How do I study for NCLEX?

travel50 · May 22, 2009

When I graduated, I went straight to work. I did not study anything. Thought I'd learn more from getting hands on than to continue to study the books. I passed the boards with flying colors. Of course, everyone learns differently. Good luck!

SteffersRN87, BSN, RN · May 22, 2009

I hope that you have review prior to this point in time. I strongly suggest that you invest at least 3 months into preparing for the exam. Review books for NCLEX (such as Saunders) are great, but they often lack NCLEX-style questions. The focus of those books are to REVIEW. I highly recommend Kaplan's review book or course (if you can afford it). I found that the questions through Kaplan are most similar to NCLEX. The book runs about $35 to $40, the course is about $500. I would focus on questions that are application/analytical. Hot topics on NCLEX are infection control, ABC's, priorities in patient care, and patient education. I took 75 questions. I had a lot of select all that apply, but they were pretty doable. I know many people worry about them. I had a lot of questions regarding a 4 patient assignment and which patient would you assess first. I would also review dobutamine/dopamine type calculations (I hear they are pretty popular). Good luck! PM me if you have any questions...

sabglo · May 22, 2009

The university I graduated from provided us with a Kaplan review course. It was fantastic. They taught you how to breakdown questions and determine what the question was actually asking. You were then given a mock nclex exam and based on your percentage Kaplan set you up on a review and remediation program. I took my nclex within six weeks of graduation and passed the first time. I would highly recommend logging onto their web site and checking it out.

stewiegriffin · May 22, 2009

I hope that you have review prior to this point in time. I strongly suggest that you invest at least 3 months into preparing for the exam. Review books for NCLEX (such as Saunders) are great, but they often lack NCLEX-style questions. The focus of those books are to REVIEW. I highly recommend Kaplan's review book or course (if you can afford it). I found that the questions through Kaplan are most similar to NCLEX. The book runs about $35 to $40, the course is about $500. I would focus on questions that are application/analytical. Hot topics on NCLEX are infection control, ABC's, priorities in patient care, and patient education. I took 75 questions. I had a lot of select all that apply, but they were pretty doable. I know many people worry about them. I had a lot of questions regarding a 4 patient assignment and which patient would you assess first. I would also review dobutamine/dopamine type calculations (I hear they are pretty popular). Good luck! PM me if you have any questions...

I wish I could afford the Kaplan class, but it isn't in my budget at this time. My employer will reimburse the cost once you become licensed, but that doesn't help me to pay for it now.

I also wish I had 3 months to prepare for the exam, but my employer hired me for 60 days as a Nurse Extern. If I'm not licensed by the end of that 60 day period, I'll lose my position. Therefore, I've got about 3 weeks to study.

HeartsOpenWide, RN · May 22, 2009

I took HURST review. They guarantee a 98% chance of passing. I take mine next month so lets hope that is accurate. Its $350 for the course, and although that might seem like a lot I consider it a valuable investment...if I do not pass the boards I have to pay another $200 to retake and wait a minimum of 45 days to retake, which is time I could potentially be making money....and they only make you pay $50 up front and the rest in a month. Get a friend to loan it to you or put it on your credit card...once you start working you will pay if off with your first paycheck easy!!! :twocents:

tmh304 · May 23, 2009

I studied for three months and took thousands of practice questions. I passed aftre 79 questions, but when I left the test I did' think I passed. It seemed hard. I used Lippincott and Delmar Learning Complete Review for NCLEX. I also used Exam Cram. I have been out of Nursing for 10 Years so I particularly jazzed that I passed. :yeah: :yeah:

caliotter3 · May 23, 2009

Based upon the info in your post, I would reschedule the test for one to three months out and prepare properly. Take the offered review if you think it will help. That would be a good start. Then start doing questions on a daily basis. Study the rationales. One to three months of hard study should make you ready. Good luck.

caliotter3 · May 23, 2009

I wish I could afford the Kaplan class, but it isn't in my budget at this time. My employer will reimburse the cost once you become licensed, but that doesn't help me to pay for it now.
I also wish I had 3 months to prepare for the exam, but my employer hired me for 60 days as a Nurse Extern. If I'm not licensed by the end of that 60 day period, I'll lose my position. Therefore, I've got about 3 weeks to study.

It is unfortunate that you put yourself in this position. That is why it is better to seek employment once you are licensed.

stewiegriffin · May 24, 2009

Based upon the info in your post, I would reschedule the test for one to three months out and prepare properly. Take the offered review if you think it will help. That would be a good start. Then start doing questions on a daily basis. Study the rationales. One to three months of hard study should make you ready. Good luck.

I have 60 days to take (& pass) NCLEX to keep my position. I can't postpone it. I have to keep a roof over me & my 2 kids heads. My Tech salary was OK to pay the bills until my husband (now Ex-husband) hit the bricks. Now, the Extern salary is the only thing keeping my fractured family from living in a cardboard box. Also, as previously stated, I can't come up with any more cash for the review class.

I have to find a way to study on my own. I'm just trying to find a way to maximize what little study time I have left to me.

I know it's not an ideal situation, but it's the one I've been presented with.

stewiegriffin · May 24, 2009

It is unfortunate that you put yourself in this position. That is why it is better to seek employment once you are licensed.

In a perfect world, I'd have plenty of time to study & I could wait & look for a job when it was the most convenient. In reality: my husband cheated on me during NS & we divorced. Now I've got 2 kids to provide for & no support from him.

My Nurse Tech salary was a great supplemental income, however, it won't pay the mortgage. The local hospital wined & dined all the nursing students with job offers as Externs. Start work the 1st Monday after graduation with 60 days to obtain your license & we'll pay you the same salary you'll make once you're a RN.

I'd love to be one of those NS grads with all the time in the world to study up for NCLEX.

It's just not gonna work out that way for me, though.

So, I'm going to use what little time I've have left to study in the most effective way I can and if there's a God in heaven, something will finally work out well for me.

Norcalnursestudent · May 24, 2009

Are you still in touch with your classmates? Is it possible to form a quick study group to combine your resources. Possibly some of the nurses at the hospital may have study material that they didnt get rid of...wouldnt hurt to ask.