NCLEX.....Pay to prep???

_quarks_RN_ · May 12, 2010

I was out from nursing for about 3 years before I took NCLEX this April. Kaplan is very expensive, ($400+) but it helped me a lot to pass. I also used Saunder's Comprehensive Review Book as my reference book if i need to read more. I also enrolled with the NCSBN Learning extension which is by the way the most affordable review course I know. But I did not find it very much helpful.

Kaplan will teach you HOW to answer the NCLEX questions and will provide very good practice questions. They also have videos. I think the price for Kaplan is fair. The review questions was similar to the actual NCLEX test. Many of Kaplan's Questions are even Harder compared to the actual NCLEX test.

Saunder's Comprehensive Review Book is a very good and reliable book. It is the book that I trust. If there is a question from Kaplan that I don't know, I will read it on Saunders. If you need more Comprehensive Review, Saunders will help a lot!

About the NCSBN Learning Extension Comprehensive Review: If you already have very good knowledge in Nursing, you can use this. But for me, I find it hard to understand some of their materials that is why I did not use their Comprehensive Review. I only used their Practice questions which are good too. The good thing about NCSBN Learning extension is that it provide a Student Connection where in you can Exchange message to other students, ask for Advice or discuss any topics. They also have a staff to respond to your questions. NCSBN is affordable.

Every person is unique.. But what I did on my review, enrolling to those resources worked (used Kaplan for the strategy and practice questions then I used Saunder's for more information & Comprehensive Review). I reviewed for 49 days. With prayers and in God's Will, I passed NCLEX with only 75 questions.

caliotter3 · May 12, 2010

Most people are successful just by preparing on their own using one or more review books. Saunders Comprehensive Review is the most widely recommended. I would not pay for a live review unless I failed. JMO

RNLMT, ASN, BSN · May 12, 2010

I graduated my generic RN program in Dec 09 passed boards on first try Feb 10! I didn't feel like (or afford) to pay nearly $400 for licensing application and test. Then turn around and spend $500 on a review! Especially since my school gave us a big HESI review and study material at the end of our program which is similar to most nclex-RN classes if not better! I just felt like my school prepared us very well with their very critical thinking style of testing throughout my nursing program. I figured if I made it there I could make it anywhere lol!I had my own study sessions at home and practiced whatever review questions I could get my hands on!I was right and saved a whole lot of cash! Tht was just my personal experience but if you feel grossly unprepared than by all means get some help! Just weigh the pros and cons!

CranberryMuffin · May 12, 2010

I used 3 or 4 different study guides, most of which I borrowed. I wouldn't waste the money to pay for Kaplan, especially as you are already an LPN.

The best thing for me as far as test prep went was to just go over question after question after question from multiple sources - books, flashcards and CD-ROMs...take lots and lots of prep tests. The best book was: Kaplan's NCLEX-RN.

CNL2B · May 12, 2010

I think I got a book too and passed with 75 questions. I think you won't have a lot of difficulty since you are an LPN already. Keep in mind the NCLEX is the bare minimum standard knowledge you need to practice. If you learned what you needed to learn in school and have an idea of how the questions are worded and what is going to be on the exam you should be all good.

cb_rn · May 12, 2010

my school made you pay for the NCLEX review by f&S nursing but I still have the spiral book they made us and use it to look up things I never use (like pregnancy stuff). I think I slept through most of it (I was pregnant, working 3rd shift before class)...if you made good grades and didn't struggle I'd say not to sweat it. There are plenty of self review books that are probably more than adequate.

casi, ASN, RN · May 12, 2010

If you took the HESI use that as an indicator.

It's really all about how you feel about the test I have heard really good things about Kaplan. I however didn't take Kaplan and passed the NCLEX first try.

Bobbkat · May 12, 2010

I didn't use a prep course and passed the first time in 75 questions. I think the prep courses do really well be whipping people in to a frenzy that they will NOT pass unless they take them. If you look at the stats, the chances are you are going to pass the first time. If you've done well in school, understand the material, have been an LPN for many years, and are reviewing on your own, I think you'll be fine, no reason to spend hundreds of dollars more on a service that you most likely don't need.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 14, 2010

I spent the money for a NCLEX review course because I attended a nursing program with historically low first time pass rates (47% in 2007, 56% in 2008, and 59% in 2009) and a local reputation for leaving its students sorely underprepared. In fact, the school was recently placed on warning from the state board of nursing as a result of its low NCLEX pass rates. The paid review was well worth it to me because I passed NCLEX-RN with 75 questions on the first attempt, while some of my classmates who didn't pay for a review have already been failing.

If you attended a good quality nursing program with decent first time NCLEX pass rates that presented plenty of content to you, then you should do fine with just a review book and a CD to answer questions on a daily basis. However, if you went to a school with a poor reputation and pass rates that are consistently low, it would be a good idea to pay for an extra review.

shann106 · May 14, 2010

I plan to take NCLEX just doing review books, but if I am not successful then I will do Hurst review which is $300