Are you a nursing student or a practicing nurse? If so, you've probably heard about the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN), the new nursing license exam that has been implemented recently. As an aspiring or current nurse, it's essential to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field, and that includes the NGN.

In this blog, you'll learn everything you need to know about the NGN, including what it is, why it's being implemented, and how it impacts nursing education and NCLEX practice. We'll also provide tips and resources to help you prepare for the NGN and succeed on the exam. Stay tuned to become a Next Generation NCLEX 2023 expert!

What is the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN)?

The Next Generation NCLEX (NGN), launched in April 2023, is a new version of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) that is being developed to better evaluate the clinical judgment and decision-making skills of nurses. The NCLEX is a standardized exam that nurses must pass in order to obtain their nursing licenses and practice legally.

The next gen NCLEX was developed in response to concerns that the previous NCLEX exam did not adequately prepare new nurses for the complex and dynamic healthcare environment they will encounter in their careers.

The new exam uses a more interactive, scenario-based approach to test a nurse's ability to analyze and interpret data, make clinical judgments, and prioritize patient care.

The NCSBN states that each student will write 85-150 items in the five-hour period. This will include a minimum of 3 case studies with 6 questions attached to each, for a total of 18 items. Apart from the new case studies, the test adapts, and the amount of NCLEX exam questions you receive depends on how well you do and the pattern of correct/ incorrect responses.

Why is the NGN important?

As a nursing student or a registered nurse, you might be wondering why the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) is so important. Well, the NGN is officially launched now, and it's crucial because it represents a significant shift in the way that nursing competency is measured.

One of the most significant changes in the NGN is the introduction of new item types, such as those that require you to select all that apply or rank items in order of priority.
Another essential aspect of the NGN is the increased emphasis on clinical judgment. You'll be required to demonstrate your ability to make sound clinical decisions based on patient data and prioritize interventions accordingly.
In addition, the NGN includes a new scoring system that measures your ability to perform essential nursing tasks, such as assessment, planning, and evaluation.

These new item types make NGN so important, as it better reflects the skills and knowledge that nurses need to function in today's healthcare environment. By preparing for the NCLEX next generation, you'll be better equipped to provide safe, high-quality care to your patients and advance your career as a nurse.

NGN new item types

In addition to the traditional multiple-choice questions, NGN has introduced new item types, including:

1. Extended drag-and-drop items

These types of items require the test-taker to interact with graphics or charts by dragging and dropping items or selecting different elements. For example, a test-taker may need to match symptoms with the appropriate diagnosis by dragging and dropping each symptom to the corresponding diagnosis.

2. Extended multiple choice

These types of questions are more complex than traditional multiple-choice items. They may have long stems or more options to choose from, and they likely require the test-taker to apply critical thinking and clinical judgment to make the correct selection.

3. Matrix items (Grid)

These items ask the test-taker to choose multiple correct answers from a grid or matrix. For example, a test-taker may need to select all the appropriate medications that a patient is currently taking from a list in a table format.

4. Enhanced hot spot (Highlighting)

This item type presents the test-taker with an image or graphic, and they need to select a specific area or highlight a particular element in the image that corresponds with the question stem.

5. Cloze items (Dropdown)

These items require the test-taker to select the correct word or phrase from a drop-down menu to complete a sentence or paragraph to assess knowledge and reasoning skills.

For example, a test-taker may need to choose the correct medication from a drop-down list to complete a prescription order.

6. Standalone items: Bow-tie and trend

These types of items present the test-taker with data or trends and ask them to make a clinical judgment or decision based on the information presented.

For example, a test-taker may need to interpret vital sign trends to identify potential clinical concerns.

7. Unfolding case studies

This item type is among the case study types that present a patient case in a progressive manner, with new information and scenarios presented as the test-taker progresses through the questions.

The test-taker needs to make clinical judgments and decisions based on the information presented in each phase of the case study.

How will the NGN affect nursing education?

The NGN update will affect nursing school courses and education in several ways. Nursing programs will need to update their curricula to ensure that they are preparing students for the new exam. They will also need to incorporate new content areas, such as pharmacogenomics and nursing informatics.

Moreover, nursing educators will need to adapt their teaching strategies to focus on clinical judgment and critical thinking skills. They will also need to incorporate the use of simulated EHR environments to prepare students for the enhanced hot spot item type.

Tips for preparing for the NGN exam

Nursing students who will be taking the NGN exam need to be well-prepared to succeed. Here are some tips to help you as a nursing student prepare for the new exam:

1. Familiarize yourself with the new exam format

Nursing students need to familiarize themselves with the new exam format and the changes that will be introduced in the NGN exam. The NCSBN provides detailed information about the new exam format on its website.

2. Practice critical thinking and decision-making skills

The Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) exam will require nursing students to apply their critical thinking and decision-making skills. Nursing students need to practice these skills by taking practice exams and solving case studies.

3. Use study materials designed for NGN

Nursing students need to use study materials that are designed specifically for the NGN exam. These study materials will help nursing students understand the new exam format and the changes that will be introduced.

4. Attend review courses

Review courses can be helpful for nursing students who want to prepare for the NCLEX NGN exam. These courses provide nursing students with the opportunity to review key concepts and practice their critical thinking and decision-making skills.

How can Smart’n help you prepare for the NGN?

At Smart’n, we offer over 2,500 practice questions and 60+ hours of NGN NCLEX-style nursing case studies, categorized by topic. Our expert instructors are dedicated to helping you succeed on the exam and in your nursing career by offering a variety of resources to help you prepare for the NCLEX exam, including:

Personalized quizzes tailored to the individual needs of each student + concise rationales.

Nursing case studies, along with answer guides.

Knowledge assessment and progress tracking at each level.

Scholarship grants to ease the financial burden of nursing students.

Signing up on Smart'n and using this NCLEX study tool provides support to the nursing community while also inspiring the upcoming generation of nurses to pursue their education with self-assurance.

Start your free membership

Conclusion

The Next Generation NCLEX RN exam (NGN) is an important evolution of the NCLEX exam that reflects the changing landscape of healthcare and nursing education. At Smart’n, we are dedicated to helping you prepare for the new generation NCLEX 2023 and pass the exam with confidence. With our comprehensive NGN course and other resources, you can build the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as a nurse in today's healthcare system and achieve your dream nursing job.

FAQs

1. How many NGN questions will be on the NCLEX?

The number of questions on the new NCLEX 2023 exam that each candidate will receive ranges from a minimum of 85 to a maximum of 150.

2. How to study for NGN NCLEX?

To study for the NCLEX, there are several steps you can take:

Review the test format: Familiarize yourself with the test format and structure of the NCLEX exam. You can find information about the new NCLEX format and structure on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) website.
Identify your weak areas: Take practice tests and identify your weak areas. This will help you focus on the areas that you need to improve on.
Use study materials: There are many study materials available, including textbooks, review books, online courses, and mobile apps. Choose the ones that work best for you.
Create a study schedule: Develop a study schedule that works for you, taking into account your personal schedule and study habits.
Practice, practice, practice: Take practice tests and questions as often as you can. This will help you become more familiar with the test format and improve your test-taking skills.

Remember to also take care of yourself during your study period, including getting enough rest, exercising, and eating a healthy diet.

NGN: All You Need To Know In 2023

What is the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN)?

Why is the NGN important?