{Canada} NCLEX-RN 2015 Passed in 75Qs with Free Resources

NurseOn · Jun 27, 2015

I am ecstatic and eager to share the resources I have used to pass the NCLEX. In all honesty, I too shared the feelings of doubt and fear when I walked away from the testing center. The results were really hard to tell. In less than 24hrs (today), I received the email.

The Prep

Through thorough research and planning, I didn't have to pay for any of the NCLEX resources. I studied daily for a month and a half.

My overall main recommendation for those interested is that although the NCLEX is new to Canada, it has been around for a long time in the states; that being said, the internet is abundant in information, resources, and practice questions. With a couple simple searches and my local library, I studied with the material I wanted and didn't have to pay a dime.

1. Hurst Review book and Q Review questions (offered by my school)

2. Kaplan NCLEX Study book and Trainer questions

3. Saunder's Comprehensive Review

4. Prioritization, Delegation, and Assignment (LaCharity)

5. Elsevier NCLEX Questions (offered by my school)

My Strategy

A. Started with a determined mindset (Studying consistently and efficiently requires the mind to be present which is hard for me :rolleyes: ) Researched highly recommended NCLEX resources. Placed books on hold at the library.

B. Read and take notes on my weak areas from the Saunder's Comprehensive Review book and complete the chapter qqs. Read both the correct answers and strategies. This altogether was no short task. Took notes on wrong answers and reviewed them the day before the exam.

C. I turned to the Elsevier NCLEX Questions online when I felt repulsive from staring at text on pages. It happens...

D. My school offered three spots for the Hurst Review. I got in through wait list when someone dropped out. Truly only the core/basic content compared to Saunder's. I sat through the 3 day live classes and completed 3 of 6 Q Reviews. I underestimated the content. The day before my NCLEX, I reviewed much of the material and I found it helpful because it was a great REVIEW - straight to the point and just what I needed.

E. Kaplan NCLEX Review helped break down what was actually going to be in the exam. The content was quite shallow but I greatly benefited from the strategies/decision tree and from knowing what was going to be on the exam. I found the Trainer questions and completed 6 of 7 sets. I made notes of information that I didn't know.

F. Through Kaplan, I gained the understanding that I would have to work on delegation and team leading skills as well. Thus, I turned to the Prioritization, Delegation, and Assignment (LaCharity) book. I completed 75% of the book's questions.

G. I took the NCLEX package work to read on my work breaks.

Conclusion:

Yes, perhaps after a skim through the above, it may seem like my preparation was excessive. I didn't take this exam lightly. I have heard/read many NCLEX experiences and I knew that I had to work hard. I am a RN now!

Final note: Have a banana before taking the exam. It kept me from going bananas. :roflmao: :wacky:

All the best of luck! Take what you may from my experience. Feel free to ask me questions.