anyone here NOT take an NCLEX review class and still passed? how did you do it?

mavnurse · Jul 12, 2007

I did not attend a review class, and passed at 75 questions (or whatever the minimum was - I don't remember!) I had a Saunders book because it was on the required reading list for a class, but I barely looked through it. The NCLEX is not the huge deal people make it out to be. I don't know anyone from my class who had to sit through more than 75 questions. The important part is to relax and be confident!

mt.serinity · Jul 12, 2007

Graduated in '97. Realized nursing school had 2 goals for me: 2) to make a minimally competent nurse when I hit the floor, and most importantly 1) to pass the NCLEX. If students did not pass boards, the school is out of business. I have never been the best test taker, but I just relaxed my mind and trusted my instructors ( for the 1st time). Passed on first try. Much luck to you.

Tattooed_RN · Jul 12, 2007

I did not take the NCLEX review either and passed with only taking 75 questions. I used the Mosby's Review Cards for NCLEX-RN and a 1001 facts for nursing book. I tried the NCLEX Review book with CD and failed those questions miserably. I just knew that I would fail the test based on my performance in the review book CD test. Most of my NCLEX questions were on prioritizing which patients to see first. Remember your ABC's and you will do fine. Seems as though the questions are based on common sense rather than skills. Get lots of rest before hand and try not to stress over the experience (easier said than done). Best of luck to you, congratulations and welcome to the wonderful world of nursing.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jul 12, 2007

I worked right away and studied one hour a day, six days a weeks and did not take a review course. I studied out of a review book like Saunders or Mosby's. I passed the first time.

Good luck.

Melanie_RN · Jul 12, 2007

I didn't take the review class, although our school was just short of requiring it.....talk about getting yelled at! My instructor said there was no way Id pass boards if I didn't take it. Funny thing is, me and another girl who didn't take the class passed first time with 75 questions......about half of the ones who took the class FAILED (a few more than once)

I honestly didn't study much. I was working full time, it was kinda hard to do. So I did review a little content from Mosbys and did a few NCLEX 3500 questions, but what helped me the most was this Kaplan book that doesn't go over content, but explains to you how to break down the questions and figure out the answer even if you dont know what its talking about. It was really really helpful, especially when I got questions from out in left field.

Itshamrtym · Jul 12, 2007

:balloons:Congratulations for finishing school. You must feel sooo. relieved. A lot of good advice from former posts. I took NCLEX in 2005 without a review class. As you can see, you can too. I also used sanders and kaplan and a few others. Kaplan is more like the boards format. Allow yourself enough time to study. At least 100 questions a day. The more you do the better. Use the discs included. Good luck to you.... You will do fine.......

AlabamaBelle · Jul 12, 2007

Our school offered a review course - it was "free" to us, part of a testing program we had do in school. Only 2 of the sessions were any good at all. I walked out 1hr after the person doing the review started reading from the "script."

Basically, I did questions from Mosby, Saunders & Kaplan. I also had the Sylvia Rayfield books that I used (I still use Rayfield). I practiced and practiced, taking note of the questions (all of them) and the rationales. Remember your ABC's, Maslow and the nursing process. Also, our instructors stressed that the NCLEX is looking for what YOU, the RN, will do, not the MD, not pastoral care, no anybody but YOU, the RN.

Most of my questions were prioritization and management. I had 1 math question. There was no particular age hit hardest, just what is the priority/action.

Good Luck, get plenty of rest and be ready to go!

Cindy

ann945n, RN · Jul 12, 2007

I also vote for saunders review book. I didnt take a review class and was also nervous since I felt I wasn't perpaired enough, trust me no amount of studing will make you feel ready for the test once you take it, just have faith in your education, oh and I passed first try!

Nurselawyer11 · Jul 12, 2007

I took the NCLEX in 2000 and didn't take a review course. Passed with 75 questions. I used Kaplan's and studied a few hours per day the two weeks before the exam. Like other posters said, its all about the ABCs. Just keep that in mind, and you will do fine. I had friends who took review courses. They passed too, but didn't find the review class that helpful. Congrats on finishing school!