NEW GENERATION (NGN) NCLEX RN EXAM 2024-2025 ACTUAL EXAM TEST BANK 500 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES

The graduate nurse understands the purpose of the NCLEX-RN® exam when stating which of the following?

a.

"The exam provides feedback to the candidate regarding areas of weakness in nursing practice."

b.

"The exam determines the candidate's ability or inability to meet minimum standards for safe practice."

c.

"The exam gives employers an opportunity to hire graduates who have scored highest among first-time licensure candidates."

d.

"The exam prepares new graduates as efficient, effective staff nurses."

.

ANS: B

The purpose of the NCLEX-RN® Exam is to determine whether a candidate is competent to perform safe, effective, entry-level nursing care. It does not prepare nurses but rather measures their performance on a test. Candidates who are unsuccessful receive information about their weak areas on the test, but this is not the purpose of it. Employers want to know if the person has passed because there is no specific score given other than pass or fail

Which statement by the nursing professor is accurate about the NCLEX-RN® exam? The purpose of the NCLEX-RN® test plan is to ensure that all

a.

"test takers answer items of comparable difficulty."

b.

"test takers answer approximately the same number of items."

c.

"test items are job related."

d.

"clinical specialties will be equally represented."

ANS: C

The content of the NCLEX® Exam is based on a test plan that is determined by the National Council. The test plan reflects entry-level nursing practice as identified by research and the job analysis study of newly licensed registered nurses. Each candidate will receive different levels of questions in a computer adaptive format. The focus of the exam is not on clinical specialties. The test has a minimum of 75 questions and a maximum of 265 questions, so a test taker can answer any number of questions between these two numbers until they either reaches a passing standard or fails.

In trends class, a student tells the instructor, "I don't think I can possibly pass the NCLEX-RN®. I hated psych nursing, but now I've heard that a huge amount of the NCLEX® is psych related." What is the best response from the instructor?

a.

"Perhaps you should consider retaking the psychiatric nursing course."

b.

"There are equal numbers of questions related to each aspect of client needs."

c.

"Psychosocial integrity is the basis for 6% to 12% of the examination."

d.

"You will need to take a review course in which they teach psychiatric nursing principles."

ANS: C

The last detailed test plan (2013) from the National Council designated from 6% to 12% of the total questions to be from the area of psychosocial integrity. The student may not be able to retake nursing courses or a review course. Stating that content area has the same amount of questions would be inaccurate. Each of the categories of client needs has a different percentage, so questions are based on that percentage from the detailed test plan, not on equal numbers from each area. Students often hear incorrect information and rumors about NCLEX.

Which statement indicates the graduate nurses understanding of the process at the NCLEX® testing site?

a.

"I will be thumbprinted and photographed."

b.

"I will be placed in a locked testing cubicle."

c.

"I will answer 300 test questions."

d.

"I will be given some questions as a paper-and-pencil test."

ANS: A

Read the Candidate Bulletin and the instruction packet carefully. An Authorization to Test (ATT) will be required for admission into the testing center; however, after January 1, 2014, the NCLEX will be going paperless, so the ATT will not have to be brought to the testing center. All candidates will be thumbprinted and photographed and will have a palm vein reader as part of the identification process at the testing location. Candidates are not locked in a testing cubicle or given a paper-and-pencil test. The number of questions on each candidates test may vary with a minimum of 75 questions and a maximum of 265 questions

Which statement made by the graduate nurse indicates understanding of the NCLEX-RN® exam passing score?

a.

"Candidates seeking licensure in California and New York must score higher."

b.

"The passing score is the same for licensure in all states."

c.

"Candidates from BSN programs must score one standard deviation higher than the ADN graduates."

d.

"ADN graduates must answer 80% of the 265 questions correctly to pass."

ANS: B

Every state has the same passing criteria. There is no percentage identified as to the number to get correct. The test has a minimum of 75 questions and a maximum of 265 questions. When the student reaches a passing level of competency or has not reached the passing competency, the test turns off. There is no differentiation in education level or state requirements.

