Passed my last of 8 exams today + Advice on studying - Page 2

Yes and yes. Invest in that. Saunders is great study with and easy to understand. Remember use the CD where you can study topics separately not mixed like book.
NCLEX made incredibly easy Question and Answers 4th ed. as well.


Thank you lizzyreg! For Transitions I used the Excelsior practice exams A and B.
I utilized the Fundamental textbook also. As you study and review practice exams
and rationals, let that guide you on where you should focus your study. Use the
exam content guide (the percentage section) will show you where to put more study time.
I'm not saying to neglect the lower percentage parts, it's just that I found that the higher percentage topics had more questions come up on the actual exam than the others.
College network modules, I just happened to have access through my fiance who was paying for it. I called college network ounce to try to get Health Difference module which he didn't have and they quoted me $400 to have it added on. I used other methods instead.

You can complete all the exams without college network. It's expensive but I found it to be very helpful when I used some of the modules to study with. There are just very time consuming to read.


I definitely know what you mean and that's my story as well.

1. Do buy practice exams from Excelsior they are golden and key to
studying effectively. Take note of the topics the practice exam covers.
The price just went up recently from $65 to $75...
the nursing exams increased as well...$275 to $305 or so.

2. Use the content guides like i said in a previous answer. Topics you may not fully understand use Google to do a quick search and YouTube for some great videos. Great for visual learners.

For example, while studying from excelsior practice exam I would
do a quick search on google on a subject material I didn't understand.
Youtube has great educational videos on certain subjects.


3. Review, study nclex questions based on topic exam will cover.

4. If stuck on question when taking the actual exam, remember to use
the Nursing Process! It helps narrow down even if clueless.

I also want to add that excelsior exams are challenging even with all the studying
because they want you to think critically and know your stuff before sitting
for NCLEX-RN. I believe the nclex will be less challenging. Just my opinion.
I believe that's how nursing schools set-up their exams.

There is no "magic" formula to passing the exams. The key is to study efficiently and enough to
know the material at hand. You will not remember everything, trust me.

For those struggling because lack of motivation, it's all about how bad you
really want it. Kick yourself in the rear-end and get to it. Money may also
be an issue, especially in this economy. Hang in there and save up to pay for the exams.
I had to make some financially sacrifices just to get through the exams.