Anyone only use 1-3 resources and pass NCLEX?

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I've been reading this thread for a few months and am overwhelmed by the number of resources people have been using to pass nclex.

Unfortunately I don't have the funds to pay for Hurst or Kaplan review (not included in our school and theyre each like 400-500$).

So far I only have Saunders comprehensive review, was thinking of buying the mastery app, and one more question style book (possible the saunders q&a, or kaplan has a q&a book).

For those who used less than 3 resources which were they and did you pass?

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Specializes in Psychiatric, LTC, Palliative Care.

Two suggestions:

ATI-we used this during school-find the books/cds on amazon or used somewhere-should be cheap. Very good at preparing you for the style of questions. I even saw some questions word for word on the NCLEX.

I didn't use ATI after I finished because it would all be repeat, so I used a used generic NCLEX review book and studied 10-20 questions each morning and night for a few weeks. I felt confident going in to the test. There is no need for a ton of resources or to spend a lot of money. You don't even really need the latest version of the books. Focus on eliminating a few answers by reading the question critically. The test is as much about critical thinking as it is about content knowledge.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, OR, ICU.

I used Saunders, Lacharity and the 3 week course from NCSBN for $50. Total less than $100 in resources and passed first attempt with 87 questions.

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Honestly, based on what I've read on this forum over the years, the most successful candidates do not split their focus on more than two. Most use one or two, and do pass.

I suspect the problem of using a wide variety of prep materials is that at some point, they contradict each other and confuse the student. Then the student spends a lot of time dissecting what THIS prep meant and what THAT prep meant on this question. This can still happen with two books that happen to have a contradictory statement, but it seems much more likely once a wider net is cast and more and more prep materials are brought in.

Consider how you did on tests in general in school, and the kinds of questions that you handled well, and which kinds caused you to trip up. If it was the knowledge-based, content of the questions that made you guess, Hurst and Saunders have been recommended for that kind of student. If you have the content down pat, but struggle more with how to best prioritize, the strategy kinds of questions best are handled by Kaplan. There are PLENTY more, but those are the top ones that I tend to lean toward.

Don't let yourself become overwhelmed! Probably the biggest mistake a new grad can make, when studying for NCLEX. Don't hyperfocus, don't read into questions what isn't there. Remember that it's an entry-to-practice exam that over 90% of first-time test-takers DO pass; it isn't a proficiency exam.

And remember to BREATHE :D

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Two suggestions:

ATI-we used this during school-find the books/cds on amazon or used somewhere-should be cheap. Very good at preparing you for the style of questions. I even saw some questions word for word on the NCLEX.

I didn't use ATI after I finished because it would all be repeat, so I used a used generic NCLEX review book and studied 10-20 questions each morning and night for a few weeks. I felt confident going in to the test. There is no need for a ton of resources or to spend a lot of money. You don't even really need the latest version of the books. Focus on eliminating a few answers by reading the question critically. The test is as much about critical thinking as it is about content knowledge.

What was the generic NCLEX book? And thanks for the ATI suggestion. Ill try and find it online.

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I used Saunders, Lacharity and the 3 week course from NCSBN for $50. Total less than $100 in resources and passed first attempt with 87 questions.

Was the NCSBN course helpful? Wow $50 is the cheapest I've seen!

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Honestly, based on what I've read on this forum over the years, the most successful candidates do not split their focus on more than two. Most use one or two, and do pass.

I suspect the problem of using a wide variety of prep materials is that at some point, they contradict each other and confuse the student. Then the student spends a lot of time dissecting what THIS prep meant and what THAT prep meant on this question. This can still happen with two books that happen to have a contradictory statement, but it seems much more likely once a wider net is cast and more and more prep materials are brought in.

Consider how you did on tests in general in school, and the kinds of questions that you handled well, and which kinds caused you to trip up. If it was the knowledge-based, content of the questions that made you guess, Hurst and Saunders have been recommended for that kind of student. If you have the content down pat, but struggle more with how to best prioritize, the strategy kinds of questions best are handled by Kaplan. There are PLENTY more, but those are the top ones that I tend to lean toward.

Don't let yourself become overwhelmed! Probably the biggest mistake a new grad can make, when studying for NCLEX. Don't hyperfocus, don't read into questions what isn't there. Remember that it's an entry-to-practice exam that over 90% of first-time test-takers DO pass; it isn't a proficiency exam.

And remember to BREATHE :D

Thanks hun! Unfortch I cant afford Kaplan. Any other suggestions for priority/strategy type reviews that arent kaplan?

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Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.

I only used a few resources... I didn't have money to spend like that.

I used the materials my school provided -- Kaplan ktp and Kaplan q bank. Both were free, er, included in my expensive tuition, lol!

I spent $25 on NCLEX mastery app. And $5 for another app. I passed my NCLEX pn in 85 questions.

I'm going to probably use the same types of resources when I take my NCLEX RN.

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It's possible! These tips itself really helped in breaking down questions.

The Nursing Show | 7 Tips and Strategies for Taking NCLEX Style Tests

If anything, be sure to have a content book you can actually complete and go over and a question book! The Saunders new Q&A is fantastic because it breaks down the questions based on the same categories for NCLEX!

GOOD LUCK!

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I used NCBSN 8 week course for $100.00. They are the people who write the test. I passed the NCLEX-PN in 85 questions. I recommend it to everyone.

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I recently passed NCLEX RN, I only used Saunders Comprehensive review book and also did questions from Lippincott PassPoint. These two were really helpful. I did not went for many resources because I did not had funds and too many resources make me confused, so I just focused on these two.

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I recently passed NCLEX RN, I only used Saunders Comprehensive review book and also did questions from Lippincott PassPoint. These two were really helpful. I did not went for many resources because I did not had funds and too many resources make me confused, so I just focused on these two.

Only those two? Wow thats great. I was thinking of maybe buying that book. Are the questions good?

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