RNs: what did you do to study for boards?

Sabby_NC · May 8, 2007

I did practice NCLEX questions morning noon and night until I was very comfortable with the type of questions. I used NCLEX books with CD'S, Saunders Kaplan and anything else I could ruddy well lay my hands on. It was well worth the study daily. I literally did 200-300 questions a day until I was dreaming about them hahahahaha

Tweety, BSN, RN · May 8, 2007

I studied one hour a day, using a review book, and took the mock board at the end of the book. I did not take a review course. I passed the first try. Good luck.

WickedRedRN, BSN, RN · May 8, 2007

I did Suzanne's plan exclusively (check out the sticky) https://allnurses.com/forums/f197/new-revised-first-tip-suzannes-plan-195774.html The only thing it cost me was the price of a Saunders review book, about 45.00. I believe you are diligent enough to make it through the rigors of nursing school, you can plan a course of study and follow it with no problems.

Best of luck to you!

Mytonezucs · May 8, 2007

If a review course is out of the question then all you can do is take another route. I took several review courses and still failed. When I sat for boards I remember asking myself where was the information I got from those reviews.

One of the courses I took was one of the "take it if you want to pass" reviews. It's hard to judge the impact a review course may have because the majority of people take boards a few months after they graduate and most take review courses.

Don't feel all is lost if you cannot afford a review. Content and practice questions in my opinion is what is needed and that can be obtained from books.

Good luck.

jessi.rn · May 9, 2007

I did suzannes plan and bought saunders and read the whole book cover to cover a few times, i then practised questions alot every single day.

i also took the kaplan but did not find that helpful for me the first time and failed using saunders review and rationales was my second atempt and i passed.

saadia_s · May 9, 2007

i agreeed with u. kaplan did not help me. Saunder book and cd helped me to pass the exam 2nd attempt.

tin6 · May 9, 2007

i think thats the best thing i should do now to try 200-300 question everyday. im using saunders comprehensive ,Q & A and kaplan strategies now. and i have schedule this mon. 1st time i will take this nclex R.N exam and hopefully past for the 1st attemp hehehehehe....... thanks....

sunflrz321 · May 9, 2007

Remember, you can get many review books at your local library and study them for free. Also, look for used review books on sites like amazon.com and half.com, where you might find review books for a very affordable price.

I am about to graduate myself, and am not taking a review course even though one is offered. I can't justify spending the $500 on the review course plus not getting the two weeks time that I could be working, when the HESI and other tests estimate that I will pass with flying colors. I plan to study using review books- I like the Incredibly Easy RN review book because it focuses on content and offers a quick-review of each area and offers lots of memory tricks, and a few others. I also plan to buy this one book of illustrated memory tricks available at Barnes & Noble. I know I will be doing tons and tons of review questions- NCLEX recommends that you do at least 2000 before sitting for boards if you want to pass. And lastly, I'm going to organize a study group with my friends.

sunflrz321 · May 9, 2007

Also, take practice computer NCLEX tests such as the HESI or the NCLEX-RN-3500 to find out what your areas of weakness are, and then focus a lot of your time on these areas in particular.

CseMgr1, ASN, RN · May 9, 2007

Nothing. I had done well on all the NLN exams I had taken throughout school, and felt I was prepared. Besides that, I couldn't even THINK about studying anymore. I had all but neglected my family during the past three years doing just that, and was SO burned out.

RNKay31 · May 9, 2007

Suzanne's plan is really great, wishing you the best