My name is Adam, and I'm about to graduate nursing school next month (woo-hoo!), and I'm trying to figure out which study guide (book/cd/questions,etc.) would be the absolute best for one ready to take their NCLEX-RN?
I understand that the NCLEX-RN has increased in difficulty this year, and test scores are showing a drop through out the nation. So, I'm wondering which material you guys would think will benefit me the most? I've heard great things about Saunders and Kaplan, and before anyone mentions it, I cannot afford to simply purchase all of them :) I'm primarily looking for one source (that costs $), and I'll utilize the many other free resources online, such as the NCLEX 3500, and I've also been practicing with ATI.
Any additional links to free practice/help sites would be greatly appreciated! As well as recommended material that you personally believe I should purchase that will help. Feel free to include personal stories, and rationale
Believe it or not Levitas, it's not uncommon for folks to take the boards multiple times. A buddy of mine graduated 3 years ago and have yet to pass his boards.
Believe it or not Levitas it's not uncommon for folks to take the boards multiple times. A buddy of mine graduated 3 years ago and have yet to pass his boards.[/quote']
Wow... thats the first I have heard. I commend him for keeping at it.
Yeah, I think he's in a position that may well be hindering him from passing. He works at a hospital as an ER tech full-time and we all know that there are many differences as to how NCLEX and the hospital sees things.
Oh, I know the test costs pale compared to student loans (I owe $30k so far ), and I'm continuing education immediately this January :)
Also, I apologize if I came off as rude when responding to that other person (who did it in 5 attempts), I certainly didn't mean anything negative by it. I just didn't know if they were being genuine, because that would surely be the first time I've heard of it.
On note: in the past 3 days I've done over 600 questions. My scores are improving! I'm also finding myself surprised at how much content is coming back to me, and how much I've learned these past couple of years. I'm still looking for more practice material (I wish I could afford $300 for the Hurst, or Kaplan training ... I'm so tired of being broke all of the time!)
Why would I be sarcastic about it? Read my recent post. Im not ashamed of the fact that it took me 5 times to pass the boards, what matters is that I passed it. No hard feelings.
I used both. I used Kaplan's online system for their question trainers + nclex question (which was part of my school). The question trainders are good to give you strategies in how to answer Nclex questions. Saunders: I only used the Saunder Book/CD to review specific nursing content / biological processes and nursing interventions.
Also try not to overload yourself on NCLEX questions/overstudying. It can do more harm than good.
Why would I be sarcastic about it? Read my recent post. Im not ashamed of the fact that it took me 5 times to pass the boards, what matters is that I passed it. No hard feelings.
Again, I meant no disrespect. It's hard to understand why I'd question that unless you've been around the people I've been for the last few years, heh. We've a bit of a sarcastic bunch, coupled with a bit of dark humor.
Also try not to overload yourself on NCLEX questions/overstudying. It can do more harm than good.
I won't be taking boards until at least December. Right now I'm completing questions like a madman to prepare for exit exams at the end of next month, and because it's required by my school (minimum of 200 questions turned in/week, with 75% or greater). So, sometimes it takes 600 questions to get 200 that are 75% or higher :) Especially when you're not allowed to turn in anything less than 100 questions at a time.
And I also downloaded a Saunders review program. I was really enjoying the Saunders review (due to the ability to read all of the rationales), until I found some discrepancies that make me question the validity of the software.
At any rate, I've got this Kaplan book for now. I've finished Ch.1, and I'm enjoying it thus far. I haven't tried any of the additional quizzing/testing material that came with (because it recommends that I read the book first, so I am) :)
Also, since it's Halloween, I took a small break from questions today. I figured 675 questions in 3 days merits a day break. I'll be back at tomorrow after work.
What do you guys think? Did I choose a decent book for review? I saw the Hurst book for $50 at the store, and even read the first couple of chapters. It looked pretty good, but I liked the Kaplan more from the few chapters I browsed through in each book.
), and I'm continuing education immediately this January :) 
... I'm so tired of being broke all of the time!)
obloom14
242 Posts
I passed my boards on the 5th attempt by using only Saunders