After an arduous journey of daily prepping and 4 attempts at NCLEX, I have finally passed it at 75 questions.
I wanted to extend a word of encouragement to those that have tried and failed NCLEX: Don't give up and don't ever give in! You will pass!
What did not work for me the first 3 attempts was my method of study and a choice of resources.
I used the following:
* Kaplan - full review, 2 times. Kaplan was good at Priority, Assessment, Delegations, Decision Tree and Maslow hierarchy. It was not good at questions and expensive.
* Lippincott - I think I got a 2014-2015 edition. It is a good book but is cumbersome to work with. It also has online portion that really needs an update.
* NCSBN Learning EXT - subscribed to 3 times, 5-week each; It was the money worst spent! Their question bank is nowhere near the format of real NCLEX and was least helpful.
* NCLEX MASTERY - mobile app and online access - the BEST RESOURCE at $29! It has about 1600 questions with comprehensive rationales; lots of SATA questions - I did about 1300, about 30-50 per day.
Initially I thought I'd have it on my Android phone only, but ended up studying online on my Mac. This is what worked for me the last time. Their questions were almost identical to what I have seen on NCLEX. This one is what I highly recommend. (I have no financial or otherwise vested interest to promote this)
* Medscape Online subscription to Nurses - Free resource with lots of info on conditions, treatments, pharmacology, research, etc. - a great daily read! You can switch from MD to RN to Pharmacist mode.
Lastly, I am going to scan my notes, combine them with my online notes at Evernote and give them away to anyone, who is interested or needs it.
I graduated back in the 90-s, worked for about three years and then lapsed for quite a few years doing something that was unrelated to medical field.
Three years ago I made a comeback but could not pass NCLEX three times. The board sent me to do the remedial class, which I did along with clinical rotation.
It is my understanding that NCSBN has increased the difficulty level at least two times over the past five years.
As shortage of doctors (not nurses!) is looming, the model of delivery of care will be increasingly pegged to PA's, NP's and RN's, hence more challenge with passing numerous licensing and certification exams.
I don't know anything about UWorld. Wanted to try it before I bought it, but they wouldn't let me. After that I found NLCEX Mastery and never looked back.
Kaplan QTrainer was not bad, but it was heavily skewed towards priority and delegation and not as much core content.
The first three times I challenged NCLEX, I thought the core content was somewhat unimportant. I was wrong! I saw some pretty outlandish stuff on the exam.
I guess to each their own. I think Kaplan is really good overall but it is expensive.
Very inspiring! I will be writing the exam for 4th time in Canada and I kept telling myself this time around I will be successful. I have been using some of the resources you mentioned above as well. Any other tips that you might think that will be helpful? I am even thinking to consider writing it in states but i am not sure how it will work out since this is my 4th attempt? thanks.
Hi Achiever77, you will pass the NCLEX, no doubt about that! How do I know? I know this because if you have the tenacity and determination to go back and challenge it, this is half the victory already scored.
As far as the tips, I am thinking what really helped is answering trainer questions and looking up some topics associated with incorrectly answered questions.
Also, I am habitual reader of medical blogs which also helped. There are also great Youtube videos on electrolytes, acid base balance, etc. Here's one such YT channel (very helpful): RegisteredNurseRN
hey! is there any way you would share your nclex notes with me? I stumbled upon your post from when you passed. my email is [email protected] if you wouldn't mind sharing. thank you so much and hope all is well!
Hello Rumedic, congratulations on passing your Nclex !!!
I stumbled upon this site and started to read comments and oh dear, I'm not the only one struggling with Nclex.
I'm UNSUCCESSFUL exam taker and I think I know why....I'm all over the place, took Kaplan 3 or 4 times, last time I felt like I was ready and it turned out I wasn't prepare enough, I feel like I'm missing something....and the story goes !
But I'm far from giving up...and if you could send me your notes I'd appreciate it so much !!!
By the way Nclex Rn Mastery is great, thanks for sharing !!
HI RUMEDIK! Congratulation on your NCLEX -RN test! Could you please send me your notes. I'll be greatly appreciate. I cant send you a PM,it not allow me to do... My email:[email protected]. Thank you
RUmedic
89 Posts
I graduated back in the 90-s, worked for about three years and then lapsed for quite a few years doing something that was unrelated to medical field.
Three years ago I made a comeback but could not pass NCLEX three times. The board sent me to do the remedial class, which I did along with clinical rotation.
It is my understanding that NCSBN has increased the difficulty level at least two times over the past five years.
As shortage of doctors (not nurses!) is looming, the model of delivery of care will be increasingly pegged to PA's, NP's and RN's, hence more challenge with passing numerous licensing and certification exams.
Good luck on NCLEX!