The NCLEX is made and administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. It comes in two forms the NCLEX-PN for those seeking licensure as a practical or licensed vocation nurse and the NLCEX-RN for those seeking licensure as a registered nurse. This test is given and overseen by each state separately.

There is a cost associated with taking this exam and it is professionally monitored. If the exam is failed you have to wait a grace period of about 45-90 days before you can retest. Each state decides how many times an applicant can take the test after failing it. Moreover, the test is varied in composition mixing multiple choice with fill ins and rankings, and it is time limited. The exam is what is called CAT computer adaptive testing which allows the computer to choose the questions in a certain sequence based on the test taker’s previous answers. This provides an idea of the test taker’s knowledge of specific questions related to certain aspects of nursing. Because of the cost, time and significance of the NCLEX you should definitely prepare for this exam.

You would never want the many years of nursing school to go to waste all because you failed to pass the NCLEX so you should definitely prepare for this exam. There are nursing school programs that do devote time to reviewing for the NCLEX but given all that has to be covered within a nursing curriculum seeking an additional source to prepare for this test is vital. After graduating from nursing school it should be a priority to take this test as soon as possible since much of what you have learned is still fresh. Seek the support of NCLEX study groups; purchase the many NCLEX review materials and study, study, study. Review everything especially triage information and pharmacology because there is a good chance there will be questions related to these topics. This test will determine whether you will be able to work so it is in your best interest to prepare!

The NCLEX is one of the most important tests you will take as a nursing school graduate. Showing competence on this test by successfully passing it shows that you have truly taken the steps needed to become a qualified licensed nurse.

In order to become a nurse practitioner or NP, the student has completed a minimum of a Masters Degree in advanced Nursing education and is trained to diagnose and manage common illnesses such as those in the elderly or pediatrics. They are able to manage chronic illnesses and provide a very wide range of health care services. Some of the care they provide is the same at that which is provided by a doctor, they work closely with physicians and can provide regular care to a patient.

It is necessary to have a RN qualification to become a NP, and this can be done through online courses, hospital based programs, community and other colleges and universities.

Patients in the care of the nurse practitioner are from all age groups and the core philosophy of this nurse is based in individual care. They can care for patients illnesses as well as the effects this illness has on the family of the patient. Below are the “Key Performance Areas” or KPA’s:

Key Performance Areas (KPA’s)

Preventative health care as well as education for wellness are priority as this means fewer doctors visits, prescriptions and expensive treatment is required. This nurse encourages patients to get involved in their own care and helps them to understand what to expect. They are often actively involved in patient advocacy. This is a state regulated profession, and because of this key performance areas are varied. These include but are not limited to:

• Collaboration with physicians and other health care personnel and providing patient referrals.
• Education and counseling of patients and their immediate families or care giver.
• Diagnosis and treatment of injuries, infections, and acute illness
• Diagnosis and treatment of chronic illness as well as management of these conditions. This included heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and others.
• Physical examination and collection of medical history
• Ordering, administering and interpretation of the results of diagnostic studies, including but not limited to blood tests, X-Rays, and EKG’s
• The prescription of medication
• Referrals for rehabilitation treatment and physical therapy
• Family planning and pre natal care
• Well baby and child care including immunization and screening
• Annual physical examinations and health maintenance for adults

Careers

They practice in all states, and in all types of institutions, including private practice. Careers for the Nurse practitioner are available in all fields including community health, HMO’s, health departments, home care, hospitals, clinics, hospice, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, nursing schools, physicians offices, occupation health and industry, travel, schools, VA, and other Government departments, free and walk-in clinics. In most instances a nurse practitioner specializes in one area of health care, and there are as many NP specialties as there are medical.

Conclusion

Because of the far reaching possibilities of the Nurse Practitioner profession, a high quality, individual and very cost effective health care scenario is the end result of the provision of their services. Insurance providers cover the cost of this type of care in most instances as it is less expensive than always consulting with a physician. And you know how health insurance companies are about cost!

Many of the mental health nursing jobs come with state or federal benefits that provide more days off and other compensations and benefits. Most of the positions offer to pay your tuition if you choose to return to school to seek a bachelor’s or master’s degree. If you select your job from those that are affiliated with state backed universities, your children can also receive free tuition.

There are thousands of mental health nursing jobs open right now in your own community. Some of them you will find in public or state run facilities. Other mental health nursing jobs are available in privately run treatment centers. These jobs all have on the job training as well as in depth training that will be offered through many different classes and seminars. Whether you are a nurse with years of experience or are a new nurse who has just passed boards there is a position available for you now. Even if you haven’t finished school you can get a leg up since many of these institutions also hire CNA’s. You can take the Red Cross CNA training and start working in Mental Health while you complete your degree.

Some nurses feel as though they may not be ready or equipped to handle the demands of mental health nursing jobs. These jobs encourage new graduates to apply because they need nurses who are caring and compassionate. These traits are valued just as much as on the job experience. You should not let a lack of experience hold you back from inquiring about openings in the mental health field. With these jobs you will learn new and valuable nursing skills and you will expand your knowledge base daily.

The stigma attached to psychiatric disorders still exists, but has softened considerably over the years. It used to be considered the bottom of the ladder for health care workers, whether they were medical doctors, psychiatrists, or licensed nurse practitioners. Even nursing assistants considered it akin to “punishment” to work in facilities that were often referred to as the “Nut House” or “Nut Ward” even by employees. Images of medieval institutions and old, archaic treatments were conjured up. Those images couldn’t be further from the truth. Today’s facilities are modern, clean, safe, and offer both patient and staff the benefits of modern medicine, safe, effective, and helpful treatments, and often beautiful surroundings.

In today’s workplaces, there are some mental health nursing jobs that will provide you with not only job skills and experience, but a new understanding of your fellow man. Nurses who now work in treatment centers can tell you about the rewards that come with knowing that you are truly making a difference in someone’s life.