What type of nursing position would most likely provide experience in the type of nursing situations upon which the NCLEX® Exam questions are based?

a.

Home care nurse

b.

Psychiatric staff nurse

c.

Staff nurse in an ambulatory pediatric clinic

d.

Staff nurse in a medical-surgical inpatient unit

ANS: D

The largest percentage of content on the test plan is based on physiologic integrity, which includes basic care and comfort (6%-12%), pharmacologic and parenteral therapies (12%-18%), reduction of risk potential (9%-15%), and physiologic adaptation (11%-17%). Research also shows that the majority of new graduates begin their first job in a hospital medical-surgical environment caring for adult clients.

What is the best review strategy to use to prepare for the NCLEX-RN® Exam?

a.

Spend about 8 hours a day on your days off until you take the examination.

b.

Study for 4 hours a night while taking a 2-week review course.

c.

Review basic nursing content 2 to 3 hours a day 3 days a week for 5 to 6 weeks.

d.

Study 10 hours on the day and evening before the examination.

ANS: C

Studying 2 to 3 hours a day for 2 or 3 days a week is realistic with frequent breaks during the studying. The new graduate should consider taking the exam within 2 to 3 weeks of obtaining your Authorization to Test. Cramming before the examination will not improve your pass rate. Studying for 8 hours a day is fatiguing and does not necessarily promote retention of the information.

What are helpful strategies for dealing with test anxiety?

a.

Put as much time as possible into studying.

b.

Practice relaxation techniques and positive thinking.

c.

Use review books and tapes.

d.

Focus on test-taking skills and emphasize facts less.

ANS: B

Put yourself in charge of your feelings. Replace those negative thoughts and ideas with positive ones. Practice relaxation and positive thinking and picture yourself succeeding. Picture yourself succeeding. Give yourself permission to take some breaks; studying all of the time will increase anxiety. Review books and tapes assist with the review of important content and do not necessarily deal with test anxiety directly. They may discuss the concept and provide strategies to use, such as the two mentioned in the correct response. Test-taking skills are important for success on NCLEX but do not directly reduce test anxiety.

Which of the following statements indicate the nurses understanding of the content of the NCLEX® Exam?

a.

"The exam is based on a practice analysis conducted by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing."

b.

"The exam is a survey of nursing faculty regarding areas of importance for testing."

c.

"The exam includes questions based on the National League of Nursing survey reports."

d.

"The exam includes contributions from all of the member boards of the National Council."

ANS: A

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing conducts a practice analysis to determine what is being required of new graduates in their place of employment. The test plan for the NCLEX® is based on this research. The test plan is not based on a survey of nursing faculty, survey reports from the National League of Nursing, or contributions from member boards of the National Council State Boards of Nursing.

The graduate nurse is preparing to take the NCLEX-RN® Exam. Which blueprint category is interpreted as having the highest percentage of test items?

a.

Safe, effective care environment

c.

Psychosocial integrity

b.

Physiological integrity

d.

Health promotion and maintenance

ANS: B

The area of physiological integrity makes up about 50% of the test plan. This is the area that covers basic nursing care and comfort, pharmacological and parenteral therapies, reduction of risk potential, and physiological adaptation. Safe, effective care; psychological integrity; and health promotion and maintenance will cover less than this.

The nurse interprets "computer adaptive testing (CAT)" to mean

a.

questions are selected, and the exam is adapted to the candidate's previous responses.

b.

the test has been "adapted" to be administered via the computer.

c.

the test is adapted to decrease the total number of questions.

d.

questions are adapted to meet the practice analysis survey of the graduates.

ANS: A

Questions are selected for each candidate based on the test plan. When a candidate misses a question, the computer will present an easier question from that same category. Computer adaptive testing (CAT) does not mean that the computer has been adapted for administration via the computer. The test is not adapted to decrease the total number of questions. The number of questions each candidate receives and the testing time for each candidate will vary. As candidates answer questions correctly, the next question will be either a degree of difficulty equal to the previous question or a higher level of difficulty The practice analysis survey is the research basis for constructing the test plan. The test has a minimum of 75 questions and maximum number of 265 questions; it does not "decrease the total number of questions."

