Lend me your ears...

[Blueorchid, ASN, RN]

Hello my name is Blueorchid and I'm a hoarder...no not that kind of hoarder.

I just happen to compulsively save notes...and textbooks...its a habit. And I now have a hefty selection of NCLEX review books that were once listed as -required- reading for a med-surg class from a former drill sergeant (that we coincidentally never really used) and things I bought this last semester because they sounded like a good idea. So here I am trying to narrow the list down.

I've looked over the site and I know a lot of people recommend Saunders...got that. I'm also in the midst of taking the Kaplan review class. I'm not really a fan, but I hear the Kaplan questions are most like the NCLEX and the hospital I'm signed on to work for is paying for it- so I'm taking it. I notice Kaplan doesn't take alot of time for content review. And while I feel pretty good for content I still think its not a bad idea to do more. I've also got LaCharity and Davis (which I bought this semester...those were it I swear!)

My plan thus far is:

1. Content- Saunders has chapters in the book before their questions explaining the topics...sounds like good review material. And I like to look over the rationales of any questions I do because if I find something I'm not really remembering, I think its a good idea to refresh my memory. Hoping to create some kind of schedule where I do so many chapters a day.

2. Kaplan- If its the most like the NCLEX I want to get used to it. I haaate the questions but people pass with the class so I'm going to do it. I figure the Qbanks can be chiseled out while I'm taking the class (that will finish the first week of January) and I can plot out 50 or so questions in conjunction with Saunders to review (or more if I find I'm just tired of content) which I can build up to the actual test.

I'm just wondering if I need more at this point. I hear Davis is hard and I have the book...should I add in questions from them? And LaCharity- the smallest book I have, but they have prioritization and delegation questions which are certainly on the test...what else am I missing? I don't want to leave anything out but I know I can just as easily jump from one thing to another and get so ADD I don't retain any of it. My goal is to plan a schedule and hopefully take the test at the end of January.

Any thoughts? Thanks for your help guys!

[caliotter3]

Sure sounds like your bases are covered as long as you don't jump around like you say. Stick with a plan that you put on a calendar and you should be ok. Don't get anything else. Good luck.