NCLEX is more than an exam. For nurses around the world, it represents years of education, sacrifice, and hope. It is the gateway to working in the United States, and passing it requires the right strategy, the right mindset, and the right support system.

In this episode of Nursing in America, we bring together a panel of NCLEX educators, review program leaders, and international nurses who have lived this experience firsthand. Their insights cut through the noise and give you a clear, honest picture of what it takes to pass.

Meet Our Expert Panel

Shelley Luhning — Founder of NCLEX Education in Canada, offering online review programs for nurses worldwide

Paul Biluan — RN and founder of the Aspire RN NCLEX Review Course

Emil Gomez — NCLEX educator focused on helping nurses develop clinical judgment skills

Jay Padong — Co-founder of IPASS and lead NCLEX educator in Texas

Rachelle Olivar — President of IPASS, an agency offering structured NCLEX review programs

Holly Musselwhite— US nurse educator for AMN Healthcare International

Cornelia — International nurse now working in California

Nathaniel — International nurse based in Ireland who recently passed the NCLEX

The episode opens with a powerful reminder: NCLEX is not just a licensing requirement — it is the defining milestone that unlocks your American dream. Nurses from around the world share what the exam means to them emotionally and professionally. As the host puts it, "NCLEX is not just an exam, it's emotional. It represents years of education, sacrifice, and hope."

Key Topics Covered

00:49 — The Authorization to Test (ATT): What You Need to Know

Shelley breaks down one of the most important administrative steps in the NCLEX process, 

03:33 — What NCLEX Is Actually Testing

Paul and Holly explain that NCLEX is an entry-level examination. It is designed to test your readiness to practice safely as a registered nurse. Holly highlights a critical shift in the exam's purpose:

The focus has moved away from memorization toward clinical judgment

Nurses must now demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge in real patient scenarios

Orientations in US hospitals are not built to teach this transition, which is exactly why NCLEX assesses it before you arrive

04:37 — Understanding Next Generation NCLEX (NGN)

Emil and Jay provide an in-depth look at the Next Generation NCLEX format:

The exam uses the six-point Clinical Judgment Measurement Model[CD4], covering everything from recognizing cues to evaluating outcomes

Each exam session includes three to five case studies, with three being scored

Strong foundational knowledge of nursing concepts is essential

 

06:46 — How to Study Smarter, Not Just Harder

Emil outlines a two-phase study strategy that separates successful candidates from those who struggle:

Phase 1 — During the Eligibility Period (6–8 months):

Open textbooks, attend review classes,watch our AMN Academy Next-Gen NCLEX prep videos, [LD5]and listen to podcasts

Build a strong foundation of core nursing concepts

Do not try to memorize specific answers because the format changes constantly

Phase 2 — After Receiving Your ATT:

Shift focus to test-taking skills

Practice question banks daily until your exam date

Avoid locking yourself into a specific exam date until you have confirmed availability at your testing center

08:47 — Do Not Underestimate the Exam

Rachelle speaks candidly about her own experience: she did not pass on her first attempt because she was not fully prepared. Her advice is not to underestimate NCLEX. The benefits of enrolling in a structured review program include:

Step-by-step guidance tailored to your learning style

AMN Healthcare International gives our international nurses access to educators who know exactly how to prepare you

11:28 — Busting Common NCLEX Myths

Fear and misinformation can derail even the most prepared nurse. The panel addresses the most common myths head-on

15:26 — Final Tips from Nurses Who Passed

Cornelia and Nathaniel close the episode with practical, personal advice:

Cornelia: Her advice: "You really just have to focus and make time for your review."

Nathaniel: Recommends taking the day before your exam to fully rest because you have already done the work. And during the exam itself, stay calm and trust what you have learned.

Resources Mentioned:AMN Healthcare International: Start your journey to success in the U.S. today.Subscribe & ShareIf you find this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your fellow healthcare professionals. Together, we can build a thriving community of immigrant nurses in America.

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Erscheinungs­datum: 12.5.2026, 15:00:00