TIPS/Info for passing NCLEX

Nurse Eva · Sep 11, 2005

Thanks Moe! I will be taking my Nclex (I'm embarrassed to say) for the 5 th and hopefully last time!! I'm a Candian Nurse..who aced the Canadians..but seem to bomb big-time with the American test. God-Bless! ..Eva :)

UOTE=UHRN2004]Aloha,:)

Thanks so much for all this information!! I am graduating Dec. 2004 with BSN, and wanted to know the best way to study, and you have answered so many of my questions!! I did want to know though, did you take the KAPLAN online course, or did you take the course offered "in-person" lectures?? I know that I want to take the NCLEX sometime in Feb. 2005, I want to study and prepare myself well. Any advice on what field of nursing a new grad should look into?? There are many programs in Hawaii, but I don't know if I should start out in Med-surg or just go right into the specialty areas. Any help would be great.

Mahalo again,

UHRN2004

ABENA · Sep 21, 2005

HI KATE,

MY NAME IS ABENA AND I'M RN FROM GHANA WEST AFRICA. I HAVE REGISTERED WITH A BOARD TO TAKE THE EXAMS. I HAVE SAUNDERS AND LIPPINCOTT FOR NCLEX EXAM BUT IF YOU COULD SEND ME A COPY OF THE NCLEX 3000 CD ROM, I WILL BE VERY GRATEFUL. PLEASE LET ME HERE FROM YOU SOON. THANK YOU :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

Hi, I had used Saunders, Lippincott, and the NCLEX 3000 CD. I felt that the books were beneficial because I could take them with me and study if I had a moment or find a comfortable place to review. The CDs were good because I could take practice tests and see what the rationales were immediately after answering the question. I found that method of studyng (paying attention to rationales) to be most helpful. The CD ROM also allowed me to practice what it was like to test on the computer. I felt prepared for the test when I went in, but once I came out I was so unsure of everything (as is the response from most test-takers). There was a class my school offered that reviewed systems and went over test-taking strategies. It lasted the entire last semester and we had to do anywhere between 100-200 questions per week over 14 weeks time in addition to our regular studying. Research shows hat those who practice at least 3000 quetions or so have higher chances of passing the NCLEX. Some people say they underestimated the test, so it may be helpful to over do it with the studying so you go in ready to do your best.
My test covered all areas (Peds, Maternity, Geriatric) and all topics (Neuro, Endocrine, etc). I feel like studying insulin and other endocrine issues was beneficial. Also, really focus on questions that deal with prioritizing patients and recognizing what should be done first in emergent situations. Really, you can get any kind of question on any topic, but those were some areas that were helpful in my preparation.
I hope this helps. I can send you the Lippincott book in case you're interested and I think I have the NCLEX 3000 CD here as well...anything to help a fellow nurse. Best wishes. :)

suzanne4, RN · Sep 21, 2005

As a foreign-trained nurse, your best bet is the Saunder's Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN. They do the best job of explaining the rationales behind each and every answer. This is more important than the questions themselves, and hands-down they are the best. I prepare foreign nurses all of the time for the exam, and this is the only book that I recommend.............

Palexa3934 · Sep 21, 2005

I just found out that I failed my boards to and I was sick to my stomach. Do u recommend the hurst review?

I took and failed the nclex in 3/05 and i am retaking the test on 5/7/05. i am currently taking the hurst review online and i am finding it to be a really good review. Has anyone else used or heard of the hurst review? Does anyone know if the nclex exam was making any changes in 4/05?
ma

suzanne4, RN · Sep 21, 2005

I just replied to your other post. Please see that.

TmeRN · Sep 23, 2005

Hi,
To everyone who passed recent nclex-rn, can you please share what helped you best (cd's, printed materials, etc..) ? Where to focus? and how did you study/prepare?
thanks... this will help a lot of us who are scheduled to take the exams soon

I took the Kaplan NCLEX review. It was a good review, but I dont think it was the reason I passed my boards. I used their CD and did many many questions. Overall I felt like NCLEX isnt really a test you can sit down and study for. It tests your overall knowledge,critical thinking and judgement. Alot of prioritization! I reviewed lab values, and math which was a waste of time in regards to taking the test. My suggestion is this....get a good night sleep, eat a good breakfast, relax and remind yourself that you know the information you are being tested on-you learned it, its in there. Good luck!

gutym · Sep 26, 2005

Took the NCLEX in June 2005, and found it to be nothing of what I was expecting. I used Saunders, Lippincot, and a program called (can't remember off hand, will fill in later) but I also studied my major text for Med-Surg. I had found this site and others where persons passed on their views. From all that researching here was my plan.

