- Cardiovascular disorders (MI, heart failure, hypertension)
- Respiratory disorders (pneumonia, COPD, TB)
- Endocrine disorders (diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders)
- Neurological disorders (stroke, meningitis, epilepsy)
- Renal disorders (AKI, CKD, nephrotic syndrome)
- Pharmacology — drug classifications, dosage calculations, adverse effects
- Obstetric complications (pre-eclampsia, PPH, obstructed labour)
- Neonatal care and common neonatal conditions
- Paediatric nursing (malnutrition, diarrhoea, pneumonia in children)
- Community health and primary health care
- Mental status examination
- Psychotic disorders (schizophrenia, bipolar)
- Anxiety and mood disorders
- Substance use disorders
- Therapeutic communication techniques
- Mental Health Act Kenya
- Nursing research methodology
- Evidence-based practice
- Nursing management and leadership
- Professional ethics and legal issues
- Health systems in Kenya
The BScN NCK Exam at a Glance
BScN candidates sit 4 papers, each with 100 MCQs and a 2-hour time limit. The exam covers a broad clinical and community scope — knowing which units to prioritise is the key to passing efficiently.
Paper Breakdown
Paper 1 — Medical-Surgical Nursing
The largest paper by content volume. Focus areas:
Paper 2 — Maternal, Child & Community Health
Paper 3 — Mental Health & Psychiatric Nursing
Often underestimated. High-yield topics:
Paper 4 — Research, Management & Professional Issues
6-Week BScN Study Plan
Week 1: Medical-Surgical Paper 1 — cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine (80 MCQs/day)
Week 2: Medical-Surgical Paper 1 — neurological, renal, pharmacology (80 MCQs/day)
Week 3: Maternal, Child & Community Health (80 MCQs/day)
Week 4: Mental Health & Psychiatric Nursing (80 MCQs/day)
Week 5: Research, Management & Professional Issues + mixed practice (80 MCQs/day)
Week 6: Full mock exams (3 per week) + weak unit drilling + flashcard review
BScN-Specific Tips
Research paper: Many BScN candidates neglect Paper 4. Don't. It is highly scoreable because the content is finite and logical. Master research terminology, sampling methods, and data analysis concepts — they repeat across exam cycles.
Mental health communication: Questions about therapeutic communication have one rule — always choose the response that acknowledges the patient's feelings and keeps the conversation open. Avoid responses that give advice, minimise feelings, or close the conversation.
Pharmacology across all papers: Drug questions appear in every paper. Know your drug classes, mechanisms, and key adverse effects. Prioritise: antihypertensives, antidiabetics, antibiotics, anticoagulants, antipsychotics, and antidepressants.