Are there any special tests you need to take become a nurse?
To become a registered nurse (RN) in the United States, candidates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The NCLEX-RN is a standardized exam that assesses a candidate's knowledge, skills, and abilities in nursing practice.
The NCLEX-RN is developed and administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). It is a computer-adaptive test (CAT), which means that the difficulty of the questions adjusts based on the candidate's performance. The exam covers a wide range of nursing topics, including:
* Client care
* Communication and interpersonal skills
* Critical thinking and problem-solving
* Health promotion and maintenance
* Pharmacology
* Physiological adaptation
* Professionalism and ethics
* Research and evidence-based practice
Candidates must register for the NCLEX-RN with the NCSBN and meet all eligibility requirements before taking the exam. Once registered, candidates will receive information about the testing process and will be able to schedule their exam date.
In addition to the NCLEX-RN, some states or nursing programs may require candidates to take additional tests or complete certain certifications. For example, some states require nurses to take a jurisprudence exam, which covers state-specific nursing laws and regulations. Additionally, some nursing programs may require candidates to complete a certification in a specific nursing specialty, such as critical care nursing or pediatric nursing.
Candidates who successfully pass the NCLEX-RN and meet all other requirements will be granted a nursing license, which allows them to practice as a registered nurse.