Hello Nurses! The NCLEX Truth: Why International Nurses Really Struggle (It's Not Just Language) 🌎 RN
Hello, fellow nurses!
I'm Maria, RN, originally from Spain, and I recently passed the NCLEX-RN on my second attempt, stopping at 75 questions! 🥳
💡 Debunking the Myths Behind the NCLEX Pass Rates
If you're already familiar with the sobering statistics (approximately 85% first-time pass rate for U.S.-educated nurses vs. only 30% for international graduates), I urge you to stay. We need to talk about why this gap exists and provide an insider's perspective—something that’s often missing in the conversation.
Most articles I read about international nurses struggling with the NCLEX are written by U.S.-educated nurses. We need to hear from those of us who have lived this challenge firsthand. I'm recording this video as your colleague and peer to explain the central problems we face.
🚫 Why Language and Culture Aren't the Main Barriers
Traditional explanations often point to the language barrier and cultural differences. I disagree that these are the main reasons, and here is why:
Language: If you successfully passed the TOEFL or IELTS, you have the necessary English comprehension to grasp the context of the NCLEX questions. While you will encounter unfamiliar words (which can be a minor disadvantage), your ability to understand the overall context remains, just as it did in the reading section of your English proficiency exam.
Culture: Every culture has its unique set of beliefs, including American culture. This is normal and fantastic. However, when you become a licensed professional, your viewpoint must be based on knowledge and evidence-based practice. If the CGFNS certified your education as meeting U.S. standards, your cultural background will not interfere with your performance on the exam or in your career.
✅ The Real Roadblocks for International Nurses
In my experience, the biggest challenges are much simpler and directly tied to the process itself and specialized training:
The Time Gap (Years of Disconnection): This is the most crucial factor. For me, seven years passed between finishing my degree in Spain and taking the NCLEX. U.S. graduates take the exam within months of finishing school. The international process, which often requires previous experience and can take years (it took me three years just to complete the paperwork), creates a massive gap where knowledge fades and focus shifts.
Lack of Strategy Training: U.S.-educated nurses are consistently taught test-taking strategies like delegation, prioritization, and various mnemonics throughout their programs. International curricula often lack this specific focus on NCLEX tactics, which are vital to passing.
Critical Thinking Role: While CGFNS verifies your education meets American standards, the application of critical thinking in the U.S. nursing role can feel new. Here, nurses need to demonstrate a critical thinking skill set that is essential not just for passing the NCLEX, but for becoming a competent RN. (I’ll provide a link below to help you understand and develop this vital skill.)
🎯 The Process is Necessary for Quality Care
I want to emphasize that the rigorous process for foreign-educated nurses is necessary. It took me three years, but that was the time I needed to learn a new language, adapt, and prepare. Becoming a nurse is hard for everyone. This process is essential to ensure that all of us, regardless of where we were trained, possess the high level of skill and knowledge required to provide quality patient care.
I’ll see you in Video 2, where I break down my 75-question strategy!
Link to NCSBN NCLEX Passing Rates.
Link to Critical Thinking Resource (Kaplan or similar).