I graduated from a BSN program 10 years ago and have never taken the NCLEX (long story, life happened). I'd like to take it now (well, in a few months) but unprepared barely scratches the surface of how I feel! Last year I did plan to take it and began studying a number of books and computer programs in an effort to prepare but I ended up moving and putting it off yet again.
To be honest, I feel very overwhelmed and I'm finding it difficult to get started because I'm really not sure where to start. I'm wondering about using a review program to help provide structure and have found the following online:
I realize I'm unlikely to find anyone else who has been in my situation but I'm hoping there is someone who perhaps failed when taking the test right out of school and then passed after waiting to retake it for a couple of years. I'd really appreciate advice on what helped with brushing up on all the stuff you forgot without having to go back to school. And if anyone has ideas about the above programs and how well they think they might help someone in my situation I'd be happy to hear about it!
If it helps at all, I am a slightly better than average test taker and was a B student in nursing school without having to work too hard. I'm at the point where I need to do this and become an RN or go back to school for something else.
I've read that the average nursing student puts in 80-100 hours preparing for the NCLEX. I figure if that's true I'll need at least 100-150 hours to stand a chance! I'm scared to try but I think if I could develop a plan and stick to it then I could do this. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
The Saunders book is really about content for me. I've been out of school for years and if you don't use it, you lose it so I need the brush up on all the stuff I've forgotten since graduating. I'm not sure how it fairs against a new grads nursing books and notes (more compact perhaps?).
From what I've read here, your scores are pretty good considering you still have a few months left to study. Most people I know have told me to focus on questions and rationales once I get a basic content review because NCLEX is not about content but a way of thinking and questions/rationales are better to put you in that frame of mind.
If you want Saunders for content, I wouldn't say don't do it because it's been recommended heavily. If you want it for questions though, that's not the area Saunders is considered "best" at so you might find it helpful or you might not. If I were just looking for an additional question source aside from Kaplan, I'd pick up a 3 week subscription to NCSBN Learning Extension. It's not recommended as often as Kaplan but I can't imagine it's a bad idea to do practice questions from the people who write the exam. It also comes with a course review that you might find helpful for brushing up on content (syllabus).
I will most likely use the Kaplan q-bank closer to my test date. Do you not have access to them with the trainers? I didn't see a way to access the trainers without buying their complete review which also includes the q-bank.
Here are a couple of sites with free questions if you want to try them:
I have more than a lot going on tomorrow so I'm planning to count Friday as my first official day of study. Works out well since I'm off the weekend.
I'm wondering if before anything else, I should take a test and just see how I do. I don't know if it will help identify weak areas since every area is going to be weak, but it would provide a baseline that would help me determine the effectiveness of my study plan.
I too had a major case of life inerruptist when I graduated in 1997. I'm so glad I ran into this thread because I thought I was the only one. I totally agree on a content based foundation as part of the plan. I have a tip that might help a bit. One of my nursing instructors told me once that it is important too read at least two different nursing journals faithfully as a life chore once you become an RN. I asked her why and she replied "Because over the coorifice of a year of issues a nursing journal will cover everything a good nurse should know and the reason you read two different ones is to fill in cracks and reinforce core knowledge". I plan on using a collage library as my main study location so I can read back issues to break the boredom of actually studying specifically for nclex type questions. I'm still in the wishful thinking stage but I love all the killer input on this topic.
That was suggested to me in school as well! Shame I didn't follow through on that as I'd be in a much stronger position than I am now. I'd be interested to know how you find studying the journals as compared to studying NCLEX review books. Obviously you're expanding your knowledge base but would it really help your content or more just connecting the dots?
I'm slogging through Saunders still and it's rough stuff! The outline format helps keep it compact but there is a lot of info and by the time I"ve read a chapter I feel like I've already forgotten most of it.
Would be interested to hear how you progress never took nclex. When I first started thinking I'd start the process again I found it helpful to have a start date for studying. I know for myself it was easy to stay in the wishful thinking stage and I didn't want to be wishing while ten more years went by!
Doh.. I had the Flu all last week.. Ok....I wasn't able to muster up enough courage to commit to a testing date. But... I did start a daily review regiment.
The first part of my plan is the decision to start a habit of forcing myself to read an online nursing journal article as part of my email routine. That should keep me out of my email all day.
The second part implements my everywhere rule. I dug up two Pocket Books. First one is a 700 page Pathophysiology book. And the second is a 180 page 2000 nursing bullets book. Since they both fit in my hand... I'm going to carry them everywhere I go until I get them read or lost.
In the mean time...I should have my nclex-RN review materials picked out.
