NCLEX in March. What to use? How to study?

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Specializes in Ortho/Neuro/Trauma, LDRP.

Hi everyone,

I'm scheduled to take NCLEX at the end of March and am feeling overwhelmed and unable to focus. :uhoh3: :crying2:

I graduated in December. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to study as consistently as I should because I have been taking care of my grandmother (she had a stroke) since January. Here I am at the last week of February, and I don't feel like I'm ready; but, I don't want to take it in April when the test changes...

I have been using the following to study:

Prentice Hall Comprehenisve Review for NCLEX-RN Reviews & Rationales by Mary Ann Hogan

NCLEX 3500 by LWW

ATI question bank

Does anyone have any experience with these prep items? Did you find them helpful?

I have read many threads in this section regarding Saunders and Kaplan, but I don't know if the content/questions are any more difficult than what I'm already using. I've tried to look at the Saunders books in bookstores to compare, but they are all shrink wrapped. I used Kaplan in the past when I took my GRE, and it was ok.

So, I have 4-5 wks left to prepare. With such short time, should I focus on both content and questions or just questions? I have been reading content, answering questions and reading all of the rationales. This is time consuming, as I only finish ~ 6 chapters/day.

I appreciate your feedback.

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What works for one person may not work for another. Most people are successful when they answer as many questions as possible and study the rationales. At this point, you need to do an evaluation of your study method and do what you feel will give you the best results with the time you have remaining. Good luck.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

I also graduated in December and I will be taking my exam the third week in March. I have been using Saunders, Kaplan qbank, and Nclex 4000. I am very nervous, I do feel like im not prepared however I do numerous questions daily. A classmate of mine took her exam tuesday and found out this morning that she passed!!! She told me more than anything she "select all that apply" question, delegation and prioritizng. Hope this helps. Happy studying and Good Luck

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Specializes in LTC, drug and alcohol rehab.

When i took my NCLEX-PN none of the stuff i studied was on the test but luckly i passed. :yeah:

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I'l be taking end of March too.. Need your prayer..

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

I take mine in mid march...I definitely be praying for you! How are you studying...Kaplan, saunders, etc

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Specializes in med surg and acute behavorial health.

I used kaplan/hurst/saunders to study 4 nclex. i used Saunders mostly for content, electrolytes, disease processes. I have nclex 3500 and nclex 4000 through school and i found 4000 more difficult than 3500 in answering the questions.

Content is content no matter what u are using for it, with questions i found out that kaplans questions are really similar to what u see on nclex.

i didn't feel i was strong in content so i read content then went and did questions and read the rationales. And you are right it is time consuming.

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