure you do not fall behind. Schedule out your workload throughout the day, and do not try to cram for each exam.
Comprehension Over Grades
Grades are important in nursing school, and you should always strive to do your very best, but grades cannot make up for the need for comprehension. Comprehension is where you make your most significant impact. You must understand the concept of the work to ensure you pass the tests.
Reading is Essential
If you are not a reader, you may find it difficult in nursing school. Students must read and study definitions, procedures, case studies, and countless other entities, so be ready to read a lot before signing up.
You Will be Busy
Nursing is not a walk-in-the-park career. The end goal is the ability to take care of others. Understandably, Nursing school is a hectic place with minimal downtime.
Clinicals Do Not Start Right Away
One of the main misconceptions about nursing school is the notion of going straight into clinicals. You will not go right into clinicals. Your instructors want to lay a firm foundation before you are placed in clinicals. Fundamentals are vital in nursing school.
Help Passing the NCLEX
Upon graduating, you will be put to the test, literally with the need to pass the NCLEX. Studying on your own can be a challenge; many students need a little boost to help them do their very best on this important exam. Feuer Nursing Review has been instrumental in helping students pass the NCLEX since 1971, and they want to be there for you as well. Whether you want to become an RN or an LPN, Feuer Nursing Review is there for you. FNR’s study program helps you manage time and understand essential concepts through an easy-to-understand format.
Feuer’s Live Online Review Program gives you the best of both worlds! It consists of 4 days of live online review via Zoom and is followed by 2 months of a self-paced online review. To learn more, please refer to these two links:
Live Online NCLEX-RN Review: https://www.feuernursingreview.com/live-online-nclex-review/
Live Online NCLEX-LPN Review: https://www.feuernursingreview.com/nclex-lpn/
If you prefer a more self-paced review, Feuer Nursing Review offers an online course with flexible subscriptions.
Self-Paced Online NCLEX-RN Review: https://feuernursingreview.teachable.com/p/nclex-rn-online-course
Self-Paced Online NCLEX-LPN Review: https://feuernursingreview.teachable.com/p/nclex-lpn-online-course
Once you have completed their course, you will be ready to take on the NCLEX with a newly found confidence.
For those seeking the rewarding career of nursing, there is a lot of work involved, but the rewards are endless. Right now is the perfect time to invest in a nursing career when so many states are seeing a significant shortage. Make a difference in the world with a career in nursing, and let Feuer Nursing Review help prepare you for your NCLEX today.
Choosing a career in nursing was an important decision. It is one that not simply affects you, as an individual, but many others as well. The long hours associated with a nursing program were daunting, but rest assured, all your hard work was extremely worth all the effort.
The intention of helping people is largely the reason most students pursue a nursing career. Where that is a noble goal, the demands placed on nursing students can sometimes make the efforts feel fruitless. The high demands of classes, tests, and clinicals, in the later stages of the program were overwhelming, but you overcame all of the obstacles and endured the stresses of nursing school Thankfully, nursing school graduates like you have a lot of options, so you can pursue your individual passion. Here are just a few of the many specialties you can choose from as a successful nursing graduate.
Generally, a Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) requires general nursing experience of 2 years along with a BSN before you can be accepted into a Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Anesthesia Program (CRNA Program). According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a nurse anesthetist in the US earns a median salary of $174,790 per year.
One of the fastest growing careers these days is a nurse practitioner. Growth in this specific nursing sector has gone up 25% in recent years. These individuals work directly alongside physicians and in certain areas, Nurse Practitioners are allowed to open up and practice out of their own offices independently. For a Nurse Practitioner, an RN license, and an MSN degree are required. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a nurse practitioner in the US earns a median salary of $109,820 per year.
If you are an individual that loves to travel, a Travel Nurse may an excellent option for you. These individuals are deployed when needed to a variety of medical facilities and hospitals that have a short term need for qualified nurses. An RN, BSN, and two years nursing experience is often required for a travel nurse and rest assured, you will be needed in a range of different areas as this sector has shown growth of 20% in the past 10 years. According to ziprecruiter.com, a travel nurse in New York earns a median salary of $108,811 per year. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, in New York City, a travel nurse can earn up to $10,000 per week or $100,000 for a 13-week assignment (nurse.org).
Pain management is something essential to any medical environment and the Pain Management Nursing field has shown growth of 26% recently. To become a qualified Pain Management Nurse, you will have to have worked as an RN for at least 2 years and possess a BSN. Experience in pain management of up to 2,000 hours is a necessity as well. An exam is required once these requirements are certified. According to nurse.org, a pain management nurse in the US earns a median salary of $101,916 per year.
Among the most important nursing areas these days due to the COVID-19 Pandemic is Critical Care Nurses. These nurses contend with the most critical patients and work with a team of other nurses to provide the best care to each patient. Growth in this sector of nursing has been estimated at 16% over the past few years, but with Critical Care Nurses in high demand these days, expect that percentage to drastically rise. Critical Care Nurses should have at least 2 years of experience in critical care environments and a BSN along with any additional training to stay up to date on current evolving viruses to maintain relevant critical care. According to nurse.org, a critical care nurse in the US earns a median salary of $74,588 per year. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and the increased need for critical care nurses, ICU nurses in New York City can earn at least $3,000 and up to $5,000 a week through job listings in zipcruiter.com and indeed.com.
Absolutely! You should never truly second guess your chosen nursing career. Nurses are extraordinarily valuable these days with the rate of COVID-19 taking over the planet. Nurses are instrumental in providing people with the necessary comfort, care, and compassion while their family is unable to visit. Nurses are the heroes of the era. Without the care of qualified nurses doing their duty on a daily basis, we would not make it far during this current pandemic.
Now is the time to take on the nursing world and reach your full potential. Take advantage of advancement opportunities and invest your time in learning as much as you can about your chosen profession. Nurses are always in demand and avenues to pursue your individual goals within the nursing field is wide open, so take time, figure out what you want to achieve, and go for it!
Feuer Nursing Review wishes you a successful and fulfilling nursing career!
