Passed NCLEX -RN. This is how I studied.

[crystelle]

Hi all

Quick results just confirmed that I really did pass NCLEX-RN! This is how I studied for it.

To begin with, I found it really difficult on how and where to start studying. From reading thru the threads and posts here, it gave me some ideas on how I can maximise my learning. So ,now it its my turn to share on how I studied for NCLEX and hopefully could be useful for future NCLEX takers.

I believe that one of the most important tools you will need is TIME. Use that time efficiently and with dedication. I studied for awhile and didn't get into my serious study mode for about 2 and half months. I breathed, ate and slept NCLEX. It's been years since I've been out of uni , so my nursing theories, disease process, pharmacology, etc were a little rusty.

I then started off with my areas of weakness and studied the contents, eg pharmacology and obstetrics.

I then moved on to doing practice questions. I lost count after 3000Qs but I believe I must have done at least 6000Qs from different sources. I initially I practiced with at least 100-150 a day and towards the last weeks I did at least 300/day.

These were the books and sources that helped me. Noting that I did not enroll to any of the online courses, I just didn't have the money for it.

• Davis Q&A:- only managed to do less than half of the Qs. I believe the Qs where higher level but great practice for SATAs, pictures, and putting things in order type Qs
  
• La Charity: - did this book 2X, a must!
  
• Exam Master :- 3200Q, love and love this site http://www.exammaster2.com/wdsentry/utmbrn.htm
  
• NSNA NCLEX RN Review (2000) :- an old review book that was given to me. I'm sure the content is just as good as the new ones.
  
• Pharmacology made incredibly easy: - also an old version that was given to me
  
• Kaplan 2010-2011 - I read the strategies and did a few Qs from Barnes and Nobles (didn't buy the book)
  
• Infection control mnemonics - a must to remember http://www.allnurses.com/nclex-discussion-forum/infection-control-mnemonics-299890.html
  
• Youtube channel of ed4nurses - really helpful with explaining confusing topics http://www.youtube.com/user/ed4nurses#p/a/u/0/SYX6-YE4jmI
  
• Someone's notes - I found this one here http://static.scribd.com/docs/d04uiz4ejby96.pdf
  
• Insulin Chart - http://urbanext.illinois.edu/diabetes/pdf/med/types.pdf
  
• Immunisation Chart- http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/medical/immunization_chart.html
  

My thoughts about the actual exam: I thought that it wasn't easy nor it was hard. It felt like I was at home doing practice Qs like those from Exam Master or La Charity. Half of the Qs I didn't feel confident answering them but I personally think that my content knowledge was crucial in helping me select the right answers. Enough anyway to have helped me pass it. I probably got about 5 SATAs (lucky not a lot, I'm weak at these), about 5 -8 pharm, 1 obstetrics (I was bumbed coz I know my obstetrics really well now), no pictures, and 2 of patient chart and analyzing it. The rest were kinda became a fuzz after the test. Hope this helps.

Best wishes to those who still need to sit their NCLEX!

And thank you AllNurses.com!

[jtanga]

I really want to try that exam master. Is the practice exam in exam master easy or hard? I hope I pass my exam too.

[caliotter3]

:ancong!:

[USRN2010]

CONGRATULATIONS!!! I'm gonna take my exam 20 days from now also. I'm gonna start my La Charity book tom, how was the book?I hope I'll pass =) Thanks for the info

[jason1jason]

Congrats!!! You deserve it! How many questions did you have, if you don't mind me asking?

[crystelle]

I really want to try that exam master. Is the practice exam in exam master easy or hard? I hope I pass my exam too.

Somewhat like the actual Nclex (maybe a little easier), but limited to multiple choice type Qs. Doesn't hurt to try. It's for free. It enables you to study after doing a set.

CONGRATULATIONS!!! I'm gonna take my exam 20 days from now also. I'm gonna start my La Charity book tom, how was the book?I hope I'll pass =) Thanks for the info

Thanks! It's worth the investment. Great practice for prioritising and delegating nursing tasks. The book definitely chanllenged my knowledge too. Goodluck!

Congrats!!! You deserve it! How many questions did you have, if you don't mind me asking?

I did 78 Qs in no more than 1 hour. I was a really scared when it went pass 75, and then stopped at 78. I really thought I flunked it. I believe the Qs were to the point but the choices definitely made me scratch my head a few times. From doing alot of practice Qs, I kinda learned how to narrow the choices down to 2. From then on, it's 50/50.

[jtanga]

Thanks, I thought exam master is not free..

[USRN2010]

Thanks for replying =) Do you have any last min tips/advise? Thanks for your time =) More power!

[NowPedsRN]

Congrats! I take boards in a week and I am using exam master and lacharity. I actually took the time out to memorize the infection control that was posted lol. Thanks for the tips! And congrats again!

[ladyD123]

W A O !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, CONGRATS DEAR,

:dncgbby::dncgbby::dncgbby:

[crystelle]

Thanks for replying =) Do you have any last min tips/advise? Thanks for your time =) More power!

Your welcome. Pay attention to your endocrime problems well. I had a few of them on NCLEX. Know you labs. What worked for me (may not for you), is that I reviewed my notes a week before the test and made sure I understood them. I didnt do much qs. Don't let your nerves put you down and be persistent. Keep studying. Others may say don't overload yourself, but for me I kept going. But I went to bed at 8pm the night before. Make sure you're well rested. Goodluck!

[clavelmari07]

Thanks a lot for the info!!!!