NCLEX rapidly approaching...Help!

deadend · Sep 15, 2003

hello friendly 1

I just passed the RN NCLEX this may exam and only had 75 questions. Just remember to try and pick a good review book Kaplan was the best I had ever seen I had used at least 3 books during my time in school and while they provided me some help I soon became confused with all the material. For board review I used the Kaplan book and Nursing made insanely easy the kaplan book was the most helpful in deciphering what the questions were actually asking (this is what you'll need to pass boards Kaplan was set-up just like the board questions) Most importantly set up a schedule to do review questions every night start by each nursing content then try comprehesive nsg content remember the questions will focus on application you already have the knowledge or else you would not be graduating focus on applying that knowledge to help you MAKE A DECISION DURING YOUR TEST FOR BOARDS GOOD LUCK YOU'LL DO IT!!!!!!! CONFIDENCE IS HALF THE BATTLE

arlheart · Sep 15, 2003

First, calm down and take a deep breath. I used the Saunders Comp. review book and so did my best friend. I mostly read chapters, did the review questions at the end of the chapters, did the comprehensive test, and did the quizes on the CD-ROM. My friend mostly did the review questions without reading the chapters so he got further through the book and did the comp. test at the end too. We had similar grades throughout the program. I was done in less than an hour with 75 questions. He was done in a couple hours with about 120 questions. The other difference besides study technique, I can relax more than he can and he gets really worked up over tests. Plus I said my standard prayer before the test, "help me remember what I've studied". Because if you don't study, prayer won't help at that point. We both passed the exam though.

Basic steps: study/review, relax. It's not as bad as you think it will be.

Good luck.

nialloh, RN · Sep 15, 2003

I used the Building Blocks for Nursing disk. It had 7000 questions, and I did them every day. The only thing is, if you see your scores going down, take a break for a day or so. You will be in the process of burning yourself out. You have to take some time for yourself or you won't be able to relax. Good luck on the day:)

deadend · Sep 16, 2003

good advice nilloh

My girlfriend gave me exactly the same advice she took boards in 2000, I had begun to panic because I had been scoring in the upper 70s with the review questions closer to the time to take my exam and she said to me" you have the knowledge, take a break remember you only need to get 40-50 questions right for boards out of 75." This advice worked I know it can be scary Freindly 1, because it appears you have to try and remember 2-4 years of nursing content, but believe boards was not that bad. During the exam just remember "MAKE A DECISION" during the exam thats what rang in my head immediately after i took the exam and the 2 days I had to wait for results

Agnus · Sep 16, 2003

Originally posted by Friendly1
As my NCLEX date rapidly approaches, I am frantically searching for just the right study technique/system/plan etc. I'm sure you all can empathize with me, as you have all been in this wonderful period of transition. Although I am elated to be finishing my last semester of nursing school, I am stressed out about my preparation for the Boards. Several of my fellow classmates have paid $400.00 to take the test prep courses. Having the typical college student income (or lack thereof!!) I struggle with the idea of paying such an amount.Do any of you recommend the test prep courses such as KAPLAN etc? Which prep books (if any) have proven beneficial when studying for the Boards?
Any information is greatly appreciated! Thanks!!

If you are finished with school. Run and register to take NCLEX at the earliest date. You have already learned what you need to pass. No cram course will ever do that.

You spent how many years learning this stuff and you think a cram course or study session is going to do something for you think again.

If you are still in school get a NCLEX review book. I used the one from NSNA. (national student nurse association)

They are all the same even if they do not look like it to you now. I agree use one with rationals. Study the book as you are going through school.

As soon as you get your authorization to test letter, call and schedule your test at the earliest possible date. Your school did not prepare you to fail the test. Go take it get it over with. I took the exam 3 days after my letter came. I watch too many people torcher (so I can't spell) themselves for months about this and they would have passed anyway. There is NO NEED to put yourself through this fear factor for weeks and even months. Go test. The sooner you get your RN the better you will look with your employer. The sooner you can put it behind you the sooner you cna get on with life.

Forget the $400 courses. A waste of $$. They are feeding on students' insecurities and fears. Of course they guarenttee you'll pass. The vast majorityof ALL people who take the exam pass the first time. The rest still pass only later.