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:
Kaplan ($499) http://www.kaplannursing.com/Nursing_Domestic/NCLEX-RN/View-Kaplan-Programs/Comprehensive-Courses/NS_nclex_qbclass.html
NCSBN (most likely $159) http://learningext.com/products/rnreview/review.asp
Saunders ($130) https://evolve.elsevier.com/productPages/s_389.html
Starting Point ($150) http://www.startingpointrn.com/index.html
Virtual ATI RN Standard ($429) http://www.virtualati.com/
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!