Re: Kaplan CD similar to NCLEX??

I found Kaplan questions to be very much like NCLEX-RN. Kaplan was even a little harder than NCLEX. As suggested above, if at all possible, try to purchase the online Qbank. It is about $300 . It will provide you will 1000+ questions to practice with. Expensive? Yes; but consider a study group...split the costs and study together---I won't tell!!! Okay...I shouldn't have suggested that. Don't split the costs!!!

Not sure if you are aware of this but the Question Trainers 1 through 7 are now located online and include rationales. You can review these, along with tips, nursing strategies, Kaplan questions of the day and other helpful sources at:
http://philippinenurses.blogspot.com/2007/11/nclex-question-trainer-explanations.html

If Kaplan is too expensive, consider the NCSBN Learning Extension. This is the group that prepares the NCLEX exam. You can sign up to do review and complete practice questions for 3 weeks ($49), 5 weeks ($69), 8 weeks ($99), 15 weeks ($159). The RN review website of NCSBN is located at: http://www.learningext.com/products/rnreview/review.asp


Hope these are helpful!

Good luck to all as you prepare and PASS your NCLEX!!!

Re: Kaplan CD similar to NCLEX??

Originally Posted by PA_CoffeeFreak

Thanks

Another important thing is how to best manage your anxiety. When I was studying for the exam, I would listen to white noise in the background (rain or ocean sounds on YouTube) to distract me from my anxiety. Sometimes the most difficult thing was not beating myself up or thinking negatively. I remember listening to a sermon that had talked about why it is useless to worry. Worrying doesn't add a single hour to your life nor does it change any results. It just drives you crazy lol and that is so true!

Today when I took my test, I promised myself that when I hit 50 questions I would take a break. I went into the bathroom and pooped my little heart out lol (NCLEX gives me GI problems -- that was an issue the 1st time around too). I gave myself a little pep talk, ate a snack then went back in. Not even 10 minutes later the test shut off.

My mantra for the past 6 months was... On July 22nd I am a registered nurse. I would say this over and over again because I needed to believe in myself. So keep thinking positively... You CAN do it!! Please let me know when you've set a date so I can pray for you!

That is the truth. I truly believed, one of the reasons I passed was because I was able to control my anxiety. I also prayed, which gave me the confidence.

Re: Kaplan CD similar to NCLEX??

First off let me tell you that it's okay to be scared- it means that you care about doing good one your test. Try not to worry excessively, however, because it just won't help. I just passed the test 2 days ago with 75 questions, but I was certain for the two months leading up to the test that I was going to fail. I had completely no confidence in my knowledge base or ability to answer higher level questions, and I doubted myself. In fact, I started looking into going back to school to be a science teacher. That's how defeated I felt. I took a Kaplan review course, which helped me tremendously. The class was very hard and I scored poorly on the tests (I had a 59% on the readiness test and I averaged a 58% on qbank questions), but it helped me to get a feel for how to answer the questions. After my computer shut off at 75 questions, I was almost certain that I failed. I had at least 8 choose all that apply questions, almost all of which I had at least one answer choice that I was unsure if I should have checked off or not. I also had several meds that I had no idea on earth what they were. Everyone that I talked to that said they thought they failed it passed it. No joke. It's a really hard test, but keep in mind that they make it really hard on purpose. Even though you may feel like you're failing, you very well could be passing with flying colors. I'm proof of that. Just keep up with your practice questions (at least 100 a day and more if time permits) and rememeber to eliminate answers that deal with pain or other psychosocial needs. Focus on Maslow (physical needs first, then safety and security) and apply your ABC's. I honestly felt like the anxiety and worry that lead up to the exam was worse than the exam itself, no joke. I am not a far above average student, so I am proof that anyone who graduated nursing school can and WILL pass their boards. I would highly recommend practicing with Kaplan. It's really hard, but gets you ready for analysis questions. Don't worry about scores, but more so having experience with questions. Take a deep breath, and like Nike, JUST DO IT! take it and be satisfied in knowing that it's over when you finish. Have confidence in yourself. Best of luck, though you won't need it.

Re: Kaplan CD similar to NCLEX??

Yup, and I know for sure that the reason I didn't pass was because I didn't control my anxiety. But now I know what to expect and next time I will be calm and take my time... I am retaking it on Aug. 24th...pls pray for me! Thanks and I'm so glad I found this site!

Re: Kaplan CD similar to NCLEX??

I studied with Kaplan and Saunders. I highly recommend Kaplan, as I found Kaplan to be harder than NCLEX. I also seen several questions that were similiar to some of the questions I did in the Kaplan Q bank. I passed with 75 questions in about 2 hours, on my first attempt.

I wiped out my QBank in about 3 weeks and I did all the QTrainers 1-7. Kaplan questions are HARD! I only used Saunders to review content I was weak in.

Kaplan is worth every penny! And I was a B average student in nursing school and suffer from extreme test anxiety.

Re: Kaplan CD similar to NCLEX??

I'm taking the NCLEX in two weeks, I'm super nervous but I'm trying to control my anxiety.

Re: Kaplan CD similar to NCLEX??

i'll take a break at 50 too. but im not sure if i can poop my heart out hahahah you're funny. my exam is on nov 19

Re: Kaplan CD similar to NCLEX??

Originally Posted by PA_CoffeeFreak

Thanks

Another important thing is how to best manage your anxiety. When I was studying for the exam, I would listen to white noise in the background (rain or ocean sounds on YouTube) to distract me from my anxiety. Sometimes the most difficult thing was not beating myself up or thinking negatively. I remember listening to a sermon that had talked about why it is useless to worry. Worrying doesn't add a single hour to your life nor does it change any results. It just drives you crazy lol and that is so true!

Today when I took my test, I promised myself that when I hit 50 questions I would take a break. I went into the bathroom and pooped my little heart out lol (NCLEX gives me GI problems -- that was an issue the 1st time around too). I gave myself a little pep talk, ate a snack then went back in. Not even 10 minutes later the test shut off.

My mantra for the past 6 months was... On July 22nd I am a registered nurse. I would say this over and over again because I needed to believe in myself. So keep thinking positively... You CAN do it!! Please let me know when you've set a date so I can pray for you!

You are my hero...and ur words here are part of my inspiration...congrats