1. Study, study, study -- did about 3500-4500 questions in all, from the books, for on-liane and type in practice nclex and there is a site that will test your knowledge for free-use search engine "www.overture.com". Just do as many questions as is possible.

2. Studied 1-3 hours a day prior to two-weeks before taking the test. Tried to go over 1-2 meds per day, starting one month prior to test, just went over and over.

3. Last two weeks before the test, I locked everyone and everything out--just me and the books to study with.

4. Studied lots on diabetes, CVA, heart, shock, prioritizing, basic nursing skills, BCLS, geriatric nursing, and meds.

5. Did questions, practice test, repeat, repeat and most of all read the answers all the time.

6. Plan for test was given we had 5-1/2 hours I think or six I had heard that alot of people had it shut off on 75 questions and had passed. Everyone stated first question would be the most important question, as if you get it right the next question is harder, get it wrong and the next is easier as the test is used to find a line between right and wrong, not how many can you get right. By finding where you right/wrong line is they compare it to others that have passed, and then the fun begins. If at 75 questions your line is at the or above the level of those whom have passed then your done, if not it continues until it establishes where it thinks your right/wrong answer line is, and that could be at 300 questions...then all the rules change..can't go in to all of this but there is info available.

So my plan was to take my time on the first 75 questions, then if it didn't shut-off I would have to rush. Test is not about how many right so if you don't finish it has no bearing on pass/fail. Luckily at 2-3/4 hours I finished 75 questions and it shut off---Did I feel like I passed-no I FELT NUMB, but I did pass and I feel that jsut studying helped me. I felt is was really hard and made you think, you choose the right answer after considering all the factors, choose and hope! It is over and I can only wish you luck. I Had lots of prioritizing, just lots and it took into account everything else. Do study AIDS/HIV too! Also as it relates to the family members. Good luckski to one and all! You'll all pass and then practice, best of luck in your futures. Remember---kindness is the key, and your are the arm that turns it--don't forget to turn, become to tired to turn, or forget to praise othrs that turn it too. Be positive and want to make a difference and you will!!! Please excuse my typing errors, Mikey.

ABENA · Sep 26, 2005

HELLO MIKEY,

THANKS FOR THE ADVISE AND YOUR WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT. I'M VERY HAPPY FOR YOU AND I HOPE TO LET YOU NO WHAT HAPPENS TO ME AS SOON AS I FINISH THE EXAMS. I NO I WILL PASS WITH 75 QUESTIONS. THANKS SO MUCH AND GOOD LUCK IN YOUR PRATICE :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

