Out of school for a year need to pass NCLEX PN HELP!!!!

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Hi everyone,

I'm just wondering if anyone could provide me with some advice on how to study for NCLEX PN? I graduated a year ago & I'm hoping to take NCLEX soon, but I have forgotten almost everything I learned in nursing school. I just ordered NCLEX PN Exam Prep (by the same makers of Exam Cram), I liked how this book broke things down & I want to get Saunders, but a new book is coming out on June 1st, so I figured I would study some material online or just use the Exam Prep book, then order the new edition Saunders if I still feel I need more material. Can anyone recommend any other study materials, or how you passed NCLEX? Also, how to memorize lab values, and anything else that you think is valuable to know to pass?

Thanks in advance : )

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

I'm not a LVN but I did have to study for a NCLEX test once :) You'd be surprised at how much you have retained--you just need to dig it out!

In addition to the two review books I had purchased (Saunders and NCLEX Made Incredibly Easy), I went to the library and checked out every single NCLEX review book I could get my hands on. Then to study, I picked a subject (say, OB) and did the questions for that subject in each book. For the questions I got wrong, I reviewed the specific material in depth, and did a quick skim of the rest of the info. That way I reviewed but spent more time on the weak areas.

Also, make out a daily study plan for yourself. Don't expect to be ready to test in a week, but take a couple of months so you can review everything you need to and not stress yourself out.

I can't tell you what to specifically know for the test as I took a different NCLEX as you will be taking ;) And to be honest, I was told to know specific things for my test and almost none of them appeared on it, so who knows?

Good luck!

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i've written here somewhere on an how i prepared for nclex. can't say for sure if my posts are still around or not, what with the recent re-organization of the board. it's been just a bit over a year.

saunders nclex-pn, edition 4, was my go-to book. i did every single question on the bonus cd, bookmarking and reviewing the ones i had problems with. the book emphasizes what you need to know, how to interpret question formatting, rationales, etc. also emphasizes major and pertinent pharmacology info. i soon discovered my weaknesses, and really focused on those.

i used pneumonics to memorize the various forms of isolation, lab values in ascending order, and other tricks, many of which i discovered right here on an. do a search and i'm sure you'll come up with bunches of stuff. i prepped for a good month prior to my test date - with total focus.

meriwhen has some good tips. a study plan is a good way to start. be organized and consistent. i comandeered a computer, a printer, the dining room table and a side table for a month. i needed the space to spread out and keep everything together.

why waste any more time waiting for a new edition? just get started and good luck!

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I used the NCLEX PN exam prep. Don't worry, it will come back to you. I don't remember many lab questions, but I live in Indiana. It could be different from state to state. I thought it was pretty basic. Good Luck.

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Specializes in Rehab, Geriatrics & School Nurse.

if u go to the NCLEX forum u will find a lot of info some students have posted study guides...Good luck

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OP, I dont want to sound critical at all, but I am curious, have you ever taken the NCLEX before and if not, what made you decide to wait so long?

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Lemme wave my magic wand o wait....

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