Congratulations on graduating from nursing school! Your next step before working your dream career as a registered nurse is to successfully pass your National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, otherwise known as the NCLEX-RN, or the NCLEX. According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), the pass rate for new graduates on their first attempt in 2022 was a little over 80% (2022). Some strategies that might help you become part of this successful statistic include:
- Giving yourself enough time to prepare.
- Engaging in self care along the way with proper nutrition and rest.
- Doing a self assessment on your learning and test taking style.
- Familiarizing yourself with the content of the exam and strategies that can be used to do well.
- Investing in test preparation services such as a NCLEX prep company or personal NCLEX tutor (Benesh, 2022).
Since the NCLEX pass rate for repeat test takers as of 2022 was only 43%, it would most benefit you to do everything you can to pass this rigorous exam on the first go. One of the ways that I feel truly helped me pass the NCLEX on my first try was using a test prep course. And recently I discovered that there are actually NCLEX tutors who provide personalized one-on-one guidance for those who learn best from a more tailored approach. Keep reading to find out more about the NCLEX, the cost and benefits of working with a private NCLEX tutor, and how to make the most of each tutoring session so you can pass your boards and move on to truly starting your nursing career journey.
What is the NCLEX (NCLEX-RN)?
Before we dive into how to utilize a NCLEX tutor to help you pass your exam, let’s discuss what is the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The NCLEX is a standardized exam that is required for licensure as a registered nurse in the United States. This exam is designed to test the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to safely and effectively practice as a registered nurse. The NCLEX is a critical step for nursing students as they transition from the classroom to the clinical setting, as passing the exam is required for licensure and the ability to practice as a registered nurse.
How do I prepare for the NCLEX?
The NCLEX-RN is known to be a challenging exam that requires extensive preparation. Studies show that delays in taking the NCLEX exam after receiving an authorization to test can negatively affect your probability of passing (Woo et al., 2009). Keeping this in mind, new graduate nurses may find it beneficial to study diligently early on and opting to test sooner than later. Many nursing students find it beneficial to take a NCLEX test prep company such as Kaplan while others may choose to work with a one-on-one NCLEX-RN tutor as they prepare for the exam for a more personalized and focused experience. Let’s explore the latter strategy in more depth.
What is a NCLEX Tutor?
You may have heard of NCLEX prep courses and in general it is not a matter of if you will invest in one before taking your NCLEX, but rather which one you will take. But one option some new graduate nurses may not have heard of or have the extra money to invest in is a NCLEX tutor.
Private NCLEX-RN tutors may be experienced nurses, individuals who used to work for test prep companies, or nursing educators who specialize in helping nursing students prepare for the NCLEX-RN. In person NCLEX tutors provide personalized instruction, targeted study plans, and identify strengths and weaknesses to help students achieve success on the exam. Keep reading to find out why working with a NCLEX tutor could benefit you.
Benefits of Working with an in person NCLEX Tutor
Working with a one-on-one NCLEX tutor can provide a number of benefits for nursing students preparing for the exam.
- Personalized instruction: An in person NCLEX tutor can provide personalized instruction that is tailored to your individual needs. This can include focusing on areas where you might struggle, providing extra practice on specific topics, and addressing any misconceptions or gaps in your knowledge.
- Identification of strengths and weaknesses: An in person NCLEX tutor can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, which can be used to create a targeted study plan. This can also help you to understand the areas where you need to improve in order to achieve success on the exam. It can also help you focus your efforts on the areas that will have the greatest impact on your exam performance.
- Increased confidence and readiness for the exam: By working with an in person NCLEX tutor, you can increase your confidence in your ability to pass the exam and feel more prepared for the test. Knowing you have done everything you can do to invest in your success can give you the peace of mind that you have prepared for this very important milestone to the best of your ability.
How to Find a Qualified NCLEX-RN Tutor
Finding a qualified NCLEX-RN tutor can seem daunting, but there are a number of resources available to help new graduate nurses find a tutor that is right for them.
- Recommendations from nursing school professors: One of the best ways to find qualified NCLEX tutoring services is to ask nursing school professors for recommendations. Professors can provide valuable insight into the qualifications and experience of potential tutors.
