I'd be lying if I said lurking these forum boards didn't help me as I prepared for the NCLEX-RN.
I appreciated the "How I Passed" threads the most because they were the most helpful to me. I'd like to return the favor as I know how stressful preparing for the NCLEX can be.
So, without further adieu, how I passed the NCLEX-RN on 1/31/2014:
KAPLAN Live w/ QBank and QTrainers - after sitting for the exam this morning, I can tell you that Kaplan is VERY similar to NCLEX in format. Don't worry if your scores on Kaplan aren't so hot - I averaged about ~%55 on QTrainers and %54 on QBank and I passed in 76 questions.
ATI RN Mentor app for iphone/android - I preferred the set up because after every question you were provided the correct answers with in-depth rationales.
This study guide that floats around allnurses.com (i only read through it once though so I can't say whether it helped all that much. There were helpful mnemonics - be forewarned as a few are a bit vulgar.)
"cram sheet" from the makers of EXAM CRAM
This study guide:
DISCLAIMER: It's 97 pages long and almost TOO in depth. Also, the maker of the study guide must have had a bad day while writing the OB section because women/expectant mothers are referred to as "pregnant *******" in almost every sentence. It got to be too much and I just had to skip that section. Also, the maker of the study guide quite literally starts out EVERY SENTENCE with "Realize that.." - if you can get used to it and adapt then you'll be okay. Also, I'm not even sure how legal this study guide is as it's quite literally just the rationales from Kaplan and Saunders organized into content sections. Anyway, it costs $50 via paypal if you're interested.
[*]Quizlet's NCLEX section - it's a flashcard website and you can add sets to a folder and make your own and it's INCREDIBLY helpful for on-the-go studying and for when you just can get yourself to read from a book/study guide or answer questions. App available for android/iphone!
Well, that's it! I by no means used all of these resources extensively. I crammed for about 2 weeks before my exam and I honestly think that I would have done the same if I hadn't studied at all. Good luck to you as you prepare for the NCLEX-RN!
Specializes in Med/surg tele, home health, travel.
Congratulations!!! I take my boards in March. I am finishing up my 5 week NCLEX review course. I am able to take it again for free in which I believe I will definitely take advantage of. I am using Saunders Comprehensive NCLEX Review and I have the cram sheet as well. I have been doing hundreds of NCLEX questions and reading all of the rationales. I am finding the more I do the better my scores are :)
Hey do you have a version of the exam cram I can print? It says its password protected. I am taking my test in a few days. Congratulations!!!!! and thanks for the tips.
Hey do you have a version of the exam cram I can print? It says its password protected. I am taking my test in a few days. Congratulations!!!!! and thanks for the tips.
Unfortunately I don't. :/ I recommend making flashcards from the information or just reading it from your PC/Tablet.
hi ya'll! i took the nclex rn exam and didnt make it, i got disappointed coz i passed the board exam in philippines 1st take.. i need some advice to an nclex passer, so i hope you'll give me some pointers to review, and also just bought that 97 pages study guide! hoping it would help me, coz hurst review didnt helped me tho its great..
Katbird2014_RN
44 Posts
Thanks for these study tips! I will start using them soon since I take it in March!!