Page 48 - Essentials of Nursing Leadership and Management, 5th Edition

CikguOnline
2208_Ch03_021-038.qxd 11/6/09 5:55 PM Page 35
chapter 3 | Nursing Practice and the Law 35 CikguOnline
caring, communication and documentation and ■ Turn negative thoughts into positive ones.
teaching/learning” (NCSBN, 2007, p. 3).Table 3-2 Rather than saying, “I hope I pass,” tell yourself,
summarizes the categories and subcategories. “I know I will do well.”
Previously,all questions were written in a multiple- ■ Acknowledge your feelings regarding the NCLEX.
choice format. In 2003, alternative formats were It is fine to admit that you are anxious; however,
introduced. These alternative-format questions use your positive thoughts to control the anxiety.
include fill-in-the-blank; multiple-response answers; ■ Also use diaphragmatic breathing (deep breath-
“hot spots”that require the candidate to identify an ing) to control anxiety. Deep breathing augments
area on a picture,graph,or chart; and drag and drop the relaxation response of the body. Use this
(NCSBN, 2007, p. 49). More information on alter- method at the beginning of the test or if you
native formats can be found on the NCSBN Web encounter a question that you find confusing.
site: www.ncsbn.org. ■ Control the situation by making a list of the
items you may need to take the test. Pack them
Preparing for the NCLEX-RN in a bag several days before, and keep them in a
There are several ways to prepare for the NCLEX- place where you will remember to take them.
RN. Some candidates attend review courses; others ■ Eat well, and get a good night’s sleep before the
view videos and DVDs, whereas others review test. Avoid foods high in sugar and caffeine.
books. These methods assist in reviewing informa- Contrary to popular belief, caffeine interferes
tion that was learned during education. Everyone with your ability to concentrate. Eat complex
needs to decide what works best for himself or her- carbohydrates and protein to maintain your
self. It is helpful to take practice tests, because it blood glucose level.
familiarizes one with the computer and the exami- ■ Several days before you are scheduled to take
nation format. The NCSBN offers an on-line the test, travel to the test site along the same
NCLEX-RN study program. route at the time you plan to go. Have an alter-
To prepare for the NCLEX, take time to look at nate itinerary just in case there is a disruption in
the test blueprint provided by the NCSBN.This gives your route. This will alleviate any unnecessary
candidates a comprehensive overview of the types of stress in arriving at the examination site.
questions to expect on the examination. Candidates ■ Leave early, and give yourself plenty of time to
can review alternative test formats by accessing get to your destination. Arriving early also gives
pearsonvue.com/nclex/ Some test taking tips follow: a sense of control.
■ Finally, remember your own basic needs. Testing
■ Be positive. Remind yourself that you worked
centers tend to be cold. Pack a jacket or sweater.
hard to reach this milestone and how prepared
Check with the testing center to see if you are
you are to take the licensure examination.
allowed water or snacks.
Licensure Through Endorsement
Nurses licensed in one state may obtain a license in
table 3-2
another state through the process of endorsement.
Major Categories and Subcategories of
Client Needs Each application is considered independently and
is granted a license based on the rules and regula-
Category Subcategories tions of the state.
Safe Effective Care Management of Care
Environment Safety and Infection Control States differ in the number of continuing educa-
tion credits required, legal requirements, and other
Health Promotion
and Maintenance educational requirements. Some states require that
Psychosocial Integrity nurses meet the current criteria for licensure at the
Physiological Integrity Basic Care and Comfort time of application, whereas others may grant the
Pharmacological and Parenteral license based on the criteria in effect at the time of
Therapies the original licensure (Ellis & Hartley,2004).When
Reduction of Risk Potential applying for a license through endorsement, a nurse
Physiological Adaptation should always contact the board of nursing for
Adapted from NCSBN NCLEX-RN test plan (NCSBN, 2007, pp. 3–4.) the state and find out the exact requirements for