New RN's

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Sep 3, 2006

Check out our NCLEX Discussion Forum for more information on preparing for the NCLEX.

MIA-RN1, RN · Sep 3, 2006

To all the new graduate RN's:nurse:
How soon after graduation did you take the boards???
And which Books helped you the most??
Thanks

I graduated May 30 and took the boards July 24. I took the Kaplan course at work, that is why I waited so long, and it was so-so. (I didn't like the way the course was taught and I thought the instructor was very unprofessional but the material was good) I used Saunders to review as well as the Kaplan website (hey, it was free lol). Saunders is good for content but you need to review with a book that asks questions like the NCLEX. Kaplan was good even though it makes me grind my teeth to admit that lol.

Nurseismade RN · Sep 4, 2006

I graduated May 30 and took the boards July 24. I took the Kaplan course at work, that is why I waited so long, and it was so-so. (I didn't like the way the course was taught and I thought the instructor was very unprofessional but the material was good) I used Saunders to review as well as the Kaplan website (hey, it was free lol). Saunders is good for content but you need to review with a book that asks questions like the NCLEX. Kaplan was good even though it makes me grind my teeth to admit that lol.

Thank you so far to those who have responded.

I need all the advise and direction I can get.

All the best in your new careers as RN or LPN:biggringi

WSU_Ally_RN, BSN, RN · Sep 4, 2006

I graduated June 10, got my ATT June 22, and tested July 11. The only study materials I used was the Saunder's book they recommend on the NCLEX forum here. Good Luck!! :)

WSU_Ally_RN, BSN, RN · Sep 4, 2006

Deleted... my computer is acting up and posted multiple posts...

Piscean, LPN, LVN · Sep 15, 2006

I graduated on May 26, I used Lippincott, Mosbys, Saunders and Star exam a day, I also used Mosby's cat exam which predicts your chances of passing the exam. I had a probability of 92% the first time, 99% the second time. I tested on August 23rd and passed with 75 questions. Good luck to you.

youngatheart · Sep 15, 2006

I graduated May 19th The earliest I could take my boards was June 25th. Passed with 75 questions. DO NOT take any prep courses. I did not and I know about more than half my class did not and they all passed. If you have 350.00 or more to spend sure take those kaplan or whatever course offered. I just studied on my own using kaplan, Lippencott, Mosby and Hesi study guides and answered over 3400 questions. If you are diligent about studying on your own you can do it. If you don't pass first time with ncles take refresher course then.

smilin_gp · Sep 16, 2006

I graduated May 28, took boards June 1st. In my state, we get our ATT prior to actual graduation, and then it is null and void if we don't graduate at last minute. I used only the Saunders Book and the NCLEX 3500 practice question CD. Passed it :)

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Sep 16, 2006

9.5 weeks between pinning ceremony and NCLEX date; I waited two weeks to do a blessed thing, and was ready to take exam a week or so before the appointment.

As for what books, I'd suggest following the link Eric posted to the NCLEX Discussion Board....much simpler to find the info you need! :)

suzy253, RN · Sep 16, 2006

Graduated in June, took NCLEX 7/31. I used Suzanne's plan/Saunders book.

Also, my school prepared us very well by having 2 weeks of NCLEX preparation lectures/handouts/guest instructors who gave us lots of information and tips.

crb613, BSN, RN · Sep 19, 2006

Saunders & did some questions from a Kaplan Trainer CD. I graduated May 14th...tested Aug. 22nd Passed w/75.