Free NCLEX-PN Exam Flashcards
Memorize 50 essential terms and definitions for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). See the term, recall the definition, then flip to check yourself.
LPN/LVN Scope of Practice
LPN/LVNs provide care under RN or provider supervision. CAN: Collect data, reinforce teaching, administer medications (varies by state), perform treatments. CANNOT: Initial assessment, develop care plans, delegate to other LPNs, give IV push meds in most states.
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About These NCLEX-PN Flashcards
These 50 flashcards are designed to help you memorize key terms and definitions for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Each card shows a term on the front and its definition on the back—the classic flashcard format for vocabulary memorization. Use these alongside our practice questions to build both recall and comprehension.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NCLEX-PN pass rate in 2024?
According to NCSBN 2024 statistics, first-time NCLEX-PN candidates achieved an 88.09% pass rate (50,965 total candidates). The overall pass rate through Q4 2024 was 79.07% with 63,142 candidates tested. Q1 2024 showed a 91.09% pass rate for first-time U.S.-educated candidates. The PN pass rate improved substantially from 74.54% in 2023 to 79.07% in 2024.
How is the NCLEX-PN different from the NCLEX-RN?
The NCLEX-PN has a lower passing standard (-0.18 logits vs 0.00 for RN) and focuses on practical nursing duties like direct patient care, basic medication administration, and working under RN supervision. Both exams use the same NGN format with 85-150 questions and 3 unfolding case studies. The PN exam emphasizes coordinated care and basic care skills rather than comprehensive nursing management.
How many questions are on the NCLEX-PN in 2024?
The Next Generation NCLEX-PN has 85-150 questions, with 15 unscored pretest items. Like the RN exam, all candidates receive 3 unfolding case studies (18 total items). The CAT format adapts to your ability level—finishing at 85 questions indicates the computer is 95% confident in your pass/fail result. The exam includes new NGN item types like Matrix, Highlight, Cloze, and Bow-Tie questions.
How long should I study for the NCLEX-PN?
Most practical nursing graduates need 150-300 hours over 4-8 weeks. For a 6-week plan (most popular), study 4-5 hours daily. Fresh graduates with strong fundamentals may need only 2-4 weeks. Repeat test-takers typically need 6-8 weeks to target weak areas. Focus on practice questions—aim for 75-150 questions daily, reviewing all rationales thoroughly.
What happens if I fail the NCLEX-PN?
You must wait 45 days before retaking the NCLEX-PN. NCSBN allows up to 8 attempts per year. After failing, you'll receive a Candidate Performance Report (CPR) showing your performance in each content area. Use this to focus your studying—first-time passers have an 88% pass rate while repeat takers drop to 42.83%. Some states require remediation courses after multiple failures.
What is the NCLEX-PN passing standard through 2026?
The NCLEX-PN passing standard is -0.18 logits, in effect through March 31, 2026. This standard was upheld by the NCSBN Board of Directors in December 2022 after their triennial review. The negative logit value means the PN passing threshold is slightly lower than the RN exam, reflecting the different scope of practice between LPN/LVN and RN roles.