I :redbeathe this site. I have been reading a lot of posts and am becoming more nervous. It seems like everyone that is passing the new NCLEX has taken a Kaplan course. I am currently studyin ATI, the LaCharity book, Kaplan Stategies guide, and Saunders (3rd Ed.- Can't afford the new one). I am doing about 100 questions a day. Is there any hope?
caliotter3 38,333 Posts Jun 7, 2010 The majority of successful people state they took no review course, they studied on their own and passed.
precious2HimRNBSN 29 Posts Specializes in Pediatrics - hoping to get into the NICU. Jun 7, 2010 I'm studying for NCLEX-RN right now as well, i will take my test in july, and I can't afford Kaplan either.....I m studying on my own. I am using LaCharity, Saunders 4th ed comprehensive book and the Q&A book. I pray I pass.....I know God didnt bring me this far for nothing. Also, I am trying to stay postitive as I go through this process.
sans33 57 Posts Specializes in surgical. Jun 7, 2010 I didn't take any courses, just studied on my own with few reveiw books and succeded in first try,,hope you will too
jenn8500 121 Posts Jun 7, 2010 I'm not doing kaplan either... way too expensive.. definately don't have an extra $600.00 lying around..I purchased the reviews for nurses program which was much cheaper and I'm also studying on my own doing lots of practice questions. Good luck to everyone!
JenniferSews 657 Posts Specializes in Professional Development Specialist. Jun 7, 2010 I signed up for it, but didn't end up taking it. I studied on my own and passed just fine in 75 questions.
wannabHishands 193 Posts Jun 8, 2010 I think it's really a personal choice... and knowing where your weaknesses are. Me, I get tripped up talking myself OUT of answers just as often as I figure them out. I graduated summa cum laude from an awesome nursing school, so I CAN do it, but I am a chronic overthinker, and I feel better taking Kaplan. Is it expensive? Yes, but so is losing the position I have waiting for me, or at least having to wait 3 months=10, 000 dollars lost until I can take it again.I know plenty of people who HAVE taken it, even just for confidence reasons. I also know plenty of people who didn't take Kaplan and say that it wasn't necessary. I think it depends on the practice/training you had in school, too.Good luck, whichever you choose!
Epona 784 Posts Jun 8, 2010 It all depends on the person. I for one, was not good at ANSWERING the NCLEX type questions. I HAD THE KNOWLEDGE, but the questions were tricky for me. I KNEW THIS. My school gave us a HURST review, and then a family member PAID for me to take Kaplan. I knew I needed help with the question format. I took both and passed FIRST TIME out. You have to KNOW yourself and what your strengths are. Only then can you determine what a good studying strategy is for you. GOOD LUCK!
GamecockNewGrad 6 Posts Jun 8, 2010 Thanks everyone for your comments...I'm not going to to take Kaplan. I prayed about it and I am just going to use the materials I listed above. Alot of my friends that graduated with me did not take Kaplan and passed just the same. They told me to know infection control stuff backways and frontways. I take boards June 23rd. Pray for me !!! :)
