Analyze their performance on the Clinical Judgment Exam (CJE) Readiness and reflect on areas of opportunity and strategies to promote NCLEX-RN® success and transition into practice. The student will apply the priority concept (topic) to evidence-based professional practice upon which nurses have the ability to resolve or have a positive impact. There is a focus on the healthcare disparities of the individual, as well as ethical and legal implications to professional practice. The student will discuss how an interdisciplinary approach promotes quality improvement for the patient and evidence-based professional practice, driving positive outcomes.
Synthesize knowledge from sciences, humanities, and nursing in managing the needs of humans as consumers of healthcare in a patient-centered environment. (PO 1)
CO 2: Integrate communication and relationship skills in teamwork and collaboration functioning effectively with health team members and consumers of care. (PO 3)
CO 3: Utilize information technology to manage knowledge, mitigate error, and support decision making with health team members and consumers of care. (PO 8)
CO 4: Integrate critical thinking, clinical reasoning skills, best current evidence, clinical expertise, and patient/family preferences/values in the implementation of the nursing process. (PO 4)
CO 5: Explore the impact of professional standards, legislative issues, ethical principles, and values on professional nursing, using data to monitor outcomes and improve quality and safety. (POs 5 and 6)
Full Answer Section
A key area of opportunity is strengthening the student’s ability to apply clinical reasoning under pressure. The NCLEX-RN® requires candidates to not only identify problems but to quickly prioritize them based on safety, stability, and urgency. For example, when faced with a patient with both pain and signs of a hemorrhage, the student must prioritize the immediate threat to life (hemorrhage) over the non-life-threatening symptom (pain).
Strategies for NCLEX-RN® Success and Transition to Practice
To address these areas of opportunity, a multi-faceted approach is recommended:
- Focused Practice: The student should engage in dedicated practice using case studies and NCLEX-style questions that require prioritization. This includes scenarios where they must apply concepts like the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation), Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, and the nursing process.
- Reflective Practice: The student should use post-clinical debriefing or a reflective journal to review their decision-making process. By articulating why they chose a specific action and evaluating its outcome, they can solidify the neural pathways for sound clinical judgment.
- Simulation-Based Learning: Participating in high-fidelity simulations provides a safe environment to practice the entire CJMM process, from cue recognition to outcome evaluation, receiving immediate feedback.
- Mentorship: Seeking guidance from a practicing nurse or faculty mentor can provide a real-world perspective on navigating complex clinical situations and prioritizing care.
These strategies not only prepare the student for the NCLEX-RN® but also build the foundational skills necessary for a successful transition into professional practice.