NCBSN prorgam any idea?

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Hello guys,

sorry to tell you I failed NCLEX RN second attempt.. I felt more prepared than first time my scores were 60-70% I was getting lots of priority questions on the second attempt.. so I have access of HURST I will be reviewing the videos when I start studying for my third attempt ...

I was wondering about NCBSN program should I purchase 5 weeks? when I complete reviewing Hurst notes.. any tips? thoughts would be helpful for me.

Thank you guys!!!

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Specializes in Medical Oncology, ER.

I personally do not recommend ncsbn, it did little to keep track of your performance and progress. I went back to kaplan and passed my 2nd attempt. There are a lot of forums here regarding opinions of different test prep programs, I encourage you to use the search tool. Good luck!

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nursephillyphil I used Kaplan twice (failed twice)..with PDA so not sure if should get Kaplan third time?? I feel lost right now.. I just find out failed second attempt at this second...
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I don't know about you but I used both Hurst and Kaplan as well and when I took my exam the second time I felt like the questions weren't reflective of what I practiced at all. I think with Kaplan's practice questions you kind of learn their style of questions and how to answer them. I was scoring between 62-75% on my Kaplan qtrainers, which are all above the recommended score they wanted you to get because your chances are better. I thought that was a good indicator that I was ready and it made me confident that I was going to pass. Come exam time and I actually went all the way to 265 questions. My first attempt I went to 265 as well so I thought I failed again. I felt the questions were harder than what I was use to practicing and very different. Honestly I think the only reason why I passed was because I depended on my content knowledge. That was the only way I knew how to eliminate wrong answers and narrowed it down. All the strategies I learned didn't seem to apply in any of my questions. I guess my suggestion is just making sure you have a good foundation of content. I never used NCBSN before so I don't have an opinion on that but I know they also write the actual NCLEX so maybe their style of questions are similar to the exam. Good luck! I hope you pass the next time around :)

*I forgot to clarify that my source of studying content was all HURST. I think the material is great and easy to understand. I just don't like their practice exams so that's why I used Kaplan

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kimmy20, BSN, RN I just ordered the kaplan content Review book to go over it for first time.. then I can focus on my weakness throughout Kaplan content book then start doing questions again.. NCBSN varies because some of comments they found it very easy compare to Kaplan.. Thank you for the advise :)
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hmahdoi, so sorry to hear that you were unsuccessful.

Not everything works for everyone, some people swear by Kaplan or Hurst, or any of the other pre courses, while others take them and fail. We all retain info differently, and we all test differently.

The first step to being successful the next time is to figure out WHY you didn't succeed the first 2 times. is it test taking strategy that you need help with or is it content? If you can figure that out, you are ahead of the game, but if not you need a tutor to help you fix whatever is going wrong.

best of luck next time!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

To answer your question about NCSBN, which is from the makers if NCLEX; they have a very comprehensive program, their questions a VERY similar to NCLEX.

The best part of the program is for the ability to review the source for the rationale of the question, which is a plus for anyone who may be struggling with rationales.

I agree with the other posters; it really doesn't matter what source one uses, but if one understands the four concepts of the NCLEX:

1. Safe, effective care;

2. Health Promotion;

3.Physiological Integrity;

4. Psychosocial Integrity.

If you know what your weaknesses are in the four areas after looking at your performance review, work on those questions and concepts; review questions and rationales; If you don't understand the rationales, look up the information in your study resources in the program.

Best wishes.

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scaredsilly, BSN, RN Thank you! I just find out today I was unsuccessful but I am waiting for CPR to see what was lack of my knowledge and go from there.. I am taking few days off.. then we'll go from there! BTW my Kaplan scores were 58%-65% on Qtrainers and Qbanks from 60-70% I completed all the questions with PDA 21 chapters and I have done some Joan workshop for strategy!!! 80% of my exam is priority I did get 10 SATA.... First time was all about contents this time if they gave me a lower level passing I would know the answer~
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LadyFree28 I just ordered Kaplan Content Review Book to go over it for 2 weeks before I start doing questions as refresher! do you think its a good think? I did Hurst contents it was very minimal they don't give you a lot info so my friend told me to try Kaplan Content Review more details and give you options of strategies too!
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Specializes in ICU.

Ncsbn learning ext 5weeks is my main review. I only do self review for 2 mos. and passed nclex rn 1st time. I highly recommend this review. ? and also do saunders 6th editions for some content.

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses

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akomismo, BSN, RN How about Kaplan content review book? I have done Saunders when I was in Nursing school. I will purchase 5 weeks NCBSN as soon I am done with reviewing contents thank you.
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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
LadyFree28 I just ordered Kaplan Content Review Book to go over it for 2 weeks before I start doing questions as refresher! do you think its a good think? I did Hurst contents it was very minimal they don't give you a lot info so my friend told me to try Kaplan Content Review more details and give you options of strategies too!

I didn't use Hurst as a review at all; although I had several sources as content resources if I needed to refresh; most of my question review was LaCharity, Lippincott, NCSBN, Saunders (which broke down questions per the four concepts of NCLEX) and Kaplan (which breaks down the questions per the four concepts in their general review book).

I also used the Success Series Pharmacology flash cards to strengthen my understanding of medications, and have a sense of what category a possible obscure medication (which I received on the NCLEX) or any particular class medication question that the NCLEX would produce, I would have a comfort zone with answering it.

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