Studying for the NCLEX after 3 years of no nursing

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Hi everyone. I graduated from my nursing school back in 2005, and took the NCLEX-RN around that time. However, I failed, and because of certain circumstances, I never retook the test. I recently re-applied with the California BRN and just received by ATT about a week ago.

I am looking forward to taking this test again, however, I'm a bit reluctant. I feel like I have forgotten everything from nursing school. What do you guys recommend is the best way to study in my case? Should I just get a bunch of NCLEX-RN books and start going over thousands of questions per week? And about how long should I study?

Do you recommend any specific books that worked out great for you?

I'm very eager to start studying, but I feel like I don't know where to start. :p

Thanks for your help in advance!:bowingpur

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Specializes in Med Surg, Telemetry, Long Term Care.

try buying saunders and check suzannes plan..

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HI, well I am in the same boat..I graduated Dec 2005 and just sent my paper work 4 weeks ago so I am waiting for my ATT. I feel overwhelmed at times. I am following 'Suzannes Plan" and I have done a few chapters but I still feel lacking in many areas due to being out of school so long. I regret not taking my NCLEX sooner. I find Saunders to be very good and comprehensive just as Suzanne recommends. I just recommend to stay focused and driven remember if we made it thru nursing school (that alone is a BIG accomplishment) this should not be any more difficult. I just tell myself this everyday, while I wait for my ATT..here in California. Please do not hesitate to communicate with me perhaps we can motivate each other being in the unique position of not having taken Nclex several years after graduating. Thanks, irish6363

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Hey irish6363. Thanks for the words of encouragement. It feels a bit better to know that I'm not the only one in this position. I will try Suzanne's program. From what I've seen on this forum, people are finding her program for resourceful.

We can totally motivate each other. I'm down for that. I'll probably be changing my username though, since I noticed that I have the RN title in there. :p I didn't think about until I had read Suzanne's requirements.

I'll actually be picking up my Saunder's review book during my lunch break. Gotta get my study on sometime!

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Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing.

Sending some inspiration here! I graduated way back 1992, in the Philippines and now I'm 36 yrs old with a 10 yr old and a 2 yr old...I had never practiced nursing here in the US. I took it October last year but failed. I never lost hope and after sometime I decided to study again using Suzanne's Plan. Started January for the first tip and ended just before I took the test again April 18th. I passed with 75Qs. If I can do it, I'm sure you can do it too! Just remember to take it when you are ready and not because you have to on a certain date. Most of all, PRAY for guidance. It really works!!!

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thank you very much, that was very inspiring. You've given me loads of hope!:up:

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Specializes in Home care.

I've been out of school for a while too and I attended a nursing review class called ready to pass, and it was very helpful. For a fee you can attend their class for five days. they review everything you need to know and teach you how to answer nclex question. Also Helen Feurer is also good, they also have a week program and give you homework to take home and at the end of the class, you are required to take a nclex type test. If you can't attend class for a week, they have a home program which is pretty neat. It come with audio and booklets, its worth the money. I have not taken the test yet, but i completed a one week course and its helping me focus on what i need to :nurse:know! Good luck

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hey guys I have a question for those of you doing suzannes plan. I've been coming here and waiting for her response, but i havent gotten any response from her yet. I think I already pmed her twice. Can anyone tell me what's her 2nd tip? I really wana get this done...:mad:

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Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing.
hey guys I have a question for those of you doing suzannes plan. I've been coming here and waiting for her response, but i havent gotten any response from her yet. I think I already pmed her twice. Can anyone tell me what's her 2nd tip? I really wana get this done...:mad:

Suzanne usually sends her 2nd tip every 2 weeks...how long have you pmed her? just be patient. While waiting why don't you brush up on your weak spots or maybe review on meds and infection control...I belong to the April group and just by reading the posts from beginning to end you will have a lot information which is very helpful on your NCLEX preparation. By the way, Suzanne also discourages anyone to discuss her plan in any of the forums. Just wait for it and I tell you its all worth it. GOODLUCK!!!:up:

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oh ok. No wonder why I don't see anyone talking about what she makes you do on her tips on here.. >.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Suzanne will answer just give her time, she works full time and has been a bit busy this last week

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I think Hurst review would be a great refresher course for someone who has been out of nursing school for so long. Go to http://www.hurstreview.com for info. It costs like $300, but I think it's worth it.

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