Advice for NCLEX

Cinnamongirl · Nov 26, 2007

Honestly, in my opinion, there is nothing that can prepare you for the NCLEX! My experience was that the things I didn't know on the test were things that I really didn't know and there was no way I was going to "critically think" my way to the right answer.

I bought both the Kaplan and Saunders books. In my opinion the Kaplan book is better. It coaches you how to take the test, and how to think through the answers.

I found the Saunders book to be too overwhelming and the way I looked at it, I've already been through nursing school, I wasn't about to "reteach" myself with the info in the Saunders book.

Just know this:

you will feel like you failed it after you take it. Everybody does. I did. But most likely, you will pass.

Pay the extra $12 to find out your results in two days. It is well worth the money.

Don't overstudy. I studied about an hour a day for two weeks before the test.

DON"T STUDY THE DAY BEFORE YOU TAKE IT!!!!!!!! Take the day off, relax, have lunch with friends, go for a walk, drink a glass of wine. Do something fun.

Go into the test thinking "I will do fine." Go in prepared to take the entire 265 questions. Take your time, remember to breathe.

You will do fine. My class had a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX!!!

GOOD LUCK!

Silverdragon102, BSN · Nov 26, 2007

Would also suggest you check out our NCLEX forum in the student section as I am sure you will find many hints/tips and books that helps for studying the NCLEX

labrador4122, RN · Nov 26, 2007

Honestly, in my opinion, there is nothing that can prepare you for the NCLEX! My experience was that the things I didn't know on the test were things that I really didn't know and there was no way I was going to "critically think" my way to the right answer.
I bought both the Kaplan and Saunders books. In my opinion the Kaplan book is better. It coaches you how to take the test, and how to think through the answers.
I found the Saunders book to be too overwhelming and the way I looked at it, I've already been through nursing school, I wasn't about to "reteach" myself with the info in the Saunders book.
Just know this:
you will feel like you failed it after you take it. Everybody does. I did. But most likely, you will pass.
Pay the extra $12 to find out your results in two days. It is well worth the money.
Don't overstudy. I studied about an hour a day for two weeks before the test.
DON"T STUDY THE DAY BEFORE YOU TAKE IT!!!!!!!! Take the day off, relax, have lunch with friends, go for a walk, drink a glass of wine. Do something fun.
Go into the test thinking "I will do fine." Go in prepared to take the entire 265 questions. Take your time, remember to breathe.
You will do fine. My class had a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX!!!
GOOD LUCK!

I feel the same way about the saunders book. It is way too much!

I took 75Q and studied with kaplan and helen feuer cd's

tflorn · Nov 27, 2007

hi,

i passed my 2nd time around w/ suzannes plan. it only uses 1 book and most importantly ....its free! oh yeah, i knew i passed when i left (not meaning to toot my own horn). suzannes plan really prepared me. imo, its a guaranteed pass if it is followed correctly.

book: saunders comprehensive review 3rd edition w/ the cd that accompanies it. good luck.

tflorn

red69 · Nov 27, 2007

hi,
i passed my 2nd time around w/ suzannes plan. it only uses 1 book and most importantly ....its free! oh yeah, i knew i passed when i left (not meaning to toot my own horn). suzannes plan really prepared me. imo, its a guaranteed pass if it is followed correctly.
book: saunders comprehensive review 3rd edition w/ the cd that accompanies it. good luck.
tflorn

what is "suzannes plan" ? i am guessing the saunders book.

red69

red69 · Nov 27, 2007

Honestly, in my opinion, there is nothing that can prepare you for the NCLEX! My experience was that the things I didn't know on the test were things that I really didn't know and there was no way I was going to "critically think" my way to the right answer.
I bought both the Kaplan and Saunders books. In my opinion the Kaplan book is better. It coaches you how to take the test, and how to think through the answers.
I found the Saunders book to be too overwhelming and the way I looked at it, I've already been through nursing school, I wasn't about to "reteach" myself with the info in the Saunders book.
Just know this:
you will feel like you failed it after you take it. Everybody does. I did. But most likely, you will pass.
Pay the extra $12 to find out your results in two days. It is well worth the money.
Don't overstudy. I studied about an hour a day for two weeks before the test.
DON"T STUDY THE DAY BEFORE YOU TAKE IT!!!!!!!! Take the day off, relax, have lunch with friends, go for a walk, drink a glass of wine. Do something fun.
Go into the test thinking "I will do fine." Go in prepared to take the entire 265 questions. Take your time, remember to breathe.
You will do fine. My class had a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX!!!
GOOD LUCK!

Wow thank you. I've heard for someone else about Kaplan, but when everyone is coming at you with different ideas everything gets jumbled. My main goal pass the first time. We are required through school to do the ATI tutor companion online, hopefully with your advice I can do both and have a better chance at passing. Does anyone know someone or have had the experience themselves with ATI?

khuship · Nov 27, 2007

What is "Suzannes Plan" ? I am guessing the Saunders book.
red69

Just go to the direct thread for "Suzzane's plan"...

Hope this helps...

https://allnurses.com/forums/f197/new-revised-first-tip-suzanne-s-plan-195774.html

Good Luck!!!

CityKat, BSN, RN · Nov 27, 2007

Bottom line is if you do 3000 NCLEX questions either in a book or on CD (recommend, since the exam is computerized), you will do enough to understand the strategy and the rationale and you will pass the first time around. Good luck:)