Failed NCLEX looking at different study options...input

loveSBK · Feb 16, 2015

I haven't taken NCLEX yet but I have been using Kaplan and Hurst videos (a friend of mine gave them to me) and they're great. Kaplan questions are hard and I read everywhere that they are the closest to NCLEX. All my friends who have taken their test and used Kaplan have passed. I also bought the NCSBN, the three week course for $50 and I really don't use it. Its cheap and I've read good things about it but I really don't use it. The questions are OK, and it's a bunch of them. People have passed solely using that review. It's better than not using anything. I'll update you on what helped me the most once I take my test (and hopefully pass)

npham82, BSN, RN · Feb 16, 2015

I used Kaplan after failing my first time. I feel that Kaplan helped me because they taught me how to answer questions better. Kaplan created a decision tree to help students answer questions better. I tried to use it for most questions but a lot of them were step 1. Figure out the topic of the question and step 5. Evaluate the outcomes.

I would recommend Kaplan if you have issues tackling questions. The Kaplan anywhere class are live sessions on how to answer questions in each category but it doesn't go through complete content if that is what you need.

You can get their content review ebook for free on Amazon.

I took Kaplan because I felt that I had the content but I was struggling which how to answer questions. Kaplan questions are harder and I would say they are close to NCLEX. I also had ATI through my school but I feel that Kaplan was the review that helped me the most.

So my question is, do you feel you need help in content or critical thinking?

AngelMama · Feb 16, 2015

The ncsbn writes the nclex. Their questions are the most like the nclex.

CSULB_RN_GRAD · Feb 17, 2015

I haven't taken NCLEX yet but I have been using Kaplan and Hurst videos (a friend of mine gave them to me) and they're great. Kaplan questions are hard and I read everywhere that they are the closest to NCLEX. All my friends who have taken their test and used Kaplan have passed. I also bought the NCSBN, the three week course for $50 and I really don't use it. Its cheap and I've read good things about it but I really don't use it. The questions are OK, and it's a bunch of them. People have passed solely using that review. It's better than not using anything. I'll update you on what helped me the most once I take my test (and hopefully pass)

I'm using the same materials as well and I take the NCLEX in 2 weeks. I've reviewed the Hurst videos and worksheets so many times and I've been doing about 150 Kaplan questions every day. I'm also utilizing the PDA book by LaCharity. Hopefully these resources would be enough to successfully tackle the dreaded NCLEX.

Are you taking your exam this week loveSBK?

loveSBK · Feb 17, 2015

I am testing on Friday. Needless is to say that I am beyond nervous. I already went into the PearsonVue to try to change my date to a later date but I decided not to. I am already procrastinating studying but I am pushing myself as much as I can. I feel like I am almost ready :dead:

I only did the Hurst videos once and filled out the sheets but haven't really gone back. A lot of the content from that, I remember. I also have the Saunders 5th ed and I use it if I need extra information or reinforcement, I love Saunders and wish I had more time to read through it.

How are your Kaplan scores looking?

Oh I also do have PDA book, but I haven't been able to do much, I've done like 6 chapters. And I have Lippincott NCLEX-RN alternate format question, I also haven't used it a lot, although I should because I suck at SATA.

Thanks.

CSULB_RN_GRAD · Feb 17, 2015

I am testing on Friday. Needless is to say that I am beyond nervous. I already went into the PearsonVue to try to change my date to a later date but I decided not to. I am already procrastinating studying but I am pushing myself as much as I can. I feel like I am almost ready
I only did the Hurst videos once and filled out the sheets but haven't really gone back. A lot of the content from that, I remember. I also have the Saunders 5th ed and I use it if I need extra information or reinforcement, I love Saunders and wish I had more time to read through it.
How are your Kaplan scores looking?
Oh I also do have PDA book, but I haven't been able to do much, I've done like 6 chapters. And I have Lippincott NCLEX-RN alternate format question, I also haven't used it a lot, although I should because I suck at SATA.
Thanks.

Ahh! Breathe! You got this! Sounds like you've prepped as much as you can for it. I finished the Kaplan QBank questions last week and averaged 72%. I'm also working on completing the Kaplan QTrainers this week before I move on to taking the Hurst QReview Q's.

I received a 65% on the first QTrainer and a 64% on the second one. I'm hoping my scores would stay consistent throughout.

Also, I highly suggest doing some more of the PDA book. It's actually super helpful!

loveSBK · Feb 17, 2015

Haha, I am trying to stay calm. I've done a lot, I think too much (I'm all over the place). I'm doing pharm tonight and tomorrow, and also some maternity.

I don't know what my Qbank average is and I still have around 700 questions left (Yes, I do plan on doing them all by Friday :blackeye: ). 60-65% is a good average for the trainers, keep doing them. Don't wait until last minute to do the other ones, the last 3 are very long and you'll need a lot of time to review the rationales.

Thanks for the advice, I will also try to re-do PDA chapters and do the last ones that i have left. I'll be crazy by Friday but hopefully I'll pass.

psalms017 · Feb 17, 2015

Try to download NCLEX-RN Mastery app. ðŸ˜Š That's just the only Q&A I did along with Linda LaCharity. Try to answer as much questions as you can yet be sure not to stress out with the number of questions BUT that your mind can process and answer them correctly. Its so important that you understand every rationale behind every question. Pray! He is faithful! God bless you on your 2nd attempt! ðŸ‘

kalycat, BSN, RN · Feb 17, 2015

I used the nclex mastery app as well and thought it was solid prep. Also, I haven't seen this mentioned much on this site, but Khan academy now has an excellent NCLEX RN prep program that is totally free and was developed with input from nursing instructors from all over the country. There are tons of videos on content and then practice questions in each section. I found it helpful for reviewing some of the pathophys/minutiae that may have gotten lost in the shuffle. It's nice because you can pick and choose what to review instead of having to go through a pre-set curriculum, and the whole program is now available on iPad, where it displays perfectly. Good luck!

SDNative · Feb 17, 2015

To be honest, I don't think I need help in the content area. Maybe I'm searching for something more of a review in the content but it has been a couple months since I've been in school. So I'm looking for something that would be best for me since I don't have that much to spend

loveSBK · Feb 17, 2015

SDNative, if content is not your weak area then answering questions is. Kaplan is great for that and you can do just the qbank (purchase it like this) and this will provide you with many questions.