Just wanted to share with everyone my experience on the NCLEX RN.
I have been so scared studying for this test but I would come on Allnurses.com everyday and get tips and encouragement from people who already took it.
Here's what I used
Saunders 5th Edition : I did every chapter and answered all the questions. I also took notes on things I didn't know whenever I got something wrong. I feel the wording on NCLEX is simple like Saunders.
Kaplan NCLEX RN 2011-2012 : These questions are a little difficult but I also read this entire book and did practice exams I think it helped just a little
Lacharity : this book is a must have. I read up to Chapter 18 and did like 3 case studies.
I think the questions are harder than the NCLEX but by the time you are done with chapter 18 you will know everything about who to delegate to and a little bit of priority. I think the case studies help more with priority.
NCLEX 4000: It is okay, good to do when you have finished Saunders and Lacharity.
I also memorized baby immunization chart up to 15 months and glanced over some study guides posted on here.
Meds: i would try to memorize the ones you keep seeing and do it by classification or group them. Like ATB's, Thyroid Meds, Anticholinergics, Cholinergics and know major side effects/ adverse effects.
I studied for 2 1/2 months but I don't think the amount of time I studied mattered because a week before my test I was still getting 65's and sometimes high 50's on some practice tests. So your score on practice tests do not matter. What matters is you understand what you got wrong and write it down and review it over and over.
The most important thing I can say that I did was pray.. I fasted for three days including the day of my test and took it. I ended up with 75 questions and came out there crying because I was convinced I had failed. I came home later that night and did Pearson Vue trick (which is legit) and I had passed my test!. I give all the Glory to God because HE is the REASON i passed.
