nclex-when to start preparing?

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how early should you start preparing for the nclex? I have 2 semesters left and I'm very slowly goin thru one nclex book. I know that next semester we have a transitions class and a review book is required so I'm sure we'll do lots then but is it too early to be goin over stuff now?

how early should you start preparing for the nclex? I have 2 semesters left and I'm very slowly goin thru one nclex book. I know that next semester we have a transitions class and a review book is required so I'm sure we'll do lots then but is it too early to be goin over stuff now?

I'd hope the questions you are getting on your tests for school are comparable to NCLEX questions. If so, when you study for exams use questions from a review guide for a couple hours as a study resource.

Specializes in LTC/Behavioral/ Hospice.

Start yesterday. :chuckle Seriously, I use my N-clex study guide every time I study for a test, and I have a 1 1/2 years to go yet. I don't think it's too early.

Specializes in Inpatient Acute Rehab.
Start yesterday. :chuckle Seriously, I use my N-clex study guide every time I study for a test, and I have a 1 1/2 years to go yet. I don't think it's too early.

lisamc1 is correct! Use that nclex book everytime you study for a test. That is where most test questions come from... there is a test bank where instructors usually get their questions. Not only will it help you in school, but also on the nclex.

Specializes in Med-Surg, Psych.
I use my N-clex study guide every time I study for a test, and I have a 1 1/2 years to go yet. I don't think it's too early.

Hi Lisa,

What NCLEX book(s) do you recommend?

Thanks,

Specializes in LTC/Behavioral/ Hospice.
Hi Lisa,

What NCLEX book(s) do you recommend?

Thanks,

Hi Michelle! I use Saunders Comprehensive Review. I really like it. It has a CD ROM that comes with it as well. It has great tips to help avoid reading into questions, how to look at the stem of questions and excellent rationale review! :)

I agree with all those who stated to use your NCLEX book to study for school tests. Just go to the unit that covers what you are studying (I guess I am stating the obvious here!)

I liked Saunders Comprehensive Review and also used the Springhouse CD with thousands of questions. It was called NCLEX 2000 or 3000 -- something like that.

Later, I would look into doing the NCSBN online review. These questions are very similar to the NCLEX. I would also use Kaplan's book closer to your NCLEX test date. The practice test is very similar to NCLEX also. I think these two best mirror the NCLEX, but Saunders does a better job of content review-- helping you to really learn the stuff. This makes it more ideal for studying while in school.

I did not take a review class (besides the online which I used for tests more than content review). I just did a boatload of questions and by the time I took the test it was kind of automatic for me. I pretty much raced through my NCLEX-- don't remember too much of it. When I realized I had missed the last question I thought for sure I had failed-- after all I only had 75 questions-- shouldn't they have let me try one more? Well, we can put the getting the last one wrong means you failed myth to rest. I did fine and you will too if you just start doing those questions!

Specializes in Med-Surg, Psych.

Thanks!

I just ordered Saunders Review book for B&N. I know there are many new review books coming out this Spring with the new-format questions, but I really want to start now :Snowman1:

Specializes in LTC.

The first day of school our instructors told us we would be taught in order to take the NCLEX test, and we have those type questions at the end of every chapter in our book. So I guess in answer to your question, you start the first day of school.

Specializes in OB, lactation.

I have had a NCLEX review book on the back of my toilet for bathroom reading since I started school. :)

thanks guys for all the responses. I'm in the lpn program and I have a friend in the rn program who actually pulls questions from review books and makes a study guide for her and a few friends every test that they have. This might be something that will be helpful to me this next semester. All of our test questions are in the format used for the Nclex...lots of scenarios and things and I've done pretty well so far. A lot of my classmates complain and say they don't like the questions like that but I always think to myself "well that's how the nclex will be right?" I guess they better get used to it. I guess I've already kinda been preparing myself and didn't really realize it.

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