Took the NCLEX in June 2005, and found it to be nothing of what I was expecting. I used Saunders, Lippincot, and a program called (can't remember off hand, will fill in later) but I also studied my major text for Med-Surg. I had found this site and others where persons passed on their views. From all that researching here was my plan.
1. Study, study, study -- did about 3500-4500 questions in all, from the books, for on-liane and type in practice nclex and there is a site that will test your knowledge for free-use search engine "www.overture.com". Just do as many questions as is possible.
2. Studied 1-3 hours a day prior to two-weeks before taking the test. Tried to go over 1-2 meds per day, starting one month prior to test, just went over and over.
3. Last two weeks before the test, I locked everyone and everything out--just me and the books to study with.
4. Studied lots on diabetes, CVA, heart, shock, prioritizing, basic nursing skills, BCLS, geriatric nursing, and meds.
5. Did questions, practice test, repeat, repeat and most of all read the answers all the time.
6. Plan for test was given we had 5-1/2 hours I think or six I had heard that alot of people had it shut off on 75 questions and had passed. Everyone stated first question would be the most important question, as if you get it right the next question is harder, get it wrong and the next is easier as the test is used to find a line between right and wrong, not how many can you get right. By finding where you right/wrong line is they compare it to others that have passed, and then the fun begins. If at 75 questions your line is at the or above the level of those whom have passed then your done, if not it continues until it establishes where it thinks your right/wrong answer line is, and that could be at 300 questions...then all the rules change..can't go in to all of this but there is info available.
So my plan was to take my time on the first 75 questions, then if it didn't shut-off I would have to rush. Test is not about how many right so if you don't finish it has no bearing on pass/fail. Luckily at 2-3/4 hours I finished 75 questions and it shut off---Did I feel like I passed-no I FELT NUMB, but I did pass and I feel that jsut studying helped me. I felt is was really hard and made you think, you choose the right answer after considering all the factors, choose and hope! It is over and I can only wish you luck. I Had lots of prioritizing, just lots and it took into account everything else. Do study AIDS/HIV too! Also as it relates to the family members. Good luckski to one and all! You'll all pass and then practice, best of luck in your futures. Remember---kindness is the key, and your are the arm that turns it--don't forget to turn, become to tired to turn, or forget to praise othrs that turn it too. Be positive and want to make a difference and you will!!! Please excuse my typing errors, Mikey.

lady_inred, BSN, RN · Sep 28, 2005

Hi..i just took the exam last sept 24,and right now,im still waiting for the result coz california dont participate on this quick result thing.Bad,huh?!

Anyhow,the review materials that helped me a lot is kaplan,saunders,and lippincott...i kept practicing with the questions and reviewing the rationales everyday!I studied to a minimum of 300 questions 3weeks before my exam,i didnt studied the books bec it makes me sleepy:o...well,whatever works for you,right???...i was able to reach until 110 and the comp shuts down..

Wish me luck!!

Hi,
To everyone who passed recent nclex-rn, can you please share what helped you best (cd's, printed materials, etc..) ? Where to focus? and how did you study/prepare?
thanks... this will help a lot of us who are scheduled to take the exams soon

ABENA · Sep 28, 2005

HELLO LADY, I HOPE AND BELIEVE IN MY HEART THAT YOU HAVE PASSED. THANKS FOR THE ADVISE AND HOPE TO DO AS YOU SAID. ALL THE BEST AND YOUR SUCCESS IS ON THE WAY.

CONGRATULATIONS :balloons: :balloons: :balloons: :balloons: :balloons:

Hi..i just took the exam last sept 24,and right now,im still waiting for the result coz california dont participate on this quick result thing.Bad,huh?!
Anyhow,the review materials that helped me a lot is kaplan,saunders,and lippincott...i kept practicing with the questions and reviewing the rationales everyday!I studied to a minimum of 300 questions 3weeks before my exam,i didnt studied the books bec it makes me sleepy:o...well,whatever works for you,right???...i was able to reach until 110 and the comp shuts down..
Wish me luck!!

lady_inred, BSN, RN · Sep 28, 2005

Hope my info will help you..though,im not sure if i should be giving advices when i dont know the result of my exam YET!But,i'll be glad to help in any way i could.

Well,just spare those 3weeks prior to your exam to a grueling review and study,don't think of any other things but that.It will help you more to know the normal laboratory values too.

Hope for the best...have a nice day!!

HELLO LADY, I HOPE AND BELIEVE IN MY HEART THAT YOU HAVE PASSED. THANKS FOR THE ADVISE AND HOPE TO DO AS YOU SAID. ALL THE BEST AND YOUR SUCCESS IS ON THE WAY.
CONGRATULATIONS :balloons: :balloons: :balloons: :balloons: :balloons:

lady_inred, BSN, RN · Sep 28, 2005

What's hurst review????I just took nclex exam last sept 24,though i still didnt know the result since im in california,no quick result here,as ive heard...well,the review materials that helped me a lot are saunders,kaplan & lippincott..just practice and practice on those test questions everday to a minimum of 300 questions everyday 3 weeks prior to your exam...it kind of help me in preparing for the exam,hope it will work with you too.And last but not the least,PRAYERS is the best.:)

Wish me luck!!!

I just found out that I failed my boards to and I was sick to my stomach. Do u recommend the hurst review?