The Importance of a Support System When Applying for NCLEX as an International Nurse

Becoming an international nurse is a great opportunity for personal and professional growth, but it can also come with its fair share of challenges. One of the most significant obstacles that international nurses face when preparing for the NCLEX exam is the language barrier. The NCLEX exam is administered in English, and if English is not your first language, it can be challenging to understand and retain the exam materials.

However, having a strong support system in place can make all the difference when preparing for the NCLEX exam. A support system can provide emotional and academic support, help you navigate the application process, and offer guidance on how to approach the exam. There are several ways to build a support system that can help you achieve success on the NCLEX exam.

One of the most valuable forms of support for international nurses is a community of peers who are also preparing for the exam. Joining a support group or online forum for international nurses can provide a sense of community and belonging, as well as a platform to share study tips, ask questions, and practice speaking English together. This can be especially helpful for overcoming the language barrier and building confidence in your English language skills.

Another essential aspect of a support system is emotional support. Preparing for the NCLEX exam can be stressful and overwhelming, especially if you are far from home. Having friends or family members who are supportive and encouraging can help you stay motivated and focused on your goals. It’s also important to have someone to turn to when you feel overwhelmed or discouraged.

In addition to emotional support, having a mentor or tutor can be a game-changer when it comes to NCLEX exam preparation. A mentor can provide personalized guidance and support, including feedback on your study habits and advice on how to approach the exam. A tutor can help you improve your English language skills, provide additional support with exam prep, and offer individualized attention as you prepare for the exam.

In conclusion, applying for the NCLEX exam as an international nurse can be challenging, but having a support system in place can make a significant difference. Whether it’s a community of peers, friends and family, mentors, or tutors, having people in your corner can help you overcome language barriers, stay motivated, and ultimately achieve success on the NCLEX exam

Breaking Down the NCLEX: A Comprehensive Guide for International Graduate Nurses

The NCLEX exam is a rigorous test that all nurses must pass to become licensed in the United States. This exam can be particularly challenging for international graduate nurses due to differences in healthcare systems and language barriers. However, with the right preparation and mindset, passing the NCLEX and beginning a successful career as a nurse in the US is possible.

One of the first steps to passing the NCLEX is to understand the different sections of the exam. The NCLEX is divided into two sections: the Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) section and the Clinical Judgment Measurement (CJM) section. The CAT section is designed to adapt to the test taker’s ability level, while the CJM section assesses the test taker’s ability to make clinical judgments.

To prepare for the NCLEX, international graduate nurses should begin by studying the NCLEX test plan. This plan outlines the content areas that will be covered on the exam, including management of care, safety and infection control, and psychosocial integrity. Studying the test plan can help test takers focus their study efforts and prioritize the topics they need to master.

Another important aspect of NCLEX preparation is practicing with NCLEX-style questions. These questions are designed to mimic the format and content of the actual exam and can help test takers get a feel for the types of questions they will encounter on test day. Many online resources offer NCLEX-style questions, and test takers should aim to practice with as many questions as possible.

In addition to content knowledge, cultural competence is also an important factor in NCLEX success for international graduate nurses. Understanding the unique cultural beliefs and practices of patients can help nurses provide better care and communicate more effectively. Test takers should take the time to learn about different cultural practices and how they may impact patient care.

Overall, passing the NCLEX is a challenging but achievable goal for international graduate nurses. By understanding the different sections of the exam, studying the test plan, practicing with NCLEX-style questions, and developing cultural competence, test takers can increase their chances of success and begin their careers as a nurse in the US

Naturalized American – My story

With the current political issue about immigration in our country, it is timely and an extra special occasion that my Naturalization Ceremony is concelebrated with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day here on the island of Guam, on Friday January 12th 2018

President Donald Trump in a video message: “It is with great pride that I welcome you into the American family. No matter where you come from, or what faith you practice, our country is now your country, our history is now your history and our traditions are now your traditions.You will enjoy the full rights and the sacred duties that come with American citizenship.”

I have been working as an E. R. Nurse for 4 and a half years and being a part of the community where taking care of people during their most undesirable health conditions brings me closer to the heart of the people of Guam. When I emigrated from the Philippines I carried the values and discipline of a Filipino nurse – compassion, being respectful and hardworking. Just like those whom have came here on this island before me, these values have been intertwined to what we call the Hafa Adai spirit. The welcoming hospitality to others, the willingness to help and the respect for elders. Just like in the mainland, Guam is also a melting pot of culture and diversity.

Becoming a naturalized American citizen gives deeper connection and meaning to that Hafa Adai culture that I embraced when I came here 5 years ago.

The principles that Dr. Martin Luther King believed and have fought for, is the exact same principles that we should embody in these times of political divide concerning immigration rights.

As the keynote speaker of the event Mr. Michael Gadsden have said, we must be encouraged to fully participate and engage in the ‘democracy of America’.

Our journey begins today

ANurseDad has now officially transitioned to its new home, our very own domain, anursedad.com. After many years running on the free platform thru WordPress.com, we are now on our own! I am very happy and excited to bring you the latest updates that will help you on your journey towards your NCLEX goals.

ANurseDad started as a simple blog that was originally intended share his own struggles and journey in passing the much dreaded NCLEX-RN examination.Did you know that as an international NCLEX-RN test taker (outside USA graduate), we are already on the disadvantage? Based on the latest 2017 NCLEX statistics, international graduates taking the NCLEX-RN examination for their first time has 38% pass rate compared to US-educated NCLEX-RN first time test takers which has 88% pass rate.

I moved to the United States and started working as a Medical Assistant after I left my work and my life as a Registered Nurse from the Philippines in the year 2012. Moving on and forward in becoming a US Registered Nurse, I focused on: why NCLEX test takers fail? What is it that we have not done differently? As multiple-test-taker myself, I ask What are your career goals?

For those nurses who are planning take the NCLEX-RN as an international graduate, let ANurseDad.com join you and take this journey towards our goal. For those nurses that are presently working in a different field or working the healthcare as a Technician or Medical Assistant, ANurseDad.com has a lot of things to share with you all as well.

Focus on your goal and don’t lose sight of it. Say it, write it down and claim it! You too will become a USRN!