Most LPNs start their careers in one of the many nursing schools throughout the nation. To be a licensed practical nurse, you must pass your state-approved practical nursing examinations, and this means taking at least two of the four required subjects in nursing: anatomy, physiology and statistics. However, there is more to nursing than passing those four exams! A keen student will also want to study for their state’s graduate nursing examinations, which may involve Math, Biology, chemistry, nursing theory and professional ethics.
Passing the PSL tests (practical and psychobiology) requires an understanding of algebra, science and health information systems. Many nursing schools require their students to take a core mathematics class, including Arithmetic, Trigonometry and calculus before taking the PSL exams. Some nursing schools also require students to take an introductory course in psychology. Psychology is considered an essential element of nursing because nurses deal with emotional, social and mental issues of patients daily. It is also believed that nursing students will better understand emotional and cognitive processes and how these factors affect the health and wellness of patients.
Once you have earned your license as a licensed practical nurse, you will need to decide on a learning style – single-choice or multiple-choice. Each nursing exam will have a different set of multiple-choice questions and it will depend on your learning style as to which of these you will do well on. Nurses with a strong grasp of single-choice questions are usually confident in their math skills and will do well on these exams.
The American Board of Nursing has created a licensing exam, known as the NCLEX-RN, to test nurses’ aptitude and skills in five sections of nursing. These include basic technical competencies, nursing knowledge, interpersonal skills, physiology and anatomy. The NCLEX-R is the most challenging of all the exams. This exam is written in two parts and is administered in two separate sessions. A practice question and a real exam can help prepare for the test.
Single-choice questions cover basic technical competencies, nursing knowledge, and interpersonal skills. The multiple-choice section assesses your mathematical skills in addition to your nursing program’s knowledge. Your math skills will be tested by adding and subtracting, division, ratio, percentage, and percentage. Other topics included in the multiple-choice portion include planning and organizing, problem solving, and reading.
Many nursing exam sample questions concentrate on particular parts of the exam such as physiology and anatomy, or basic nursing programs. These questions may be frustrating because they are based on common clinical procedures that most nurses are familiar with. However, keep in mind that these questions are designed to measure your comprehension and readiness. You do not want to waste time and money answering these kinds of questions. If possible, find a book that contains practice tests that are similar to the examination in order to allow you to focus more effectively on the test.
There are many nursing schools that offer standardized tests to choose from when you decide to enter the nursing program of your choice. Upon entering the program, you will have access to the examiners who will administer the exam. Taking practice tests can help prepare for this critical exam. Nursing study guides can provide hints and tips that will maximize your chances of passing and ensuring a great nursing career.
