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On your way to becoming a successful nurse? Then, you might know the importance of having a good NCLEX score. NCLEX is…
NCLEX-RN vs. NCLEX-PN: Key Differences You Should Know
To become a registered nurse in the United States, Canada, or Australia, candidates must pass the NCLEX or National Council Licensure Examination. However, there are actually two different forms of NCLEX exams:
NCLEX-RN (Registered Nurse)
NCLEX-PN (Practical Nurse)
The NCLEX-RN and PN differ in their scope, and the difference between the two is very important for the right career choice. This blog will give you a comparative look at NCLEX-RN vs NCLEX-PN in terms of eligibility, content they cover, job opportunities, and scope.
To help Indian nurses, we discuss how to qualify for NCLEX-RN and the eligibility requirements of NCLEX-PN in India. In addition, we tell you the best way to prepare for it through NCLEX coaching centers.
What are NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN?
The NCLEX is a standardized test to become a licensed nurse in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. The test checks whether a nursing graduate has the knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective patient care.
NCLEX-RN
NCLEX-RN is required for those who want to become RN. Registered nurses have a more responsible position in terms of patient assessment, medication administration, and management of patient care.
RNs can practice in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and specialized medical fields.
NCLEX-PN
NCLEX-PN is for those who plan to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs).An LPN/LVN works under RNs and physicians. Their roles involve providing primary patient care such as checking the patients’ vital signs, dressing their wounds, and helping patients with their daily activities.
LPNs usually work in nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and hospitals
Key Differences Between NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN
Plan for Studies
Criteria | NCLEX-RN | NCLEX-PN |
Eligibility | Bachelor’s (BSN) or Associate Degree (ADN) in Nursing | Diploma in Practical Nursing |
Job Role | Provides independent patient care, supervises LPNs, administers complex treatments | Assists RNs, provides basic care, and administers routine medications |
Scope of practice | High-level decision-making, leadership, and critical care | Routine nursing tasks, bedside patient care |
Career Growth | Can specialize in ICU, ER, pediatrics, surgery, etc. | Limited career progression but can bridge to RN |
Exam Difficulty | More complex, requires critical thinking and leadership skills | Less complex, focuses on practical nursing skills |
Salary Potential | Higher earning potential | Lower compared to RNs |
NCLEX-RN vs NCLEX-PN in India
NCLEX-RN for Indian Nurses
Indian nurses wish to work in the US, Canada, and Australia as RNs. First, they need to clear the NCLEX-RN exam.
Eligibility to take NCLEX-RN in India:
A BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) or ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing).
Apart from this candidate needs to satisfy language proficiency (IELTS/OET) and credential verification from CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools).
NCLEX-RN exam in India
Indian nurses administer the NCLEX-RN exam on Indian shores before migrating overseas.
NCLEX-PN in India
NCLEX-PN is not common for Indian nurses because PN is not included in any curriculum in India. Instead, Practical Nursing (PN) is a diploma program offered in some countries.
However, in case an Indian nurse undergoes practical nursing abroad, she/he might sit for the NCLEX-PN exam.
Consider your educational background, career goals, and work location while choosing between NCLEX-RN vs NCLEX-PN in India.
Key Differences in Exam Content
NCLEX-RN focuses more on leadership, critical thinking, and complex patient management.
NCLEX-PN focuses on bedside care, assisting RNs, and the basics of medical procedures.
Exam Content Breakdown: RN vs PN
Which Exam Is Right for You?
If you are unsure whether you should take NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN, consider the following:
Education: Do you have a BSN/ADN (NCLEX-RN) or a PN diploma (NCLEX-PN)?
Career Goals: Do you want leadership roles and specialization (NCLEX-RN) or bedside care (NCLEX-PN)?
Salary Expectations: Do you want a high-paying job with more career growth?
Time Commitment: Do you want faster entry into the workforce (NCLEX-PN)?
For Indian nurses who wish to work abroad, NCLEX-RN is the best choice for long-term career growth.
How NCLEX Coaching Centers Can Help
Preparing for the NCLEX-RN exam in India requires expert guidance. Joining a top NCLEX RN coaching center in Kerala can help you succeed.
Advantages of NCLEX Coaching Institutes:
Experienced Faculty: Receive knowledge from trained NCLEX tutors.
Comprehensive Study Materials: Gain access to current NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN exam information.
Mock Tests & Performance Analysis: Real-time analysis to raise your scores.
Customized Study Plans: Trained coaching with consideration of each candidate’s strong and weak areas.
Top NCLEX Coaching in Kerala
In case you want to find the top NCLEX coaching in Kerala, look for institutions that offer:
- High pass rates
- Updated course materials
- One-on-one mentorship
- Online and offline classes
The proper NCLEX coaching center will increase your probability of passing the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN in the first trial.
The Bottom Line
NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN both have successful nursing careers but at different skill sets and work obligations.
Choose NCLEX-RN in case you want a more lucrative job, leadership position, and career development.
You should choose NCLEX-PN in case you prefer hands-on patient care. You also want to enter the workforce early.
For Indian nurses, the international acceptance and further promising career routes make NCLEX-RN popular.
If you are appearing for your NCLEX-RN examination in India then opting for one of the top NCLEX coaching in Kerala may help you reach the top lines.
Still unable to decide NCLEX-RN vs NCLEX-PN? Contact us today and start preparing for your successful international nursing career!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is NCLEX-PN more difficult than NCLEX-RN?
Yes, NCLEX-PN is easier than NCLEX-RN because it focuses on basic nursing care, whereas NCLEX-RN requires critical thinking and leadership skills.
What is the difference between a PN and an RN?
A PN is a general basic patient care provider with very limited scope compared to an RN, who also assesses the patient, gives medication, and sometimes leads.
What is the difference between the old NCLEX and the new NCLEX?
The NGN has case-based questions, and it will test clinical judgment. The old NCLEX used more knowledge recall
Is the actual NCLEX easier than UWorld?
Many test-takers find UWorld harder than the actual NCLEX because it has tougher questions and more in-depth explanations.