Is NCLEX difficulty level comprable to study guides?

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Hi all. I'm scheduled to take it next week, and haven't been too worried as I had a 98% predicted pass rate on the ATI predictor exam, and have done decently on all 5 of my practice books like NCLEX Q and A Made Incredibly Easy, Saunders, and Pearson/Prentice Hall. But I am freaked out now, as yesterday, for the first time, I put in the practice CD from the last book mentioned and have done horribly, having gotten like 65-72% correct. The CD's material seems a lot more difficult than any other practice questions I've encountered thus far. I'm not sure what to think now. For those of you who have taken it, would you please tell me: What study practice tests--which book--would you compare the actual exam to?

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Don't let it freak you out! I used Saunders almost exclusively but did note that when I would pick up another book it took a while to get the feeling of their particular style. Since you have some time I'd just keep working this one and see if you don't improve. In any event do not doubt your abilities. For both the LPN and RN ATI I scored in the 98% range and had no problems passing either one. Hang in there!

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I have used a few review books and would say Kaplan was most like nclex in my opinion. I did not pass my 1st attempt and bought Kaplan to see if would help any. I have not retaken the exam yet but i feel really confident. I think Kaplan makes you think a lot harder than saunders. And the nclex questions are worded a lot like Kaplan, but others may think differently. I will tell you this my friend studied the kaplan 2008-2009 edition that you can buy in just about any book store two days before her test (THAT'S ALL SHE STUDIED) and she passed with 75q and she was not the smartest in our class by any means, but everybody's test is different and everybody takes test differently but i wish you the best of luck.:saint:

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I'm calling the bookstore now to see if Kaplan's in stock. Thank you and best of luck on the test!

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Personally, I don't want to scare you, but the questions that appear on the NCLEX will be very similar styles to those on the study guides, but I personally thought they were more difficult. Don't worry though, I see you are using Saunders and I think you should pass even with just that book :)

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