Conquering the Next Generation NCLEX® (NGN): What You Need to Know
Hello Future Nurses,
Your journey to becoming a licensed nurse is an exciting and transformative process. With the Next Generation NCLEX® (NGN), the focus is on assessing your ability to think critically, prioritize effectively, and make sound clinical decisions. But don’t let the changes overwhelm you—the core nursing concepts remain the same, and you already have the foundation you need to succeed!
If you’re wondering where to start, visit NCSBN.org and NCLEX.com for essential resources, including sample NGN item types. These examples will help you understand the exam structure and get comfortable with the new scoring system, which now includes partial credit for select-all-that-apply and other multi-part questions.
What’s Different with the NGN?
The NGN integrates the Clinical Judgment Model (CJM) to evaluate your ability to recognize cues, analyze information, prioritize hypotheses, generate solutions, take action, and evaluate outcomes. In simpler terms, it assesses your decision-making in real-world nursing scenarios.
Let’s put this into perspective: Imagine caring for a patient with chronic heart failure. Can you identify worsening symptoms based on cues like increased weight gain and shortness of breath? Can you determine which interventions—such as medication adjustments, fluid restriction, or patient education—are most appropriate? The NGN challenges you to apply what you already know in a structured way.
Study Tips for NGN Success
1. Master Test-Taking Strategies – Avoid rushing through questions. Read carefully, identify keywords, and eliminate incorrect options systematically. Critical thinking is your best tool!
2. Embrace Active Learning – Don’t just memorize facts—apply your knowledge through practice questions, case studies, and simulation exercises. Engaging with content actively enhances retention.
3. Manage Anxiety Effectively – Recognize if your anxiety is mild, moderate, or severe, and implement coping strategies like deep breathing or positive self-talk. If needed, seek accommodations in advance.
The NGN isn’t here to trick you—it’s designed to assess your competency as a novice nurse. Stay confident, stay prepared, and trust in your ability to pass. You’ve got this!
