NCLEX Test-Takers & New Nurses: What to Expect on Exam Day—And Beyond!
What happens after you pass the NCLEX?
If you're about to take the NCLEX, you probably feel a mix of nerves and excitement. But what happens after you pass? What they don’t tell you is that fundamental nursing differs from answering NCLEX questions. Whether you're gearing up for test day or already on the floor as a new nurse, let’s walk through what to expect from both experiences—and how to connect the dots between them.
Let’s dive in!
Before Exam Day vs. Before Your First Shift
For NCLEX Test-Takers:
✅ Confirm your test appointment on Pearson VUE.
✅ Bring a valid photo ID, dress in layers, and arrive 30 minutes early.
✅ Leave personal items at home—phones, notes, and watches are not allowed.
✅ Get plenty of rest, eat a good breakfast, and manage stress before walking in.
✅ Practice test-taking strategies – Time management is key.
For New Nurses:
✅ Confirm your shift time, unit assignment, and uniform requirements.
✅ Bring your stethoscope, notebook, pen, water, snacks, and badge.
✅ Review your patient list before shift start (if available).
✅ Get plenty of rest (if possible!)—you’re about to be tested in real life.
✅ Understand the unit workflow – How things run will impact your efficiency.
✅ Hospital Orientation First? Many new nurses start with a general hospital-wide orientation before moving to their specific unit. The dress code for this may be business casual, while unit-specific orientation will likely require scrubs. Always confirm with your facility beforehand.
💡 The Similarity: Preparation, whether for an exam or a shift, is key. Just as you studied for the NCLEX, reviewing hospital policies and patient conditions before work sets you up for success.
Your test center may look similar to this one.
The Test Center vs. The Hospital Floor
For NCLEX Test-Takers:
🔒 Strict security: fingerprinting, palm vein scan, lockers for personal items.
🖥️ Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT):
Minimum 85 questions, maximum 150.
5-hour limit with optional breaks at the 2-hour and 3.5-hour marks.
📝 You get an erasable noteboard but no other materials.
✅ Maintain focus – Distractions can break your concentration.
For New Nurses:
🚑 Hospital security and ID badge are required for every shift.
💡 No "multiple-choice" options—actual patients, real problems.
⏳ 12-hour shifts (or longer), often without scheduled breaks.
✅ Be adaptable – Each shift will present new challenges.
💡 The Difference: The NCLEX is controlled and quiet, while the hospital is unpredictable and fast-paced. In both, staying calm and focused under pressure is essential.
This hospital room is ready for patients.
NCLEX Questions vs. Real-World Nursing
For NCLEX Test-Takers:
📋 Prioritization and delegation questions test your critical thinking.
💊 Medication safety, patient education, and infection control are significant focuses.
🔀 Select-All-That-Apply (SATA) questions are common—and tricky!
✅ You are assessed individually – No teamwork involved.
For New Nurses:
👩⚕️ You’ll do prioritization and delegation, not just answer about it.
💉 Medication administration isn’t just choosing the correct answer—it’s calculating doses, preventing errors, and monitoring reactions.
🤯 There are no SATA questions, but every patient has multiple issues at once.
✅ Teamwork is essential – Nurses rely on collaboration.
💡 The Connection: The NCLEX teaches you how to do things. The hospital teaches you how to adjust when things aren’t perfect.
💡 Tip for New Nurses: When questions, concerns, or time management become overwhelming, finding a mentor can be a game-changer. An experienced nurse can help guide you through prioritization, workflow, and patient care challenges, making your transition smoother. Time management strategies such as using a checklist or batching tasks can also help.
Do you know what you can delegate?
Delegation & Prioritization Scenarios
Scenario 1: Prioritization
A nurse has four patients. Who should be seen first?
A: A post-op patient requesting pain meds.
B: A CHF patient experiencing shortness of breath.
C: A stable diabetic patient with a blood sugar of 180 mg/dL.
D: A patient with a wound dressing change due.
✅ Correct Answer: B – Airway and breathing issues take priority.
Scenario 2: Delegation
Which task is appropriate for an LPN?
A: Initial assessment of a new admission.
B: Administering IV chemotherapy.
C: Performing a wound dressing change on a stable patient.
D: Developing a care plan.
✅ Correct Answer:C – LPNs can handle routine care under supervision.
Dont’ watch the clock!
Finishing the Exam vs. Finishing a Shift
For NCLEX Test-Takers:
✅ The exam stops at 85 mins, 150 mins, or 5 hours—no instant results.
✅ You leave mentally exhausted but relieved.
✅ Results in 48 hours (for a fee) or via state board in days/weeks.
✅ Self-reflection is key – What worked well? What could be improved?
For New Nurses:
✅ Your shift ends after 8, 12, or 16 hours (depending on the unit).
✅ You leave physically and emotionally drained—but proud.
✅ There’s no instant validation—patient outcomes take time.
✅ Self-care matters – Decompress and rest before the next shift.
💡 Reflection Matters: Keep a reflection journal to document experiences, challenges, and lessons learned after both the NCLEX and your first shifts. Writing things down helps process emotions and track progress.
REMEMBER!
✅ For NCLEX Test-Takers: "Trust your training, stay calm, and remember—you’re ready for this!"
✅ For New Nurses: "The NCLEX got you here, but experience will make you great. Keep learning, keep asking questions, and keep showing up!"
💬 Join the Conversation:
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I invite my readers to join a discussion in the blog comment section to share tips and support each other in developing this essential skill.
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments:
What were you the most nervous about as an NCLEX test taker?
What were you the most nervous about as a new nurse?
Any tips or stories you'd like to share with your fellow new nurses?
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