Canadian NCLEX & Kaplan

Eun Hana · Oct 10, 2016

I told myself that I would make an article about my experience with the Canadian NCLEX-RN and the In Person Kaplan Review. I made this decision because I could not find any information about the effectiveness of the KAPLAN review guide in relation to passing the CANADIAN NCLEX exam. I am hoping that this may help future Canadian students.

Background

I officially finished my Bachelor of Science in Nursing with Distinction in July 2016. I am a procrastinator and I have accepted that I work better under stress, so I decided that one month will be my maximum studying deadline for the NCLEX. In mid-September, I passed the Canadian NCLEX in 75 questions in the first attempt.

In Person Kaplan

Prior to In Class Lecture (No review of any material)

Diagnostic Exam - 54%

Trainer 1 - 47%

Trainer 2 - 56%

Trainer 3 - 50%

After In Class Lecture (Reviewed exams and researched unfamiliar content)

RN Practice Test - 48%

Trainer 4 - 54%

Trainer 5 - 55%

Trainer 6 - 54%

Trainer 7 - 62%

Readiness Test - 63%

QBank Average - 56% (range: 43 - 73%)

Notes

As you can see, my scores are not very good and I often felt depressed about my scores. In my opinion, Kaplan is not an effective tool if you do not know your content very well. Their rationale for their practice questions are not comprehensive and so it took me 1-2 days to review a 75-question exam because I often had to use external resources to better understand the material. I do not like to simply memorize material, I remember information better when I actually understand what I am reviewing.

Personally, I do not feel that Kaplan prepared me very well for the CANADIAN NCLEX exam (especially because their practice questions are American-based; ie. sometimes, they do not convert lab values into Canadian units). On the other hand, I did pass the NCLEX using only Kaplan so it may have helped somehow?

I moved my exam 2 times because I did not feel ready. Honestly, I feel that I would never have felt completely prepared for this exam but after 30 days of studying, I felt drained and helpless that I just needed to take a leap of faith. I know it is a tiring journey but do not give up! You have successfully completed your BSN, you carry with you 4 years worth of knowledge that you have accumulated. Also, remember the importance of balancing academia and personal interests! Good luck!