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?
I used Saunders, ATI and someone else's notes from Mark Klimek. Passed first try in 75 questions. I have heard the Klimek course is really super helpful.
NCSBN 3wks is $50 or 5 wks $70...I used it along with Saunders review bk and flash cards and PDA by La Charity ...passed on the second attempt with 75 questions.
Was the NCSBN course helpful? Wow $50 is the cheapest I've seen!
I found it helpful. Plenty of content review and questions. I had already bought the Saunders or I would've saved my money, once I had NCSBN I didn't open the Saunders again. There is different course options based on length of time you have access to the material
Saunders is a very good book, it has great content and questions. I used Lippincott passpoint trial which was free for 2 weeks and it was also very helpful.
I only used the Saunders Comprehensive Review book when I graduated and took the NCLEX in 2011. I passed the 1st time with 75 questions. I think it can become overwhelming to have multiple resources. Good luck!!
All I used was an NCLEX-RN review book from the local Barnes & Noble. I didn't even buy it; I bought a coffee from the B&N cafe and found a table and read it. (Didn't feel guilty since the store has cushy chairs in the bookstore area.) I went a few times a week in the weeks prior to graduation, and in the four weeks between graduation and sitting the exam.
I only used Saunders Comprehensive Review and passed first time at 75 questions. Definitely doable as long as you find a resource that works the way your brain does.
I used the Saunders and the Mastery App as my two true resources. I also had a few other books which I used solely for practice test questions and only the last few days before the test. I think those two resources were the best out of all of the ones I purchased and had access to.
I only used Kaplan (question trainers & qbank), and Saunders for topics I felt like I needed to review. I did not read the whole book; it was too overwhelming, and quite honestly, I felt it was way too much information to know. I did all Kaplan question trainers, and about 95% of the qbank and I read the rationale of reach right and wrong answer. I passed the NCLEX with 75 questions first try :)
I agree that you shouldn't overwhelm yourself with too many resources. I believe the best way to pass is to have one resource solely for questions and another for content that you are weak on. That is all.
I also used the 35 pg study guide I found on this website, as well as the nuclex cram sheet. IF you don't have either one, I'd love to send it to you.
Also, you can find the Kaplan question trainers if you google them for free :) But I think if you have the money, definitely just purchase the Kaplan qbank only, and I know they can give you a discount if you call and ask them.
(I also sort of used the NCLEX Mastery App. But I only did like 25% of the questions when I was at work and had down time. I did really feel like their mnemonics were super helpful! There is a separate tab for just important mnemonics and things for the NCLEX. I skimmed over that and about a week before my exam, and again about 2 days before).
Took the NCLEX in 2011 after using just the Saunders book and passed with the minimum number of questions. I didn't find that the questions were all that similar, but the discipline of working through the book is good practice. A lot of my classmates did a review, but I didn't have time and didn't want to spend the money.
We used ATI for all of our units in school, and the books were also a good review. Very practical nursing info, especially the HUGE med-surg text.
Don't get too wigged out. It's just another test, really. Good luck!
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
I purchased the NCLEX prep books From Kaplan and Lippincot and Williams they came with a cd with test questions and free access to a web based mock NCLEX. Of course that was 12 years ago and I think they were about $30.00 a piece. I you are good at self study they will prep you well. I passed on my first try.
RN_Sara
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I used Saunders, ATI and someone else's notes from Mark Klimek. Passed first try in 75 questions. I have heard the Klimek course is really super helpful.