online/live reviews vs review book

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Specializes in Case Management.

hello all I have a question of course,

I'm trying to do the best studying done as possible to pass the nclex as we all are of course so what's your opinion?

Do you think studying from review books is ok or should I go for the full review like in hurst or remar reviews. They both offer reviews and reviews books and I am a visual learner. I guess I kinda answered my own question lol but Im also trying to be cost efficient since these can get costly.

Or what's the best combo? Thanks for your input, it's greatly appreciated!

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

It's individual. Only you know if you are a motivated student that can be successful with self review or if you need an online or in person class. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. In school did you need study groups and review sessions? Or was in class material and in class review sufficient to supplement your personal preparation regime? Good luck and yes cost is a factor

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Specializes in LTC, Med-surg.

I am actually pretty good at self-study with review book throughout nursing school. I never had to attend review sessions or felt the need to join a study group. But for the NCLEX-RN, I chose to purchase Hurst review just because I am also a visual learner and I like their method of having you fill in words while they lecture to you in a Southern accent that I find endearing.

The only catch factor for me in purchasing the review although I have a good track record with studying on my own is the money-back guarantee. If you take all their Hurst Q-Review and watch all the videos and fail the NCLEX first time, they will give you your money back.

I find that is a no-brainer, if I fail I gain $288 and if I pass I only lose $288.

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Specializes in Case Management.

Thanks and yea I think I'm most likely going to do hurst review and get kaplan qbank. I'll also rent saunders comprehensive book just in case I need to look something up and a nclex pharmacy book because I'm horrible with drugs! And I agree I love southern accents plus looking listening and doing with the review will be greatly beneficial when I think about it. Thanks for the comments!

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Kaplan offers the same guarantee. But you MUST graduate from an accredited program (not just BoN approved)

You must complete all modules of the program

You must test within 3 or 6 months of graduation (read the fine print)

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Please also remember that most graduates of accredited programs pass the NCLEX on the first sitting without taking pricey review courses. Yes, they do. And the national pass rate for NCLEX is somewhere north of 90%. You can look up your own school at your state Board of Nursing website and see what it is for them.

If more people did this, there would be fewer people in a frenzy of NCLEX fear.

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I cannot seem to find that information on the Illinois BON website...

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I found it! Thank you!

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Specializes in Case Management.

thanks for the comments but a review course would definitely help since I've been out of school for a year. Because of personal reasons I was unable to test right after I graduated unfortunately. And my school actually used kaplan througout our program and had a live review after graduation. So I want something different yet effective. I honestle just want to put my best foot forward and pass lol.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

If you graduated a year ago you will be ineligible for the money back guarantee from Hurst or Kaplan.

Know Hurst is more content based and less emphasis on test-taking strategies and Kaplan is more test taking strategies and presumes a strong content background. Choose the one that is better for you. Both offer free short term trials and Kaplan offers a free sample diagnostic test.

Only you can decide what works best for your needs.

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Specializes in Case Management.

Trust me I've done my research for these two review courses...I just honestly wanted to know what others did so I could have other options that I may have not thought of...but thanks!

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

There are other reviews available but these are the most frequently recommended. I know Hurst has a short free trial this way you can try before you buy. You may say ZOMG this is exactly what I need! Or eh, not my cup of tea. Many have been successful with both programs.

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