Quick sidebar.........Where I live they have a 16 month accelerated RN program for those that have all their prerequisites done. Do You think it is overkill for me to consider auditing the program as a means of getting up to speed? I know it is in the realm of possibility because my nursing program had a lady who audited our classes. So basically I would show up for the lectures and use the non credit tests as extra practice or maybe sleep in that day.
If I could afford it and had the option of auditing a program I would do it. I looked into it and was told there's no room for someone who is just going to audit the classes as they'd rather the seat go to a "real" student. Sucks for me but can't say I blame them.
Some states require you to audit classes in order to take the NCLEX after failing a certain number of times or after being out of school a certain number of years. Have you checked on any requirements in your state before you'll be allowed to test?
Work got very busy from Apr til June, then I was laid off. Now I have plenty of time and will review Saunders daily for 4 weeks. In late July I will take the Kaplan live course and use the Q-bank following. Hopefully will take the NCLEX sometime in late August.
Surprisingly I remember quite a bit, but 12 years since graduation is a long time.
Also currently putting out resumes and doing phone and face-to-face interviews, which chews up time each day.
Is a very busy time, but if I pull this off it will be a major accomplishment.
Reply back and let me know how others in this thread are doing.
I'm still working on Saunders. I like the questions and the CD but I don't like the content review. I'm not sure if it's just the format or me being sick of dealing with it! I've cheated a little and reviewed with Exam Cram (which I find much easier to read). I would like to make it through Saunders but at this rate I'm not sure if I will or not.
Pretty much decided that I will be taking Kaplan online. I think the qbank and trainers will be really helpful. I know I shouldn't focus on scores but I do think it will help me feel more prepared if I see progress that way. Hurst was tempting for content but the Kaplan qbank was what swayed me.
I'm also looking to test in August but I've not scheduled anything yet. My original goal was mid to late August but I'm fine with postponing it till Sept. if I don't feel ready.
I am having some issues with procrastination though... I've always struggled with it and this has been no exception! I know if I don't stay on it I won't get everything done that I need but I've really come to dread studying. It's been particularly tough the last week as I've been sick so I've not done anything and now have to get back in the study groove again.
Sorry to hear about the job but it sounds like you've figured out a way to make it work for you! Good luck with the studying and finding work!
I graduated with a BSN 7 years ago and never attempted the NCLEX. I was very surprised to see that there are other people in the same situation as I am. I am determined to work really hard to pass. A few attempts might be necessary, but I have decided to take the Kaplan class. Please keep me updated on your progress. :)
Thank you people.. I am a March 2008 graduate and is working out for my second try... I am kinda' scared now... I finished NCLEX-RN 101: How to pass.. I am midway to finish Kaplan scoring 52-78%... Also next week I will be starting my Saunder's Compre Calendar/sched.... But I am thinking if I really should consider finishing Saunders... I am worried to take NCLEX on April because of the raise in passing rate effective on April 2010... Hope I can hear from you...
hi, i am in a same boat. i was graduated 7yrs ago.now decided take nclex. i started studying week ago. i am using sunders comprehensive and for a reference medical surgical brunner and suddarth's . also, i am thinking to take exam end of the july or in august if i am prepered as i have planned. also,my plan is to finish reading all the contents by theend of the june and last 1and 1/2 month work on the Q&A only.
pers
517 Posts
The Saunders book is really about content for me. I've been out of school for years and if you don't use it, you lose it so I need the brush up on all the stuff I've forgotten since graduating. I'm not sure how it fairs against a new grads nursing books and notes (more compact perhaps?).
From what I've read here, your scores are pretty good considering you still have a few months left to study. Most people I know have told me to focus on questions and rationales once I get a basic content review because NCLEX is not about content but a way of thinking and questions/rationales are better to put you in that frame of mind.
If you want Saunders for content, I wouldn't say don't do it because it's been recommended heavily. If you want it for questions though, that's not the area Saunders is considered "best" at so you might find it helpful or you might not. If I were just looking for an additional question source aside from Kaplan, I'd pick up a 3 week subscription to NCSBN Learning Extension. It's not recommended as often as Kaplan but I can't imagine it's a bad idea to do practice questions from the people who write the exam. It also comes with a course review that you might find helpful for brushing up on content (syllabus).
I will most likely use the Kaplan q-bank closer to my test date. Do you not have access to them with the trainers? I didn't see a way to access the trainers without buying their complete review which also includes the q-bank.
Here are a couple of sites with free questions if you want to try them:
49 Kaplan questions
NCLEX 3500
This site has several links that you may find helpful as well.