The graduate nurse has an adequate understanding of the Authorization to Test when stating:

a.

"The Authorization to Test arrives at the beginning of the last semester of nursing school."

b.

"The Authorization to Test arrives when the last day of clinical experience is complete."

c.

"The Authorization to Test arrives upon completion of all of the state and national applications."

d.

"The Authorization to Test arrives when all course work and applications have been completed and approved."

ANS: D

In the beginning of the semester in which the student will graduate, the school of nursing will have each student (candidate) complete an application form and send it to the state board of nursing. Upon completion of the nursing program, the school will verify the candidate's graduate status with the state board of nursing. After the forms have been processed, the candidate will receive an Acknowledgement of Receipt of Registration. The candidate will then receive the Authorization to Test (ATT) with instructions regarding how to schedule the examination with Pearson VUE. The candidate cannot schedule the examination until the ATT is received. Beginning January 1, 2014, the ATT process will become paperless.

The nurse interprets the Nurse Licensure Compact as

a.

an agreement between all states to recognize the license of all graduate nurses.

b.

an intrastate agreement for the nurse to practice in any area within the state.

c.

an agreement between the state boards of nursing and the National Council regarding foreign nurses.

d.

an agreement between compact states to recognize licensure from member states.

ANS: D

Individual states must pass legislation to become members of the Nurse Licensure Compact agreement. After approval within the state legislature, a nurse may practice in one state that belongs to the compact but maintain his or her license in the state of residence

The nurse interprets the role of the individual state boards of nursing in the NCLEX® Exam as which of the following?

a.

To coordinate with the National Council State Boards of Nursing in administering the examination and licensing candidates to practice in respective states

b.

To prepare a licensure examination that is reflective of entry-level practice in their respective states

c.

To grade the examination, advise students of the results, and transmit all results to the National Council State Boards of Nursing for their files

d.

To supervise and administer the examination to the candidates within their state jurisdictions

ANS: A

Representatives from the state boards of nursing are members of the National Council State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). The state boards of nursing determine the requirements to take the NCLEX® Exam in their state and serves on national committees to prepare the examination. These representatives do not grade the examination, advise students of results, or administer the examination. Pearson VUE administers the exam for the NCSBN

The graduate nurse understands the process of NCLEX-RN® Exam scoring and reporting when stating:

a.

"The NCLEX-RN® Exam is scored on a pass/fail basis and is reported directly to the candidate."

b.

"The candidate must score 80% or higher to be considered competent; scores are reported to the school."

c.

"If the candidate must answer more than 365 questions, he or she will not pass the examination; scores are reported to the board of nursing."

d.

"Scoring is based on the level of difficulty of the questions presented to the candidate; scores are reported to the candidate."

ANS: A

The NCLEX-RN® Examination is scored on a pass/fail basis (competent/non-competent), and the scores are reported directly to the candidate. There is no percentage assigned to the passing score, and a candidate cannot take more than 265 questions. The level of difficulty is a component of the scoring process

A candidate has scheduled to take the NCLEX® Exam and has a family emergency before the scheduled date. What is the best action for the candidate to take?

a.

Call the respective state board of nursing and request a change in the testing date.

b.

Call the Candidate Services office at least 24 hours or 1 business day before the scheduled testing day.

c.

Call the school and request that someone notify the board of nursing regarding your change in schedule.

d.

It is not necessary to notify anyone regarding rescheduling the testing date; it will be rescheduled automatically.

ANS: B

A candidate must notify by either calling or go to the website of the Pearson VUE NCLEX Candidate Services office a full business day (24 hours) before the scheduled testing time to request a change in testing time. The school and respective board of nursing do not participate in the scheduling of the examination. If a candidate does not reschedule within this time frame or does not come at the scheduled testing time, the ATT is invalidated, and the candidate will be required to reregister and repay the $200 registration fee

A graduate nurse has arrived at the testing center when realizing that the required ATT form is missing. Explain what events would happen next.

a.

The testing center staff would not be able to look up his ATT online.

b.

