anyone not take a class,

[cjdmomma]

but self led study through books and practice questions? I don't think I can afford a kaplan or a hurst. Is it really that necessary? Did anyone pass the first time without a fancy class?

[chicagoboy]

My friend studied for a month using Saunders Book. He went to the library everyday and studied there for hours. He passed!

[2013usRN]

Yes I did. I used Saunders (yellow) PDA . International trained, graduated 2006. No review class. Pass first time with 91questions. Started studying after the board approve me in may I paid for the test same day I get the email had 90 days to test. Didn't have a rigid study time because I have 3 kids and a husband :-) :-)!! But honestly my experience of the Nclex RN is its a manageable exam it's not as horrible as a lot of people on this site say it is . If you know your content and can analyze and think critically you can do it. I thought I was getting below passing grade questions because most of my questions were straight forward , but again I have 3 years experience from my country and that helped me. You have to approach this exam confident think about it as you are on your unit working a client comes in with pain in the LRQ what do you think could possible be wrong with this client use your A and P and Pathophysiology. They are not going to ask you what is appendicitis, the client is not going to come and say nurse I'm having appendicitis. Remember this exam is going to put you out there to make sure you know what you are doing and not harming those who trust you to care for them or their love ones. Sorry for such a long answer but during my time of preparing for Nclex I read post on AN and if I was to listen to all of these I would have a breakdown with all those comments. Your nursing program has prepared you for this from the first day. You can do it.

[cjdmomma]

Thank you for that 2013usRN. I have been a top test taker in my class, graduating with honors... reading these posts I feel like I should be super scared. I am, of course, this test is the most important of my schooling, but I feel like it is doable. I have never heard of anyone taking a special class, until coming here. I didn't know if I was missing the boat, or what. I appreciate your candor. I am just not one to say, "I know my content." I feel like that is arrogant and asking for trouble, but the truth is... I know my content. I just need confidence in the job I know I can do.

I am just going to do my Saunders book, I am going to rent the LaCharity book, and do as many questions as I can, maybe purchase an answer/questions specific book. I think that will be good. I am in the last semester, so I have some time, but I feel like starting to study, I am a little overbearing, I guess.

PS-- I have 3 kids and a hubby, too!