share your experience with SAUNDERS

lough6 · Aug 19, 2008

Just took the nclex on saturday and used Saunders only. I also read here that the questions on the cd are easy compared to nclex. I found that even though this was true, the rationales were what made the difference for me. Just read all the rationales, even for the ones you get right. It is how you learn to think through the question and why you picked (or didn't pick) a certain answer. This is what helped me determine the right answer on the actual nclex. The strategies are also reinforced, so if you get a question that you have no idea about, at least you have them to back you up.

MrsAmesRN · Aug 19, 2008

How many times did you do the cd? I did more then 80% of the cd and now I'm starting all over again but i keep forgetting everything. Did this happen to u 2?

I started using the CD when I was in the 2nd semester of nursing. So I really couldn't say how many times I used it--hundreds! I usually studied 1 subject area at a time. I was told if I consistantly scored around 80% on the practice tests and quizzes I'd probably pass NCLEX. I felt like I didn't know anything, but I did pass. So maybe they were right about that 80%. There's soooo much info, you're never going to know or remember it all. So try not to stress yourself too much because you don't know or remember everything. I know, easier said than done! Like someone else said, just make sure you understand basic physiology. Always remember ABC's--and in that order (for questions like who would you see 1st: if someone is bleeding out and someone else is having difficulty breathing, you take care of the SOA pt 1st). And always keep in mind pt safety. I guess those were the "words of wisdom" people told me, and they seemed to work.

Oh, I have heard that they are putting more and more pharmacology questions on the test. I only remember having a few. Some were math questions, so make sure you know how to do that.

One last thing to remember, common sense. Sometimes, it's easy to get wrapped up in those test questions and forget to just use some common sense (it was for me anyway:bugeyes:).

Do you have a test date scheduled yet?

MrsAmesRN · Aug 19, 2008

Just took the nclex on saturday and used Saunders only. I also read here that the questions on the cd are easy compared to nclex. I found that even though this was true, the rationales were what made the difference for me. Just read all the rationales, even for the ones you get right. It is how you learn to think through the question and why you picked (or didn't pick) a certain answer. This is what helped me determine the right answer on the actual nclex. The strategies are also reinforced, so if you get a question that you have no idea about, at least you have them to back you up.

I agree. This helped me too.

smartypant · Aug 20, 2008

I started using the CD when I was in the 2nd semester of nursing. So I really couldn't say how many times I used it--hundreds! I usually studied 1 subject area at a time. I was told if I consistantly scored around 80% on the practice tests and quizzes I'd probably pass NCLEX. I felt like I didn't know anything, but I did pass. So maybe they were right about that 80%. There's soooo much info, you're never going to know or remember it all. So try not to stress yourself too much because you don't know or remember everything. I know, easier said than done! Like someone else said, just make sure you understand basic physiology. Always remember ABC's--and in that order (for questions like who would you see 1st: if someone is bleeding out and someone else is having difficulty breathing, you take care of the SOA pt 1st). And always keep in mind pt safety. I guess those were the "words of wisdom" people told me, and they seemed to work.
Oh, I have heard that they are putting more and more pharmacology questions on the test. I only remember having a few. Some were math questions, so make sure you know how to do that.
One last thing to remember, common sense. Sometimes, it's easy to get wrapped up in those test questions and forget to just use some common sense (it was for me anyway:bugeyes:).
Do you have a test date scheduled yet?

what do you mean by SOA

sweetmya · Aug 20, 2008

I started using the CD when I was in the 2nd semester of nursing. So I really couldn't say how many times I used it--hundreds! I usually studied 1 subject area at a time. I was told if I consistantly scored around 80% on the practice tests and quizzes I'd probably pass NCLEX. I felt like I didn't know anything, but I did pass. So maybe they were right about that 80%. There's soooo much info, you're never going to know or remember it all. So try not to stress yourself too much because you don't know or remember everything. I know, easier said than done! Like someone else said, just make sure you understand basic physiology. Always remember ABC's--and in that order (for questions like who would you see 1st: if someone is bleeding out and someone else is having difficulty breathing, you take care of the SOA pt 1st). And always keep in mind pt safety. I guess those were the "words of wisdom" people told me, and they seemed to work.
Oh, I have heard that they are putting more and more pharmacology questions on the test. I only remember having a few. Some were math questions, so make sure you know how to do that.
One last thing to remember, common sense. Sometimes, it's easy to get wrapped up in those test questions and forget to just use some common sense (it was for me anyway:bugeyes:).
Do you have a test date scheduled yet?

Hey, thanks! This helps me out a lot. Ya, I do have a test date scheduled which is on sep 25th. Is this enough time to study the entire cd?

MrsAmesRN · Aug 20, 2008

Hey, thanks! This helps me out a lot. Ya, I do have a test date scheduled which is on sep 25th. Is this enough time to study the entire cd?

It depends on how much time you have open to study. (like between work, kids, etc) I think you've got enough time; I doubt seriously you'll ever feel like you're really ready. But at some point, you've got to go for it. Try to think positive----you can do it:anpom: (I'm cheering for you!)

MrsAmesRN · Aug 20, 2008

what do you mean by SOA

SOA=shortness of air. We used to just say SOB (shortness of breath), but can't say that anymore. They say because when patient's would see SOB in their charts, they would get upset because they thought they were being called a bad name. Personally, I have a hard time believing someone would actually think that, but whatever...I'm sure it made some idiot feel good to come up with that crap.

WindyhillBSN · Aug 21, 2008

I did Suzanne4s first tip and then did over 3000Q on the CD, reading ALL of the rationales. My scores were from 68-86%, 100Q per day. I found that the content covered, was the exact content asked on NCLEX-RN. I also went on the CDCs website to learn about infection control. Then, I read the Kaplan 08/09 strategy book. I passed w/ 75Q. :nurse:

necc2008 · Aug 21, 2008

The Saunders CD isnt that great and it repeats a lot of questions. The book is very good for content review. I'm using that and Lippincott Q & A Ninth Edition. Its got tons of questions that are more challenging than Saunders. Good luck studying!!

epoy · Aug 21, 2008

i have the saunders Q and A 3rd ed.

do i need to buy the comprehensive book 4th ed?

are they the same?

thanks

Walking N2 MyDestiny · Aug 21, 2008

I did Suzanne4s first tip and then did over 3000Q on the CD, reading ALL of the rationales. My scores were from 68-86%, 100Q per day. I found that the content covered, was the exact content asked on NCLEX-RN. I also went on the CDCs website to learn about infection control. Then, I read the Kaplan 08/09 strategy book. I passed w/ 75Q.

How long did it take you to prepare?

Silverdragon102, BSN · Aug 21, 2008

i have the saunders Q and A 3rd ed.
do i need to buy the comprehensive book 4th ed?
are they the same?
thanks

They are not the same.