Someone help me...I'm in NCLEX HE$$

Scrubmouse RN · Jul 13, 2011

I've heard that review courses such as Kaplan and Hurst are helpful. Personally, I didn't take any review courses instead I studied from my Saunder's book and practiced NCLEX questions on my ipad on my down time. Take time to read the rationale and know why the wrong answers are wrong. Aim to do about a hundred questions or so a day. If it sounds like a lot then do as many as you possibly can, but do not stress yourself out. Stress initiates the sympathetic nervous system and then you're in a panic mode where your brain isn't receiving information well. Good luck to you!

Kazza, MSN, RN · Jul 13, 2011

All you need is the Hurst Review, you need to understand your CORE CONTENT. You can read your Saunders Comprehensive, but if you do not understand how to apply it, then you will never get it. Also, to have someone explain it to you, makes it that much easier.

With the Hurst Review, she is very good at telling you exactly what you need to know to pass NCLEX-RN, you wont need to read unnecessary information.

All you need is Hurst Review, Saunders Comprehensive and LaCharity P/D/A........listen to Hurst videos repeatedly, and I am telling you, you will be successful on your next attempt.

Keep us posted............

somewhereoutthere · Jul 13, 2011

Thanks for the help. I have done Kaplan and I'm afraid to do it again for fear of recalling previous questions answered. I will look into Hurst. Someone else recommended ATI.

somewhereoutthere · Jul 13, 2011

All you need is the Hurst Review, you need to understand your CORE CONTENT. You can read your Saunders Comprehensive, but if you do not understand how to apply it, then you will never get it. Also, to have someone explain it to you, makes it that much easier.
With the Hurst Review, she is very good at telling you exactly what you need to know to pass NCLEX-RN, you wont need to read unnecessary information.
All you need is Hurst Review, Saunders Comprehensive and LaCharity P/D/A........listen to Hurst videos repeatedly, and I am telling you, you will be successful on your next attempt.
Keep us posted............

Is Hurst comparable to Kaplan? And are all these books sold seperately? Thanks for the advice :)

Kazza, MSN, RN · Jul 13, 2011

If you need to understand your Core Content, and to understand what NCLEX is asking in its question, then you need HURST REVIEW, if you are in need of strategies, then Kaplan is the way to go. However, I feel you get both of these from Hurst, but her main thing is knowing your content, then even if you have never heard of what the question is asking, you can still arrive at a safe answer.

These are all sold separately, you should have had the LaCharity book, as that covers your Prioritization, Delegation and Assignment, which is a very big part of NCLEX-RN right now. You are doing yourself a disservice if you go into your test without at least doing the first 15 chapters in that book.

I do not know anything about ATI, but I can tell you what works, coming from someone who took the test a couple times before I passed last week.

I hope this helps........try not to confuse yourself with too many resources and trying to find the answer in every book. You have to give the material a chance to work, as well as you have to put the work in.

Get Hurst, watch the videos, and what you are weak in, go to your Saunders Comprehensive and reinforce what you watched. After 6-8 weeks, then start working out of the LaCharity book. Also, if you are weak on SATA's, get a book entirely on the Alternative Format questions and practice.

It all comes down to how badly you want this and how much work you put in.

Always bet on yourself to win, you can do this with a little dedication, persistence and hard work!!!!

somewhereoutthere · Jul 13, 2011

Kazza- I do want this. I'm not sure what state you live in but I spoke with my professor last Friday and she fears they may not allow me to test again. I am willing to put in the work. She suggested ATI only because in Indiana alot of the schools are incorporating this program into their curriculum. ATI comes with a personal tutor so to speak. I just want to make the right choice so when I stand before the board of nursing they will be pleased with what I have done and give me one last chance vs sending me back to school. I am trying to compare Hurst with ATI at the moment. I know I need some content as well strategy and definately some relaxation techniques. I appreciate your advice and I am so glad you finally passed your boards. :) I do not have the LaCharity book. That would have been nice for sure

linsmirn · Jul 13, 2011

I havent heard good things about ATI, the two most popular is Hurst and Kaplan. Im using Saunders and answering practice questions, so far its working for me. I dont understand why your state has a limit on how many times you can take it. For what I know you can take the test as many times it take to pass but after 3 you have to take a remedial course. Call your state BON instead of listening to your intructor. Good luck

Tree525 · Jul 13, 2011

Kazza, I couldn't have said it better myself. I used Hurst as well and I can't say enough good things about this review. It brings you to a whole new level of understanding and it has certainly made me more confident with my knowledge as a fresh RN.

somewhereoutthere · Jul 13, 2011

I dont understand why the state would put a limit on it either. It makes no sense. You would think they would want to help you rather than tell you "too bad"

Kazza, MSN, RN · Jul 13, 2011

Here in TX, it is not the amount of times that you take the test, but the length of time you have been out of school or practice, so here in TX if you have not practiced for 4yrs, you will need to do a remedial course before being allowed to take the boards.

It all comes down to what you feel comfortable with, Nursing is all about taking information in, but deciding for yourself what is right for your patient and best practice. Not because ATI is being incorporated into the school curriculum, means it will work for you.

If you want a leaning/teaching tool that is easy to follow, HURST is the way to go, it works. I did Kaplan, and I didnt find it helpful.

I have given you my humbled opinion, and as a foreign graduate who struggled to pass, all you need to pass is HURST, Saunders Comprehensive and LaCharity and maybe an Alternative Format book, to give yourself the best possible chance to pass.

All the best......stay focused.

caliotter3 · Jul 15, 2011

Is there any way you could apply for a license elsewhere, take the test, pass, and have that state license endorsed to your state? Some states are not so strict and it seems a shame that you have to go through the added stress of begging the board to allow you to retest.