The testing center staff would not allow him to test without his ATT.

c.

The graduate nurse could be admitted to the testing center with a photo ID.

d.

The testing center staff would call the NCSBN for verbal approval to let the graduate nurse test.

ANS: B

To test, the graduate nurse must present the ATT and photo ID to test. This process will change on January 1, 2014, when the NCLEX testing services will go paperless. The testing center staff will be able to look up the ATT online when the process is paperless. The testing center staff would not call the NCSBN for an approval to test.

What would happen if the graduate nurse failed the NCLEX-RN on the first testing attempt?

a.

The graduate nurse would be required to take an additional nursing course before retesting.

b.

The graduate nurse would be required to wait 9 months to retest.

c.

The graduate nurse would be required to wait 45 to 90 days before retesting.

d.

The graduate nurse would not be allowed to test again.

ANS: C

After failing the NCLEX-RN on the first testing attempt, the graduate nurse would be required to wait 45 to 90 days before retesting. This retake time frame is determined by each state board of nursing and the NCSBN.

A graduate nurse is planning to travel to a testing site and will need to have overnight accommodations. Which of the following is the best action for this graduate nurse to take to make the stay a success?

a.

Share a room with the 4 other graduate nurses planning to test at the same testing center.

b.

Stay up late studying.

c.

Room alone or with someone who is supportive of a positive environment.

d.

Room with another graduate nurse who frequently complains..

ANS: C

The graduate nurse should consider rooming alone or with someone who is supportive of a positive environment. The graduate nurse will want a good night's rest before the NCLEX-RN® examination. Staying up late studying defeats the purpose of having a restful night before taking the NCLEX-RN® examination`

To adequately prepare for the NCLEX-RN® examination, which action by the graduate nurse is advised?

a.

Begin planning early at least 6 months ahead.

b.

Begin planning no more than 3 months ahead.

c.

Wait for the state board of nursing to contact the applicant about filing deadlines.

d.

Call the state board of nursing every week to set up a testing time.

ANS: A

To adequately prepare for the NCLEX-RN® examination, the graduate nurse should begin planning early, at least 6 months in advance. The graduate nurse will have received from their nursing program a listing of the filing deadlines for taking the examination. The state board of nursing does not set up the testing time because that is handled by Pearson VUE

A nursing professor is preparing students for the NCLEX-RN® Exam. Which of the following items should the professor inform the students to expect on the exam? (Select all that apply.)

a.

Multiple choice questions with one correct answer

b.

Drag and drop questions into an ordered response

c.

True/false questions

d.

Graphic questions with a hot spot to identify an area

e.

Questions with an audio component where you need to wear a headset to listen

f.

Questions where you select the correct answer from the graphics presented at the end of the question

ANS: A, B, D, E, F

There are, in addition to multiple-choice questions, alternate format items which consist of the following:

• Fill in the blank—short answer usually requires a drug calculation, an intake and output calculation, or an assessment scoring. In these cases, only the numbers should be entered in the space provided.

• Multiple-response item—more than four options are presented, and the question will very clearly ask you to select all of the options that correctly answer the question.

• Hot spot—presents a diagram or a graphic and requires you to select an area on the diagram to answer the question.

• Drag and drop—asked to click on each item and "drag" it to another area of the screen, placing the items, for instance, in the order in which they would be performed or in order of priority of care.

• Exhibit item—present a problem and then provide exhibit information stored in tabs. You will click on each tab to find information that will assist you in solving the problem that is presented. The tabs frequently contain information from a chart or data collection from the client.

• Audio item—presented with a question that has an audio component in which the test taker puts on the headset provided and click the "Play" button to listen to the audio for the information required to answer the question.

• Graphic options—present you with graphics instead of text for the answer options where you will be required to select the correct answer from the graphics presented at the end of the question.

Questions are selected for each candidate based on the test plan. When a candidate misses a question, the computer will present an easier question from that same category.

There are no "true/false" type questions. Questions are selected for each candidate based on the test plan. When a candidate m

Which actions by the graduate nurse can help reduce anxiety on testing day? (Select all that apply.)

a.

