Becoming a Nurse

When we speak of nurses, most people think of RNs, or Registered Nurses. The other type of nurse is an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse), or LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse), as it is called in some states. The difference between an RN and an LPN is based on the amount of education required. As you have read, there are more options for an RN than for an LPN. However, if you desire to practice the basics of nursing and experience a closer relationship with patients, the LPN is probably the way to go. If you're looking for a specialized nursing job with advanced training, go for the RN degree. Whichever way you go will lead you to a fulfilling, satisfying profession.

Becoming an LPN
An LPN certification requires less education than the RN degree. You must have graduated from high school or received a GED. You may have to show aptitude for the types of subjects you will study before acceptance to an LPN program. Usually the LPN takes about a year of study. A degree is not given after the course of study, but a certificate or diploma is awarded. A course of study for the LPN certificate may be found at some hospitals or at a number of nursing schools around the country.

Once your study is complete, you must pass the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination - Practical Nurse) test before being certified.

Becoming an RN
An RN degree takes more time and study than the LPN course. Usually the time is two to four years. You can take an Associate's degree, requiring two years. Or you can study for four years and receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). You will need a high school diploma or GED to start either program, and you may also be required to take the National League for Nursing Exam. Some schools have accelerated programs for people who already have a Bachelor's degree so they can receive the nursing degree in less time. If you plan to specialize in fields that require a Master's degree, such as nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist, you must first get a BSN.

Like the LPN, the potential RN will need to pass a national exam, in this case the NCLEX-RN, to be certified.

Taking the National Exam
For either NCLEX, you will need a substantial amount of time to study before taking the test. Go over your old notes and nursing books. Review clinical experiences and think about questions that might be asked. A good study guide is critical to your study process. You will need to know as much about nursing as possible to receive a good score on the test. Follow all directions given about what to bring to the test. Check answers if time remains.

Once you have passed the NCLEX, you will be certified as a full-fledged nurse, either LPN or RN, ready to join this respected profession.

NCLEX-RN Exam Information and Tips

To be certified as a registered nurse (RN), you must take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This exam has been developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) to standardize testing and professional practice in every jurisdiction. The exam is administered at Pearson Professional Centers around the United States. You can find information about the exam - how to register, what to study, and what types of identification to take - on the NCSBN web site.

What the Test Covers
The NCLEX-RN Exam has four components for Client Needs. Two parts have subsections, and the sections are scored as below:

• Safe and Effective Care Environment Management of Care: 16 - 22% of the score Safety and Infection Control: 8 - 14%
• Health Promotion and Maintenance: 6 - 12%
• Psychosocial Integrity: 6 - 12%
• Physiological Integrity
• Basic Care and Comfort: 6 - 12%
• Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies: 13 - 19%
• Reduction of Risk Potential: 10 - 16%
• Physiological Adaptation: 11 - 17%

Processes integrated into the Client Needs are Caring, Communication and Documentation, Nursing Process, and Learning and Teaching.

The exam contains from 75 to 265 questions and lasts no longer than six hours. Most questions will be multiple-choice questions where you pick one of four options, but there could also be fill-in-the-blank or picture/graphic-based questions, or multiple-choice questions that ask you to select more than one right answer.

How the Test is Taken
You will take the test on a computer. The testing method for the examination is called Computer Adaptive Testing. This means that as you answer questions, the computer chooses the next questions to best determine your skill level. The computer will continue to ask questions until it decides on a pass or fail score.

Getting Your Score
Unofficial scores may be available in two business days in some locations. Official results will be mailed by your state's licensing agency about one month after the exam.

NCLEX-PN Exam Information and Tips

To be certified as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or licensed vocational nurse (LVN), you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). This exam has been created by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing to ensure the qualifications of licensed practical and vocational nurses. The exam is administered at Pearson Professional Centers around the United States. You can find information about the exam - how to register, what to study, and what types of identification to take - on the NCSBN web site.

What the Test Covers
The NCLEX-PN Exam has four components for Client Needs. Two parts have subsections, and the sections are scored as below:

• Safe and Effective Care Environment
• Coordinated Care: 12 - 18% of the total score
• Safety and Infection Control: 8 - 14%
• Health Promotion and Maintenance: 7 - 13%
• Psychosocial Integrity: 8 - 14%
• Physiological Integrity
• Basic Care and Comfort: 11 - 17%
• Pharmacological Therapies: 9 - 15%
• Reduction of Risk Potential: 10 - 16%
• Physiological Adaptation: 11 - 17%

Integrated processes, essential to all of the Client Needs categories, include Clinical Problem-solving Process, Caring, Communication and Documentation, and Teaching and Learning.

The test includes 85 to 205 questions, varying from multiple choice where you pick one of four answers to fill-in-the-blank and hotspot questions, as well as multiple choice questions that require more than one answer. Some questions require reading and interpreting charts, tables, and figures. The test will take not more than five hours.