how to study or prepare for the NCLEX-PN

I was wondering how did everyone study or prepare for the NCLEX-PN and pass it? Is it possible to pass it by reading and skimming and answering the orange saunders almost 2 inch book saunders comprehensive review book only by yourself and maybe the saunders q and a book? or do i really have to pay $800-1000+ to take classes on the prep and review with an actual instructors? I really only want to save some money. Also there are some web sites learning. ext or kaplan sites?? i dont know how effective they are. but anyhow has anyone just did their own review themself by some means and pass the NCLEX???

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I didn't get my results yet, so I cannot say if this is a good way to go or not. I did want to share my experience. I studied from NCLEX Made Incredibly Easy. I liked the format of the book and felt it was an easy read. I also did Saunders questions (both comprehensive & Q&A) and Kaplan online. In the weeks prior to the exam, I used the learning extension website. I read through a lot of it, but it was a lot of reading. I did all of the exam type questions. It was different from the others, so I felt it gave me a new way to practice.

Two of my friends went to a review class ($700) and both failed their exam at 205. One of my friends just read Saunders & Lippincott - passed with 85. I am not sure what is the best route to go. I will let you know if I ever get my results!

My method was to study one hour a day.. no more than that becuase it becomes jumbled and doesn't stay if you do too much. I used Ealy's NCLEX review CD from the back of the book. I felt that helped because it helped prepare for sitting in front of the computer with NCLEX style questions. I passed at 85 so I'm glad I used this book. If you have areas you know you're weak in Focus on them. Good Luck.

I studied every morning as soon as I got out of bed and made my coffee, using the disk from the Saunders book. One hundred questions and reading all the rationales. Then I studied for about 2 hours every afternoon reading Saunders, NCLEX incredibly Easy, and my drug cards. I had big posters around the house with Lab Values, Deseases, etc.

I passed with 85, but found it rather challanging and dont know if anything I did really helped.