Drive to the testing site the day before.

b.

Evaluate traffic.

c.

Wait until testing day to drive to the testing site.

d.

Drive to the hotel the day before.

e.

Locate the parking area at the testing site.

ANS: A, B, D, E

The day before the exam, the student should drive to the testing site, evaluate the traffic, find the parking area, and drive to the hotel (if required to have overnight accommodations) to ease anxiety.

What actions will help prepare the graduate nurse for testing success? (Select all that apply.)

a.

Dress comfortably.

b.

Stay up late for last-minute studying.

c.

Eat a balanced breakfast.

d.

Have identification needed for entrance into the exam.

e.

Celebrate your success with friends the night before.

ANS: A, C, D

To prepare for a successful testing day, the graduate nurse should dress comfortably, eat a balanced breakfast, and have appropriate identification needed for entrance into the exam. Staying up late and celebrating with friends the night before could leave the graduate nurse feeling tired and not prepared for testing.

What questions should the graduate nurse ask themself when determining which NCLEX-RN® examination review course is right for the graduate? (Select all that apply.)

a.

What review courses are easily accessible?

b.

What review courses will teach me what I need to know?

c.

How well do I study at the computer?

d.

Can I plan a study review schedule and stick to it?

e.

Can I plan study time?

ANS: A, C, D, E

When choosing an NCLEX-RN® examination review courses, the graduate nurse should ask themself the following questions: What review courses are easily accessible? How well do I study at the computer? Can I plan a study review schedule and stick to it? and Can I plan study time? The purpose of the review course is not to teach the material to students but to serve as a review.

What actions by the graduate nurse will assist with finding the best NCLEX-RN® review book for personal study needs? (Select all that apply.)

a.

Check the number of pages in various subjects in the material.

b.

Look up several common topics in the index.

c.

Look for a book with information that has come out in the past month.

d.

Look for a book that focuses on nursing concepts.

e.

Look for a book that focuses on the delivery of safe patient care.

ANS: A, B, D, E

When determining which NCLEX-RN® review book is best suited for the student, he or she should check the number of pages in various subjects in the material, look up several common topics in the index to see if information can be found in a timely manner, and look for a book that focuses on nursing concepts and the delivery of safe patient care. Information that has come out in the past month would not yet be available in review books

What are acceptable forms of identification at the testing center? (Select all that apply.)

a.

U.S. driver's license

b.

U.S. state-issued identification

c.

Credit or debit card with photo identification.

d.

Passport

e.

U.S. military identification

f.

School or university picture identification

ANS: A, B, D, E

A U.S. driver's license, U.S. state-issued identification, passport, and U.S. military identification are acceptable forms of identification. (They must be in English, valid, and not expired with a photograph and a signature.) A credit or debit card and school or university identification (even though they have photos) are not acceptable forms of identification at the testing centers.

Which statement indicates the nurse's understanding of effective time management?

a.

"The purpose of effective time management is to save hours, minutes, and seconds."

b.

"The purpose of effective time management is to do as much as possible in as short a time as possible."

c.

"The purpose of effective time management is to do as little as possible."

d.

"The purpose of effective time management is to achieve personal and professional goals."

ANS: D

Making time to meet your individual, family, professional, and career needs and goals is vital to overall success and is the primary purpose of time management. Stating the purpose of effective time management as saving time or doing as much or as little as possible in a short time would not indicate the nurse's understanding. Procrastinating and doing as little as possible are not characteristic of effective time management.

How can the student nurse increase studying efficiency?

a.

Maintaining a supply of simple carbohydrates for a quick energy spurt

b.

Alternating mental and physical activities to increase productivity

c.

Working nonstop without breaks to focus concentration

d.

Delegating tasks of household chores to family members

ANS: B

Alternating tasks that are mental with tasks that are physical can increase alertness and create a natural energy spurt to keep going. Carbohydrate-induced energy spurts are short lived and ineffective for studying efficiency. Working nonstop without breaks leads to fatigue and burnout. Although delegating tasks would be helpful to the student nurse, it does not directly increase studying efficiency.

