NCLEX PN vs RN

Who Takes NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN?

NCLEX-RN

NCLEX-RN is taken by nurses who have graduated from an accredited Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.

Registered Nurses play a key role in the healthcare system because they provide comprehensive patient care across various settings.

• Assessment - RNs Perform physical examinations, collect patient data, and monitor vital signs.
• Planning and Implementation of Care - They develop and implement individualized care plans in collaboration with physicians and other healthcare professionals.
• Education and Support - RNs educate patients and their families about their conditions and provide emotional support.
• Medication Administration - RNs administer medications safely and effectively.
• Leadership - They supervise nursing assistants and delegate tasks appropriately.

NCLEX-PN

NCLEX-PN caters to grads of Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) programs. These nursing programs take one year to complete compared to the two to four years required for an ADN or BSN degree.

LPNs/LVNs work under the supervision of RNs and physicians, providing basic care to patients in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.

• Monitoring Vital Signs - LNPs take and record vital signs like temperature, blood pressure, and pulse.
• Assisting with Daily Living Activities - They help patients with bathing, dressing, and eating.
• Wound Care - Performing basic wound care procedures under RN supervision.
• Administering Medications Orally - LNPs administer medications orally or through injections under the supervision of an RN.
• Providing Emotional Support - LNPs Offer emotional support to patients.

Comparisons Between NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN

Similarities

Although the exams cater to distinct nursing roles, both NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN have some common ground:

• Format
• Content Areas Covered

Both NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN exams are computerized assessments delivered at select testing centers. The exams utilize a category-based approach towards safe and effective nursing care across various patient populations.

Both NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN test a candidate's knowledge in the following core nursing areas:

• Foundations of Nursing (nursing concepts, ethics, legal aspects)
• Medical-surgical nursing (care for patients with various medical and surgical conditions)
• Maternity Nursing (care of mothers and newborns)
• Pediatric Nursing (care of infants and children)
• Mental Health Nursing (care for patients with mental health conditions)
• Pharmacology (safe administration of medications)

Next Generation NCLEX (NCLEX-NG)

Both NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN exams use the NCLEX-NG format. The new Next Generation format stresses critical thinking, clinical judgment, and the ability to apply knowledge to real-world patient scenarios.

Differences

While they share some similarities, there are distinct differences between the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN. The differences exist due to the varying levels of responsibility and autonomy associated with each nursing role.

• Depth and Complexity

The NCLEX-RN exam tests complex nursing concepts that require a high level of critical thinking. The RNs’ work is analyzing patient data, prioritizing care needs, and making independent clinical judgments.

The NCLEX-PN exam focuses on assessing a candidate's ability to perform basic nursing skills and tasks effectively under the supervision of an RN.

• Number of Questions

The NCLEX-RN typically comprises 75 to 145 questions delivered in a computer-adaptive format. This means the difficulty of the questions adjusts based on the candidate's performance, ensuring a more accurate assessment of their knowledge and abilities.

The NCLEX-PN generally ranges from 85 to 205 questions. While the format is similar to the NCLEX-RN, the number of questions reflects the smaller scope of practice for LPNs/LVNs.

How is NCLEX Administered

NCLEX uses a Computerized Adaptive Testing(CAT) approach. This system determines a tester's competency to practice nursing depending on the questions you answer correctly or incorrectly.

Remember you have only five hours to complete the exam. You can spend as much time on each question but you should use an average of two minutes. You must complete the required number of questions before the exam terminates. You have a chance to take breaks after two hours, and after another one and a half but the breaks still count towards the set timeframe.