Your top study materials for NCLEX?

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Hi, ya'll! Just trying to figure out the best books to use for my studies for NCLEX! I know Kaplan's course is really good, but our of my price range. Would it be worth just purchasing the course book? I also hear that the LaCharity Prioritization, Delegation, and Assignment is really good. I am planning to take the NCLEX next month:redbeathe. What do you guys think is the best approach?

Thanks for your input!! :)

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Hi sparkle,

I absolutely HATE Kaplan. Failed twice with it, when (according to their interpretation of scores) I should have passed. I then switched to Davis 2010 Q&A, PDA (a MUST), and the infection control mnemonic on this website...passed at 75.

I don't have Davis anymore, but it's either that book or Saunders that you can find the same strategies as in Kaplan, save for the trademarked Decision Tree...I ditched that, too, for my third try.

You have to find what works for you, but I would HIGHLY recommend just focusing on answering questions and understanding why the correct answer is correct and why the incorrect answers are incorrect. All the best!

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resources i used..... Kaplan was expensive $499 but well worth it b/c it had application questions.... Lacharity is a must ....i also used saunders q and a and nclex 4000 CD helped me.... saunders questions were NOT application type for me but it helped with content review.................. Also make sure u print out the detailed test plan for the nclex to help plan your study.....i used the kaplan/nclex 4000 cd diagnostic test to find my weak areas and worked from there..... I took my test april 26 and passed with 75 questions... Memorize lab values....memorize the infecton ctrl mneonics ....lacarity has select all that apply questions which is good practice for the nclex...and a piece of advice for everyone...read the preface/intro for lacharity...lots of valuable info there

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Hi sparkle,

I absolutely HATE Kaplan. Failed twice with it, when (according to their interpretation of scores) I should have passed. I then switched to Davis 2010 Q&A, PDA (a MUST), and the infection control mnemonic on this website...passed at 75.

I don't have Davis anyer that book or Saunders that you can find the same strategies as in Kaplan, save for the trademarked Decision Tree...I ditched

You have to find what works for you, but I would HIGHLY recommend just focusing on answering questions and understanding why the correct answer is correct and why the incorrect answers are incorrect. All the best!

as u said everyone is different......i absolutely loved kaplan and their decision tree....even though my overall qbank score was 53 percent...i felt comfortable taking my nclex the second time b/c all i needed was to tweek my test taking skills...i love the decision tree...lol...best 499 dollars i have ever spent....and kaplan course book was great
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Many people are successful using Saunders Comprehensive Review, the LaCharity book on prioritization, and the Kaplan review book for test strategies.

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what is PDA

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Prioritization, Delegation, and Assignment : )

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Specializes in Paediatrics.

I put all my $$$ on Kaplan instead of Hurst (there was no way I can review a little bit of everything in 2 months). I passed after 75 questions in 45 mins. Anything Kaplan is good; questions are hard. LaCharity I used also, wonderful investment. I went through the book twice.

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I did the Hurst review (loved it), I was given the Kaplan course book with CD from my friend who swore by it: that is all she used to study. I also did Saunders CD and NCLEX 4000. I basically did questions every day, and reviewed the Hurst material.

It worked!!! Took the test Wed and computer shut off at 75 (of course I freaked out!) Found out today I PASSED, I am an RN!!! :w00t::w00t: :dncgbby::anpom::anpom::anpom::anpom:(sorry im so beyond excited Im bursting!! )

I think the most important thing is to be positive...BELIEVE IN YOURSELF and your ability. We have all been preparing for this test since the first day of nursing school! You all know the material now apply it. The day before...relax, sit on the couch watch crappy tv and don't think! Good luck to all!!

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Thanks for your input, everyone! And congrats on everyone who has passed thus far, esp NurseNelly!:yeah:

Do you all think that just answering questions for studying would be enough, without studying "content"? Would reviewing the rationales be enough content review?

As for Kaplan,would I get what I needed with just the course book, without the actual $499 course? Just trying to save some $ after all I've spent on nursing school, lol!!

~sparklegirl

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Hi Sparkle,

If you know your content very well you should be ok with Q&A; but it would not hurt to review as if it was your first time - that is what I am doing as it is my third time. Good Luck.

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