NCLEX & Kaplan

[caroG5]

Hello People,

This is my first post but I wanted to share my experience with Kaplan and the NCLEX. first and foremost let me tell you that I took my NCLEX this week and passed with 75 questions on my first try, now let me tell you what i did to prepare.

I graduated mid May 2015, and by June 1st I was already back on campus for a Hesi live review paid by my school. At the end of that week we took a computerized simulation similar to the NCLEX. This test had a minimum of 85 questions, and the most i heard was 180, mine shut off at 85 and I passed that.

Then I took a week off, and the following week I was doing Kaplan classroom course. That week for almost 7- 8 hours a day all we did was practice questions. I personally thought it was helpful. Then I did the 7 Q trainers, Readiness test, and around 50% Qbank

here are my results for that

Diagnostics= 16.1% ( I missed over 100 questions, I wasn't interested and ended it very soon)

Readiness: 65.0%

Q 1= 66.7%

Q 2= 58.7%

Q 3= 54.0%

Q 4= 65.3%

Q 5= 60.0%

Q 6= 61.5%

Q 7 = 57.4%

Q bank I did around 50% with an average of 61.0% (there are a few outliers, as I let some of my non nursing friends take a few nursing tests, and they failed miserably lol.)

I watched a few basic comfort content videos which helped, as that is one of my weak points. 0_o.

I do have to say that I definitely went over content as this is vital for me. Through out nursing school I found that I did't do as well when I was doing questions and no content. I got frustrated because i just kept answering questions memorizing rationales and not understanding. At least for me I know that if I truly understand the patho physiology of let say Diabetes, I was able to figure the questions out by going over it in my head and picturing what's going on in the body and what can that caused. So for me practice questions was the last step in my studying.

So for the NCLEX I used my nursing school PowerPoints, notes & youtube videos ( because I'm a highly visual person and that's how I learn.) I recommend Nucleus Medical Media for visuals.

I didn't have an specific well elaborated study plan, but I did managed to cover all major areas. One day i did questions, the next i reviewed content, the next both. Etc..

I didn't use the Kaplan decision tree, because it takes too long, and to be honest I never really got the whole thing. Whenever I used the tree I got it wrong, I left it at the back of my mind and used it when I was completely clue less.

As for the NCLEX it self I must say I was terrified while taking this test, as I got a hand full of Alzheimer questions ( the one disease I didn't go over, is the one I was being tested the most on), Also half of my exam was select all that apply, they were in ever subject you can think of, from meds, peds, ICP, OB, Infection control, management, restrains, Alzheimer, Alzheimer, wait did I mentioned Alzheimer!!. Any way, it was hard I wont lie, and the 48 hour wait for your results, is the worst agony ever. During this time I played so many different scenarios in my head, questions slowly come to your mind and you realize what a mistake you made, you doubt your self. But stay calm, at the end you will pass, hopefully.This is very long I know, but hope it helps someone in the future or now idk.

by the way kaplan does help, very similar to the NCLEX..

Also my kaplan account is active until the end of August, I know this is an expensive program so I'm willing to share my login with who ever emails me first.

[email protected]

(I know hotmail so outdated but it gets the job done .. Good luck every one.

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

Thread moved to NCLEX forum.

[Just_Kidney, ADN, BSN, RN]

Thanks! I'm testing on Tuesday, I've been using a friend's Kaplan account so just doing the trainers after she's done them. I've only done the first three (I know, so far behind where I should be) and gotten 65%, 65% and 71%. I created my own study guide based off the 35-pager on here and off some other stuff (Pinterest actually has great NCLEX study mnemonics and helpful stuff!) and I read most of the Saunders book about 9 months ago. My husband is taking it with me and I just want us both to pass. I have a job lined up if I pass and he is in the top three for an OR residency position that he REALLY wants (OR is his passion!) so as long as we both pass we will be happy as clams. Its hard for me because I'm stressed out for both of us! But I think we'll be okay. I hope. Congratulations, RN!

[caroG5]

Hey Thanks.

It sounds like you are doing great in Kaplan, I do know that the first three exams are more recall/ recognition. Anything after 4 has a very good amount of above the passing line questions. which are the ones that are going to get you that licence analysis and application. My Kaplan instructor said to aim for 60-65% on these tests.

But don't go crazy trying to finish all of these exams, i have colleagues that only did the first three and passed, it all comes down to how well you can apply what you know.

Also as for me after finishing Q7 i was drained and I decided that I was done with questions, at a given point i was just focused on finishing the Q bank, but I decided to stay back, go over content and call it quits. I stopped questions 2 or 3 days before the exam.

I wish you and your husband the best, good luck!

[Just_Kidney, ADN, BSN, RN]

I wish you and your husband the best, good luck!

Thank you!

[strawberryluv, BSN, RN]

Great job. Your hard work studying paid off!