How to study the Content for the Nclex?

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Jul 16, 2013

Just sayin', content is the LEAST tested on the NCLEX...if anything, it would help to look at the NCLEX through its four keys in becoming a licensed nurse: Safe, effective care, Health promotion, physiologic and psychological integrity...it is the application of WHAT to do with the knowledge in providing effective, competent care to patients.

With that being said, reviewing content is based on reviewing rationales to questions...question review is key to the NCLEX. IF and only IF you need to study content, there are ample resources; I used examCRAM and Pharm Phlash as my source for content as memory joggers from my nursing education; the rest were based on review on application to answer the questions. I used Kaplan, Saunders, LaCharity and NCSBN as sources for question review; NCSBN was used as a "mock NCLEX" for me.

Having a good study schedule will help with success as well. I worked 30-40 hours/week while studying for the NCLEX, so I utilized Saunders NCLEX flash cards, as well as apps on my iPhone as well.

You know what you need in terms of being successful in passing an exam, as well as what you need to overcome in order to successfully pass. Focus on what are your weaknesses, and focus on reviewing questions and the rationales. Best Wishes!

chicagoboy · Jul 16, 2013

If you are looking for a good content materials, i'd highly recommend Mary Hogan's Pearson Book. Very detail information some i have not seen on Sauders.

mali_santizo · Jul 16, 2013

Thank you both!

ianursestudent15 · Jul 16, 2013

You have been learning the content for the past several years. Its in your head, you may not realize it, but it is. You need to refresh by just practicing questions from all topics. Use something that is easy and handy like an iphone app. I noticed a few other people mentioning NCLEX mastery. I haven't tried it, but that seems to be the clear choice. Thoughts anyone?

Peppermint_RN · Jul 16, 2013

I recommend NCLEX Mastery. It has tons of mnemonics, info, and flashcards/questions with excellent rationales. You can select certain subject areas or just do an all inclusive. I used it & Hurst to study for my NCLEX last month(passed with 75 on first attempt!)

I'm not positive, but I think it may be $19.99 for the full app. But totally worth it!

LifesAJourney · Jul 17, 2013

I preach the Saunders 5th ed Comprehensive review book whenever I can lol. I say give yourself two weeks to get through it. It is a good refresher book to jog your memory of things learn semesters ago. Then, spend one to two weeks answering Kaplan and PDA type questions. Be sure to review the rationale as well. I use mobsy mini pharm book to review pharm.

zbb13 · Jul 17, 2013

I used saunders 5 e and it has content and questions. Excellent for content. Good luck

mali_santizo · Jul 17, 2013

:) thank You!

iamamalenurse · Jul 17, 2013

Hurst review covers all you need to know content wise. There's also a 35 page study guide floating around this website that I highly recommend.

AlliCat23 · Jul 18, 2013

Hi Mali!

Man....do I feel you! I graduated last June, 2012 and then "life" happened:, got divorced, moved to a new state in November, etc. I took an Accelerated BSN program, and I swear, by the end of those 17 months, I had PTSD! Seriously! I really needed to decompress and get that "Maslow" thing of 'shelter/home, food, safety' all settled before I could even start to study for the NCLEX. It, literally took me 4 months to unpack and decorate, then "relax'. So, I didn't start studying for the NCLEX-RN until about April. I didn't want to pay $500 for Kaplan, because I had a copy of the Hurst Review videos/documents, bought Saunders 5th ed., and NCLEX 4000 software.

Without any real "road-map", I was like you are now. In the morning, I'd start studying Cardiac stuff, but because I needed so much "refreshing" (and I'm ANAL about wanting to understand the pathophysiology!), that by noon, I'd find myself online looking up renal patho! This went on for 2 months, and I felt like I hadn't even put a 'crack' in what I believed I needed to review/study.

So, I broke down at the end of May and signed up for the online Kaplan review (the one with a live classroom via the computer), It was the BEST thing I could have done! By following their program, I was able to take a Diagnostic Test to find out my weak areas. Then, I took the four-day/6 hrs class (But, I'd recommend taking a eight-day/3 hrs class), and listened to only the blood-products and pharmacology video. Then I just started taking the Question Trainer 1-7 tests. I'd review every question/rationale--even the ones I answered correctly---and looked online for any further clarification, as needed.

I wouldn't recommend it, but I didn't even take the final Readiness Test, or do any of the Question Banks (I think there's like an additional 3000 questions), because I ran out of time. I'm such a procrastinator! I've had plenty of time...but just couldn't seem to get in the mood where I wanted to sit and focus. I'd study for 12-14 hours a day for 3-4 days then take a whole week off! I think I've been a bit depressed, because I had convinced myself that the NCLEX-RN probably was going to be the FIRST TEST I'VE EVER FAILED!

So...when I arrived at Pearson Vue at 11 a.m. today...I told myself, "Well, what's the worst that can happen? You'll fail. So, you just reschedule, and take it 45 days later, but at least you'll have gotten over the test anxiety, and will have a better idea of what this (harder as of 4/1/13) NCLEX-RN test is really looking for!"

You wouldn't believe how much pressure was relieved with that attitude. I fully expected to have to answer all 265 questions, and be there for 6 hours...so I took water, snacks, etc. (I also took 0.5 mg of Ativan! haha) I usually rush through tests, but decided that I would take as much time on each question as I needed. I didn't look at the time or even notice what question I was on. Then the computer informed me that it was time to take a break, if I wanted. I wanted! I'd been at it for 1.5 hours...assumed that I had already passed the 75 question mark, and that I'd be in for 'a battle'.

I took 20 min off, went downstairs, ate some peanut M&M's and a bottle of water, and reminded myself that "this was just a test-run, after all", and that's it's okay if I fail; but if I'm going to fail, I'll go down fighting!" Went back and restarted the test, and looked up at the top-right corner and realized that I had only answered 63 questions. Twenty minutes later, the computer shut off at 75 questions. I was totally shocked! Had I missed more than 50% of the questions? Hmmm--maybe. There were a couple pharm questions that DID NOT give the Brand name---only the generic---and that threw me off, because I had been told that the NCLEX will give you both the generic AND Brand names. SO, I just guessed what the med was based on the ending of the word.

Got home at about 5 p.m.---did the Pearson Vue Trick---and got 'the good pop-up'!!! I passed. Woohoo! So, my dear---all you can do is do your best. Be mentally prepared for the worst, 'cuz it feels fabulous to discover that you passed. I'd highly recommend Kaplan. It's about $450, but you can pay it over 3 months. Without the guidance the course offered, I'd still be bouncing all over the place trying to figure out where to land.

Best of luck to you!

~Dani

mali_santizo · Jul 18, 2013

Wow! Thank you, for your advice!