What actions should a graduate nurse take in the first work experience to avoid problems with burnout?

a.

Cross-train to work in different areas of the hospital.

b.

Develop a social group of nurses with whom to share work experiences.

c.

Plan on several sessions with a counselor regarding managing stress.

d.

Develop social contacts outside of nursing and maintain good nutrition and good sleep habits.

ANS: D

Taking care of oneself is a primary component to preventing burnout—for example, avoiding alcohol, maintaining good nutrition, getting adequate amounts of sleep, and avoiding cigarette smoking. Developing social contacts outside the work environment also facilitates reduction of stress from work. Cross-training in different areas of the hospital, developing a social group with nurses to share work experiences, and meeting with a counselor would not be helpful to the graduate nurse in avoiding problems with burnout in the first work experience.

A nurse has been out of school about 6 months. Which of the following would indicate that the nurse is having problems with burnout?

a.

Having chronic fatigue, increased irritability, and feelings of helplessness

b.

Feels angry regarding the type of care being delivered and scheduling of staff coverage

c.

Signs up for extra courses for an advanced degree and works double shifts for extra money

d.

Is disorganized regarding patient care and has to stay late to finish shift work

ANS: A

Fatigue, irritability, and feelings of helplessness are all early signs of burnout. Anger regarding care may be very appropriate; how the anger is directed is important. Overscheduling oneself is something that may promote early burnout, as are disorganization and poor time management.

A nurse is considering pursuing additional education in nursing and hopes to be promoted to a management position. What action should the nurse take to best achieve this?

a.

Wait until "the time is right" and inquire about program and promotion opportunities.

b.

Be the best nurse possible and hope a scholarship or promotion will be awarded.

c.

Set long-range, mid-range, and short-range goals with specific related activities and time frames to meet these goals.

d.

Read three books on time management.

ANS: C

Set goals so that you can prioritize your approach, along with identifying specific activities and time frames to work toward a management promotion are keys to success. Assess the situation and see what activities will provide the highest payoff. Waiting for the right time to achieve promotion, hoping for a scholarship or promotion, and reading books on time management are not effective; instead, the nurse must take action to achieve a goal.

What action by student nurses indicates readiness for successful study habits?

a.

Combining their study area with the space that they use to pay bills

b.

Color coding their materials from each class

c.

Keeping all materials and papers in one bin

d.

Cleaning their study area at the end of each semester

ANS: B

To ensure success, students should first separate the area in which they study from the area where they pay bills. Second, students should color code their materials from each class to ensure that they can find what they need during study sessions. Students should separate out materials and discard what is no longer needed. Frequently cleaning their study area will help them maintain order.

A student wants to begin planning for future educational goals. Which of the following actions would NOT help the student plan?

a.

Review a list of goals once a year.

c.

Prioritize goals.

b.

Make a master list of goals.

d.

Cross out goals as they are met.

ANS: A

In planning goal-related activities, making a master list of goals and prioritizing the goal list are helpful strategies for completing activities and accomplishing goals. It is also helpful to cross off each goal, as it is completed. By doing so, provides a sense of accomplishment and immediate gratification for completing a goal. It is important to continually review the list of goals established to determine if activities or tasks need to be moved based on how quickly they need to be attended to. Reviewing a list of goals yearly would not be sufficient in helping the student plan for completing his/her educational goals.

Which of the following actions by the nurse helps to prevent burnout?

a.

Picking up extra shifts each week

b.

Staying late to help out at the end of each shift

c.

Scheduling a massage on a day off

d.

Teaching at the local community college one day a week

ANS: C

A fun, relaxing activity that is not work-related can help prevent burnout, such as scheduling a massage on a day off. Picking up extra shifts, staying late to help out at the end of the shift, and teaching part-time one day a week may lead to burnout if the nurse is not careful

Which of the following statements by the nursing student is an affirmation?

a.

"I must maintain As in school."

b.

"I am human and capable of making mistakes."

c.

"If I fail at something, the results will be catastrophic."

d.

