nclex review: to take or not to take

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Mar 25, 2006

I think it depends on what kind of a test-taker you are.

I test well. Everything immediately flies out of my brain afterwards, but I test well. If you don't, you will probably benefit from a review class.

crmson_lady · Mar 25, 2006

I'm wondering the same thing. I think I might need the refresher of a review course. However, the one my class chose for it costs $350. To me, that's alot of money considering I'm going to be paying for a state application fee, intermin permit license, nclex exam fee, and other things related to graduation.

I'd like to hear from those who took a review course and whether it benefited them.

gcja · Mar 25, 2006

Just wondering what you new and experienced nurses think about taking an NCLEX review after graduation before taking boards....

I just graduated in December. My nursing school provided the course two weeks after graduation and required that we attend. It was 8 hrs a day for 4 days. In my opinion, it was a waste. I studied from saunders and mosby. Passed at 75 questions.

Justhere, BSN, RN · Mar 25, 2006

My RN school is requiring that we take a Kaplan review course. They guarantee you to pass or they will refund your $499 or you can take the review course again. I'll let you know if it worked once I take boards. Didn't have one when I took my LPN boards but that also was almost 15 years ago.

wonderbee, BSN, RN · Mar 25, 2006

Do you think you need it?

Mosby has a great product on the market. It an actual simulation of NCLEX, computer adapted and all. It's a lot cheaper at $39 than a review course. I found out about it a month before I took my boards. When I consistently passed at 75 questions, I felt well prepared and didn't sweat it. You can get it online. For your money, you have access to their CAT for a month. I don't remember the website but if you keyword "mosby cat" it will come up. If you have problems with the test, then maybe shell out the $350 for a review course.

I've taken review courses sponsored by school, etc. A word about review courses. In my experience, the best review courses are the ones that taught test taking strategies rather than facts.

aegirl · Mar 25, 2006

I graduated in December from LPN school and decided to take the nclex review course my school offered. It was $105 and a waste of money. It was 2 days for 6-7 hours each day. I didn't go the 2nd day. I passed boards with 85 questions. I did my 100+ questions a day as our director of the nursing program recommended with saunders and I did fine...but I guess it's all in what you think you should do.

suzanne4, RN · Mar 25, 2006

My RN school is requiring that we take a Kaplan review course. They guarantee you to pass or they will refund your $499 or you can take the review course again. I'll let you know if it worked once I take boards. Didn't have one when I took my LPN boards but that also was almost 15 years ago.

Kaplan does not refund the fee if you do not pass quite easily. Who is actually paying for the course, you or the school?

LauraLou · Mar 25, 2006

I took the Kaplan review, but I did it online instead of the in-person class. It was good, lots of test taking strategies. It consisted of online video instruction and practice questions. I especially liked the instructors' discussions of the correct/incorrect answers to practice questions. I found that very valuable.

Of course, I could have gotten much of the same thing from review books, but I am more of an auditory learner. For me, being able to hear someone explain things rather than reading those explanations was worth the money. But if money is tight or you learn best by reading, there is no need to spend $400 on a review course. Good luck!

bughouser · Mar 25, 2006

nclex . com has great practice tests- get there and dont forget to relax, sleep and enjoy being out of school.

Bug

TexasPediRN · Mar 25, 2006

My school made us go to a review (it was included in our tuition).

I cant remember the name of it, but it was horrible. It came with a workbook and the teacher read straight out of the workbook the whole time. We were in an auditorium with 3 nursing schools in it, and she used powerpoint to place questions up. Problem? Nobody could read them!

The 2nd day (was required to go for graduation), I brought word search books with me. I beleive others had magazines and such.

Mind you, this was a 4 day course from 8a-4p. I almost died.

I studied for NCLEX on my own and passed on the first try.

christvs, DNP, RN, NP · Mar 26, 2006

I think it depends on if you test well and how comfortable/confident you feel with studying on your own only. I test well & I did not take a review course, and I passed NCLEX on my first try with 75 questions. Other people I know took a review course and felt it helped them a lot, while others felt it didn't help. It all depends on what you are comfortable with doing. If you're going to take a review course, just research them all first to see what you are getting for your money and time. :) Best wishes.