Need tips/advice for studying for 3rd NCLEX-RN

[ktenor]

Hi everyone! I have really appreciated this website for insight in what people like me are going through. I am finally reaching out, because I'm not sure what else to do.

Before I begin.. I graduated with a BSN. I also have another bachelors from another degree. I am a hard worker and did well in school, because of working hard. It doesn't come easy for me, but I plow through.

Ok, test one. Graduated in May, moved to a new state June 1st and sat for my exam June 30th. I put time into studying- was a bit distracted but did it. I bought the 3wk NCSBN package did Hurst review- but I didn't do a ton of questions. Not like everyone has been talking about 3-4,000 (right?) Didn't pass. 223 question. Got near passing on everyone except 2 categories where I got 'below passing.'

Test two. I waited awhile because I wanted some time to finally just be. (even though I still had the test hanging over my head). I know it wasn't a great idea looking back. Took the test in mid Oct and crammed hard with lab values, content. etc. Day of the test. I felt a lot more relaxed and confident..however I still didn't pass got 159 questions. This time I did worse and received 'below passing' on 3 categories and 'near passing' on the rest.

Now I'm trying to study again for test 3.. and feeling fatigued and unsure of myself. I know I need to focus on doing a lot of questions each day..but it feels overwhelming. Anyone have any good advice to get my but in gear and do questions? :) Also I'm wondering If I should buy the NCSBN 3 wk again? People have said how helpful it was for them. I also ordered the PREP U 10,000 we used in one of my classes and I found it very helpful..so i'm wondering if I should just stick to do that for questions?

Any thoughts would be a great help! Thank you

[RNEshun]

I think you should try Kaplan, Im going to take my nclex for the second time and Hurst is good for content but Kaplan is great for critical thinking which is what the NCLEX is testing us on

[kld92000]

Prep u sux.

[LeO13]

Prep u sux.

I wouldn't necessarily say it sucks, it's just that you would have to invest a lot in their practice questions in order to reach a higher level of mastery. I can say that the NCLEX questions are quite comparable to Prep U's mastery level 7.

[ktenor]

Will definitely check this out. Thanks!

[stronger83]

I agree with soontobe, try Kaplan for questions because those questions give u the critical thinking skills u need in order to pass nclex. And Saunders 5th ed is excellent for content. U could try going thru one system in Saunders following the systems meds in the following chapter and afterwards do Kaplan focus questions on that system to c how well u took in the info, try it for each system for a few weeks and afterwards take another two wks and do the same for psych and peds. But I feel Saunders and Kaplan r the best combos.

[ktenor]

What Kaplan resource would you recommend? They are pretty expensive online. What about the strategies, Practice, and Review book from Kaplan. Do you think those questions are good for critical thinking?

[stronger83]

Yeah Kaplan is pretty expensive, my class was able to obtain it thru our school. If not paid for by school u have to pay I believe 400 but it will be well worth it it contains thousands of questions including the famous decision tree that can be used on a question u get stuck on nclex. Videos of each category with questions and how to attack each question. Sata questions, qbank questions of each category and the readiness exams which will determine how well u will do on nclex. Those diagnostic readiness exam is the nclex twin just a tad bit difficult one, those questions really test how well u know your content. As for as the Kaplan ebook which I assume comes with the program and I heard u can also have the book mailed to u, I think the book is ok when it comes to content, I don't know if this makes any sense but it seems as if it covers the info Kaplan itself teaches or focuses on where Saunders covers all data and more that u will most likely have a bit in Hurst, ready to pass, ati, etc. I never used Kaplan 2013-2014 question book but I assuming it would be way less questions than what the program has.