The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has recently announced the implementation of the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) exam for nursing licensure. This new exam format aims to better assess the clinical judgment of entry-level nurses, with a focus on protecting the public and achieving the best outcomes for clients, nurses, and institutions.
What is the NGN Exam?
The NGN exam is a new and improved version of the NCLEX exam, which is used to assess the competency of individuals seeking licensure as a registered nurse (RN) or practical nurse (PN). The NGN exam will feature new types of questions that better measure clinical judgment, such as scenario-based questions and interactive case simulations. The NGN exam will be implemented beginning April 2023.
Why was the NGN Exam Developed?
As the healthcare field continues to evolve, it has become increasingly important to assess the clinical judgment of entry-level nurses. The traditional NCLEX exam primarily assessed knowledge and skills, but the NGN exam aims to better evaluate the ability to think critically and make the right decisions when providing care. This shift in focus is in line with the changing demands of the healthcare industry and the need for nurses to be able to adapt to new technologies and treatments.
How is the NGN Exam Different from the Traditional NCLEX Exam?
One of the key differences between the NGN exam and the traditional NCLEX exam is the use of new types of questions. The NGN exam will include scenario-based questions and interactive case simulations that test the ability to think critically and make the right decisions when providing care. These types of questions will better assess the clinical judgment of entry-level nurses, which is vital for protecting the public and achieving the best outcomes for clients, nurses, and institutions.
Another difference is that NGN will have computer adaptive testing (CAT), which adjusts the level of difficulty of questions based on the test taker’s performance. This allows for a more personalized and efficient testing experience.
How to Prepare for the NGN Exam
There are several resources available to help individuals prepare for the NGN exam, including the NCSBN’s NGN tutorial and sample questions. Additionally, the NCSBN has developed a method for writing clinical judgment items for entry-level nursing exams which can be found on 2
To prepare for the NGN exam, it is important to focus on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This can be done by reviewing case studies and practicing scenario-based questions. Additionally, it is important to stay up to date on current healthcare trends and developments.
Conclusion
The implementation of the Next Generation NCLEX exam represents a significant shift in the nursing licensure process, with a focus on assessing the clinical judgment of entry-level nurses. By better evaluating the ability to think critically and make the right decisions when providing care, the NGN exam aims to protect the public and achieve the best outcomes for clients, nurses, and institutions. With the right preparation and focus on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, individuals can successfully navigate the new exam format and achieve their goal of licensure.