- Online tutoring services: If you are not particular about meeting in person, there are also a number of online tutoring services that specialize in helping new grad nurses prepare for the NCLEX. You might be able to schedule time with an online NCLEX tutor easier via a voice or video call. These online services can provide a wide range of options and can be a convenient way to find a tutor. One example of a company that specializes in matching up new grad nursing students with NCLEX tutors is Varsity Tutors. However you prefer to meet with the NCLEX tutor, taking the steps to invest in your success is already a move in the right direction!
- Considerations when choosing a NCLEX tutor: When choosing an NCLEX tutor, it is important to consider factors such as the tutor’s qualifications, experience, and teaching style. It’s also important to find a tutor whose schedule and availability aligns the best with your schedule.
How much does a NCLEX-RN Tutor Cost?
The cost of an NCLEX tutor can vary depending on a number of factors, including the NCLEX tutor’s qualifications and experience, the location of the tutoring (in person versus online), and the type of tutoring services offered.
In general, NCLEX tutors who have more experience and higher qualifications tend to charge higher rates. For example, a tutor who is a current or retired nursing professor may charge more than a tutor who is a recent nursing graduate. Similarly, tutors who offer in-person tutoring may charge more than those who offer online tutoring.
The cost of an NCLEX tutor can also vary depending on the type of tutoring services offered. Some tutors may charge an hourly rate, while others may offer package deals for a set number of sessions. Additionally, some tutors may offer additional resources such as practice questions, study guides, and flashcards, which can add to the cost of the tutoring.
On average, NCLEX tutors can charge anywhere from $30 to $100 per hour. Tutoring packages can range from $200 to $1000 for a set number of sessions. It’s also possible to find online tutoring services that charge a monthly subscription fee, and some of them offer a free trial.
It’s important to keep in mind that while the cost of an NCLEX tutor can be a significant investment, the benefits of working with a tutor can be well worth the expense. A good tutor can provide personalized instruction, targeted study plans, and help students identify their strengths and weaknesses, which can ultimately increase their chances of success on the NCLEX exam.
Tips for Making the Most of an NCLEX Tutoring Session
To make the most of an NCLEX-RN tutoring session, there are a number of tips that nursing students can follow.
- Be prepared and organized: Before each tutoring session, the student should review any material or questions that they would like to discuss with the tutor. This will help the student make the most of their time with the tutor and ensure that they are getting the help they need.
- Ask questions and actively participate: During the tutoring session, the student should ask questions and actively participate in the discussion. This will help the student to better understand the material and will also help the tutor to identify areas where the student needs additional help.
- Take advantage of additional resources offered: Many NCLEX-RN tutors offer additional resources such as practice questions, study guides, and flashcards. The student should take advantage of these resources and use them to supplement their study efforts.
- Practice and apply what you learn: After each tutoring session, the student should practice and apply what they have learned. This will help the student to better retain the information and will also help the tutor to identify areas where the student needs additional help.
Conclusion
Working with an NCLEX-RN tutor can provide you many benefits as you prepare for the NCLEX. Tutors can provide personalized instruction, targeted study plans, and help you identify your strengths and weaknesses. By taking advantage of the tips discussed in this article, new graduate nurses like yourself can make the most of their tutoring sessions and increase their chances of success on the NCLEX.
In conclusion, it is important to remember that the NCLEX is a challenging exam and requires extensive preparation. Investing in an NCLEX tutor can be a valuable investment in your future as a registered nurse. A NCLEX tutor can provide you with the guidance, support, and resources you need to achieve success on the exam and ultimately in your career as a nurse. You’ve already come so far! Don’t let the NCLEX keep you from achieving your dreams.
References:
- (2022) Statistics from NCSBN: Number of Candidates Taking the NCLEX® Examination and Percent Passing, by Type of Candidate. rep. NCSBN, pp. 1–1.
- Benesh, S. (2022) 10 TIPS TO PASS THE NCLEX, Kaplan Test Prep. admin http://wpapp.kaptest.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/kaplan_logo_purple_726-4.png. Available at: https://www.kaptest.com/study/nclex/10-tips-to-pass-the-nclex/ (Accessed: January 17, 2023).
- Woo, A., Wendt, A. and Liu, W. (2009) “NCLEX Pass Rates: An Investigation Into the Effect of Lag Time and Retake Attempts,” JONA’s Healthcare Law, Ethics, and Regulation, 11(1), pp. 23–26. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1097/nhl.0b013e31819a78ce.