"If I am not liked by everyone, I am a failure."

ANS: B

Stating, "I am human and capable of making mistakes" is an affirmation or a positive statement concerning the ways we would like to think, feel, or behave. The other statements are self-defeating thoughts

When taking an online or web-enhanced course, what are effective time management strategies? (Select all that apply.)

a.

Enroll in an online or web-enhanced course that has fewer than 15 students to reduce the amount of time it takes to respond to everyone in the class.

b.

Print your syllabus and create a calendar with assignment due dates and discussion posting requirements.

c.

Create a directory on your computer to place assignments and resources specific for the course.

d.

Determine what the best time is for logging into the course website and create a schedule for weekly log-in times.

e.

Develop an online group of colleagues that meet in the chat room or participate in instant messaging.

ANS: B, C, D, E

Online or web-enhanced courses can take as much, if not more, time as traditional face-to-face classes. The following are helpful strategies to improve time management involving the course:

• Print the syllabus and place deadlines on your calendar before the first course meeting.

• Identify how to contact your instructor and schedule online office hours in your calendar.

• Schedule weekly times for logging into the class website.

• Schedule a time for class work and select a specific site.

• Develop collegial support groups.

• Be active in the course by participating appropriately in discussion groups.

• Establish an evidence-based file to download important articles (.pdf format).

• Bookmark websites (but before bookmarking these, review the information; do not assume all sites are up to date and evidence based)

1. Which statement by the nursing student indicates an understanding of the purpose in setting a career goal?

a. "To guarantee you will achieve your goal"

b. "To keep you focused on your job search"

c. "To help you define your professional identity"

d. "To impress those part of the interview process"

C "To help you define your professional identity"

A career goal defines who or what you wish to be professionally. In addition, it will help tie together the elements of your job search—the resume writing, research, employer contacts, and interview process—by giving you direction. Setting a career goal does not guarantee achievement of that goal. It does not help focus on the job search or impress those participating in the interview process.

3. Which action by the graduate nurses shows understanding of resume writing?

a. Ensures that all of the dates for their employment history are specific

b. Does not overstate skills

c. Includes a thorough discussion of experiences as a nursing student

d. Includes only last two positions

B. Does not overstate skills

A resume is a concise, factual presentation of a person's educational and professional history, usually not more than two pages in length. It is important not to overstate skills. Graduate nurses should not include a thorough discussion of their experiences as a nursing student. They should include all employment positions within the past 7 years, including the months and years of employment.

5. Which statement by the graduate nurse indicates understanding of the importance of a cover letter?

a. "It is optional."

b. "It is necessary only if your resume needs further explanation."

c. "It should recapitulate all of the important points of your resume."

d. "It should introduce you to the reader."

D. It should introduce you to the reader.

Along with your resume, the nurse should enclose a cover letter that gives a brief introduction. The cover letter should summarize important strengths or give information regarding change of specialty (after you graduate and have experience). Remember that this letter should not be longer than one page.

7. The nurse has an adequate understanding of employment benefits. Which of the following is not included in a benefits package?

a. Health insurance

b. Car insurance

c. Pensions

d. Disability coverage

B. Car insurance

Health insurance, pension, and disability are common in benefit packages; car insurance is not.

18. A new graduate uses social networking (i.e., Facebook) as a means of communicating with family and friends. What is important for the new graduate to consider when posting information on Facebook in terms of seeking employment?

a. Use a professional photo, perhaps just a headshot.

b. Set the Facebook site to public so recruiters can search and find.

c. Provide pictures of family and friends and remove any inappropriate information.

d. Avoid using social networking sites, such as Facebook and LinkedIn, because employers do not like them.

A. Use a professional photo, perhaps just a headshot.

It is important to make a good impression with a potential employer; remember that the new graduate's appearance on the social networking website will be what an employer first sees. Be sure to use a professional photo, perhaps just a headshot, and make the Facebook account private to prevent employers from searching for you if you want to use the Facebook account for family and friends. Potential employers may dismiss you as a candidate after viewing inappropriate photographs or information. LinkedIn is primarily a website for job networking.