Can you share your study plan for NCLEX-RN?

mitral · Jul 4, 2012

I am reading through the Saunders book because i need content review and shooting for 4 chapters per day. Then I do the end reviews ?'s, and the related lacharity delegation ?'s. I have the Saunders cd I use on occasion but find it hard to sit still at the computer. I've heard Kaplan is good but I cant afford to shell out $500 right now. The Hurst review book give some really great test taking tips as well as a cd with ?'s on it. I borrowed that one from library :-)

itk3838 · Jul 4, 2012

Hello!

How far are you through Saunders? Kaplan didn't help me... I took their course twice, but I think I just need more detailed studies then that. I like LaCharity book a lot. 4 chapters per day is very doable. Are you answering any other questions besides Saunders?

Best wishes!

ITK

friendlysmile · Jul 5, 2012

I used Saunders book and cd. I completed the entire book and answered close to 1000 questions; read all the rationales even if answered correctly. I made sure that I understood the material before taking the questions. I also had Hurst Review that was the core basics.

It was not easy to finish reading the entire saunders book because of the following:

a) I have two children: 4yrs and 2yrs that I take care of during the day.

b) They have horrible sleeping hours even though I do not allow them to take naps during the day. Which means I usually study between midnight and 4 in the morning and then have to wake up at 9am with the kids.

But I made myself do it so it is possible.

itk3838 · Jul 5, 2012

Thank you "Friendlysmile"!

Thank you for sharing! Without knowing it you opened my eyes for so many things. I've tried to find out some rational behind my failure for previous tests, and by analyzing it I think I just got my answers. I wasn't ready to become a Nurse... No, I'm not trying to play a victim, I call myself a survivor. In the past 5 years I experienced everything you can imagine: from being betrayed by my ex husband, to seeing my apartment complex burn. I decided to leave my ex with only $45.00 in my packet, since he committed criminal domestic violence against me and my children. Staying at the same house wasn't an option for me. Soon I found great job at local hospital as on-call position and took an opportunity to start over. Children were old enough to go to school and to my advantage school was so close that during lunch hours I would rush to see them. I was so lucky to be alive that even unqualified job seems heaven for me. Little by little I started to pay for my own apartment, food and other expenses, I started to gain some confidence but criminal/family court took almost eternity to finish with a trial. I was in constant stage of shock but I thought I will never gave up, I will never stopped thinking to go back to school to finish my education even against my ex's will. He thought he can drag me to court every time he wants, but I took baby steps to file my documents through Nursing Board. Yes it was almost a year later, when all my papers got finally accepted. In addition to that I took 3 courses at local college and clinical practice at night, so I can complete all Board's requirements. I was ready to take NCLEX-RN test when fire took our apartment. I was devastated! Children where save, but my Mom had a stroke right after. I thought what else could happen? It was great mistake to take my test during this disastrous period of time. I underestimated my abilities. Every time I took a test, less and less I would challenge myself to focus. I came to the point that I felt I almost burnt out from within. I needed some time to heal. I suffered Combat Disorder all this time untreated, since I was the only one to take care of my children. I managed to work, eat and sleep... almost like a machine. Then I realized - my children needed a MOTHER. If I will continue this way - they will end up in foster care. I started to run daily and little by little felt better. I've got energy enough for 10 people. I ran my first marathon. It is not a miracle when you think positive, positive things happen around you. I met someone very special, who showed me that men can be caring,loving and sensitive. He took my children as his own, and show them respect and dignity. We got married and soon after we have a child. It was very easy decision for us that I need to stay at home to support all our children. Right after birth I rushed to take a test again but fail. And only now I realized that by rushing into things I do no good to myself or others. I will do baby steps again and overview all materials chapter by chapter. This time I'm not doing it because I feel family pressure or because I have "I know it all" attitude. I feel very humble to continue my journey to help others to realize their potential. I would like to work with women who went through the same things as I am, who realized that there is a light at the end of this "tunnel", who simply don't gave up. Yes, we are mothers, wife's, sister's, daughters, citizens..., but we are capable of doing things that no other men can. Yes, I am ready to challenge one more obstacle in my life, I will study regularly for my test, and I will become safe and knowledgeable NURSE after all. Once I'm well, I'm ready to help others. Please wish me a good journey because I don't believe in luck!

friendlysmile · Jul 5, 2012

thank you for posting your story. this could very well help someone out in the same situation. not only was it inspiring but it showed that there is a light at the end of the darkest tunnel. yes, stress and situations like that would definitely affect you when taking the test. i think it is a wonderful idea to try to help others in a situation like that. i have had several of my nursing classmates that have gone through divorce because the husband doesn’t want them to further their career. may you have a blessed future and happy life with your new partner and family. also, when you feel ready to take your nclex again remember to stay positive.

itk3838 · Jul 6, 2012

Thank you for your great support and kind words! I formed a study group on Facebook for nurses who prepare to challenge NCLEX-RN test. In times like this one, it feels much better to be surrounded by people who share so many things in common.