NCLEX study material - 2nd time around

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Hi friends! So I took my NCLEX 8/17 at 265 questions with "near passing standard" on all sections of course. I used many sources to study from. 1) Saunders book which i completed. I read about half all the way, then i realized it made more sense to just do the questions and go back if i need clarification. I checked out 3 books from the library: 2.) Kaplan 3.) Prioritization, Delegation, & Management 4.) Lippincott. I did questions from a few chapters and completed the comprehensive exams in all those books AND I also had the NCLEX mastery app. I studied my labs from index cards.

UNFORTUNATLEY THIS WAS NOT ENOUGH :(

I think I also over exerted myself weeks leading up to my exam with work and volunteering. Im also training for a triathlon (great timing huh?) Since then, I have quit my minimally paying job as a pharmacy technician (i still didn't understand some of the meds on that exam!) and decided to focus all my time on working out and studying.

I purchased the NCBSN 5 week learning extension - but I'm realizing its a lot of info. Today is my last day i can return it. for example, the pharmacy section consists of 4 lessons and theres no way even if i read it that i would remember all of the details, so i skimmed through it in 1 day. I like some of the nemonics it offers and charts to memorize things. ITs nice i have everything coming from one source, and it's the people who wrote the NCLEX.. but as i read more posts on this website I'm reading a lot about UWORLD. Im wondering if i should return this and purchase UWORLD?

I was planning on sticking with this program, rereading my existing notes, and utilizing my NCLEX mastery app. Does anyone have any suggestions if I should add anything or purchase UWORLD?

Thanks!

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Specializes in Huntingtons, LTC, Ortho, Acute Care.

There is a large possibility you are overwhelming yourself... I passed my nclex on the first try... Wanna know how much studying I did? 4 days a week for 6 hours broke into blocks of 3 with a 10 minute break every hour. It is possible you're trying very hard to know everything... That's just NOT POSSIBLE. Figure out which sections you will retain the most info on and focus there, since we get asked questions across the board figure out which ones will be easier to learn, you may do better next time with a focused study plan instead of a wide spread one. When I took my nclex I had a bunch of select all apply, I felt like I was being punished! A lot of my questions were psych, maternity, and med surg... Some pharm questions but not enough to make me feel it should be an entirety of your focus. But the NCLEX is random and you may get an entirely different group this time around. Pick your trouble areas, and areas you find interesting so you can retain more info.... And yes stop burning your candle at both ends... You'll have plenty of time for work, and play once you pass. Good luck!

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I have moved your post to the NCLEX forum to ensure maximum responses. :)

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thank you Pixie.RN !! How do I get there? haha

Mhsrnbsn, thank you. I do think i over exerted myself. And now 2 weeks post failing the NCLEX its finally settling in that I should have been more selfish with my time. I am discouraged and angry at myself... and I hate that people are still asking "how did you do on your boards".. its the worst feeling. Last week I was moderately fine with a "screw everyone, ill do better next time attitude".. but this week I'm really just down about it. Its not a good feeling but there is any choice but to move forward.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

You're already there! :) https://allnurses.com/nclex-discussion-forum/

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hi liala

just wondering do you want to do a study buddy thing? i am looking for a study buddy to help with my nclex also.

Joey

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I am not sure how to study with a partner for the nclex. it's very individualized. for example, it would take forever for 2 people to do a practice exam together and read over the rationales. Its based on your personal weaknesses. My weaknesses may not be yours. I like to study independently throughout the day. Good luck with your search.

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Hi Laila,

A little over a year ago I was on the same boat as you, confused of too many study materials to choose. But after a lot of browsing/reading comments here I decided to just go and stick with one study material. UWolrd. It helped me in many ways..meds, mnemonics, sata, priority and delagation. its one study material that is packed with all the info I needed. Not to mention their superb rationales.

I did their Q&A for 4 weeks finished 150 questions a day, 5 days a week. On the 5th week, I sat for my NCLEX-RN exam. To my surprise, the actual test was like a dejavu of the UWolrd practice test..it was very identical. After around 120 questions, the computer shuts off. Then after 2 business days I saw my name in the BRN website with a license number in it. :)

Go for UWorld and go reach that star of yours. Goodluck.

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Specializes in Burn/Trauma ICU.

Well, my friends who just recently graduated from their nursing program went through a frenzy in deciding what would work for them in preparing for the nclex. Honestly, I suggested to them Uworld and that's what they tried lol They managed to all pass with that and with the hurst review, which was great. Uworld is a great tool because it looks similar to the nclex itself and carries a lot of higher level questions that are similar to the content you'll be seeing. Now, what I do suggest is that you need to stick to schedule in where you are discipline with your study time. If you do get Uworld, read the rationales over and over again until you can shout it to the world. :) Good luck!

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Thanks everyone ! I bought Uworld!!! So now I'm planning to use that and the NCBSN review to study. I think I will finish reviewing the content in my NCBSN review as I'm like half way done already and then I'll start on the UWORLD. thanks for all your input guys !! í ½í¸Š

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Uworld will no doubt help you pass. Its 100xs harder than the actual NCLEX. It was to the point where I was HOPING to get more and more SATA during my nclex since uworld trains you so well with critical thinking. The nclex was a walk in the park thanks to uworld. Good luck!

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Hey Laila,

I just took the Nclex as well and walked out crying feeling like I failed.

I just wrote in another post about my experience but thought I would share it here with you.

I bought both the Uworld and Kaplan testbank and courses. Also listened to Hurst and mark klimek.

My content is super lacking so Uworld and hurst were both helpful for that . Hurst is only good for basic knowledge in my opinion.

Also everyone I know raved about Uworld. Halfway through my studying, I felt overwhelmed with resources and concentrated mostly just on Uworld and the rationales . I felt it wasn't enough for me during the nclex.

I saw a few questions VERY similar to Kaplan. I was so mad at myself for not paying more attention to Kaplan.That being said, I did not find their strategies or course helpful. JUST the testbank!!!!!!

Mark klimek also helped A LOT. This guy is the bomb!!!!! Unfortunately I'm in Canada so I couldn't attend his course in person but my friend shared her recordings with me. Since it was from a few years back, some info was outdated but overall helpful. If you google Mark klimek blue book, his tips go a long way, esp for EKG strips.

I also did some question from Lacharity (I didn't finish it all). Honestly can't remember if it was helpful or not.

So yea!!!! Use Uworld for content and SATA style to practice but take a look at Kaplan questions as well and Mark klimek tips!!!!

Hope this helps!!!

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