18 yrs post BSN - NCLEX RN passed on 2nd try!

Published

It's official! I took NCLEX RN for second time on Dec 17 and passed! My name appeared on CABON website this morning. As promised, here's how I studied. It's a long post. Hopefully, this will help others.

I would recommend you find the RIGHT book that best fits your learning type before making the purchase. Also, I cannot stress enough to answer as many questions as you can.

Good luck and God Bless! :up:

Materials I used:

I came upon MaryAnn Hogan's book and went to B&N to browse through it. Formatting of the book fit my type of learning and decided to purchase it. Granted, I already have Saunders, PDA, Kaplan 2012-2013 Strategies, NCLEX 10,000, Exam Cram, Hurst (2 books) and also did NCSBN. I attended live Kaplan and Hurst in 2010 as well. (yes, 2010 2 years ago and took the exam initially on in June 2011 and again Dec 17, 2012)

How I studied:

1.) MaryAnn Hogan's Pearson Reviews & Rationales: Comprehensive Review for NCLEX-RN, (013262107X), Mary Ann Hogan, Textbooks - Barnes & Noble. I like the fact that I can retake unlimited number of tests online for each client needs based on my diagnostic pre-test result. And the good thing is...access is good for a year from time I activated. It's similar to NCSBN but a little more structured, in my opinion. The online questions are great and thought-provoking. Makes you really use critical thinking skills. I get frustrated here and there because of higher level questions having VERY similar answer choices.

Here's excerpt from Hogan study plan:

"The Client Needs study plan will help you focus on and master the eight Client Need outcomes covered on the NCLEX-RN® exam. To begin, complete the 100 question Diagnostic Pretest. Based on the results of your pretest, you will be assigned a study activity, a self test quiz, and links to the eText for each Client Need outcome for which you need additional study."

"For those who want to prepare for the NCLEX-RN®, taking multiple practice tests online will help you become more familiar with the computer-based testing experience, especially for the new alternate item formats such as audio, media-enhanced, hot spot, and exhibit questions. With this new edition, use the code printed inside the front cover of the book to access more than 5,600 practice questions using all NCLEX®-style formats. This includes the practice questions found in all chapters of the book as well as the comprehensive exam questions. Plus, it contains 4,000 NEW question to help you further evaluate your readiness for the exam and hone your test-taking skills. This allows you to choose two ways to prepare for the NCLEX-RN®. Both approaches personalize your practice experience according to what stage you are at in your NCLEX® preparation."

2.) I followed the study plan religiously and re-read the section if my score fell below 75% then retake the exam. I would also answer questions on the same client needs category using PDA and NCLEX 10,000. I would also refer to other books just in case I need a little more clarity or detailed explanation about a disease process, nursing management, medication, etc. Yeah, this is definitely my OCD kicking in However, since I graduated eons of years ago, I need all the help I can get. As Aunt Marlene would say, "must know it without a doubt and without hesitation."

3.) Once I've mastered Cardiovascular for example, then I would move on to the next chapter listed on my study plan. There were some chapters that I simply browsed through. But studied heavily on cardio, endocrine, maternity, pediatrics, burns, GI, Infection control. I also completed PDA La Charity as I go through each chapter based on my reading.

4.) Before and after reading each chapter, I would answer questions just to familiarize myself with how the questions are worded, understanding what the question is asking, etc. Then when I start reading the chapter, I find it easier to comprehend and retain the information.

5.) As I go through each chapter, I write down the disease, its definition, s/s, nurse teachings, meds, etc, etc. Hogan's book has this all laid out neatly. Since my brain is old, I needed to write down KEY concepts for better retention.

6.) Answer questions after questions after questions! A definite MUST! Understand why you chose the correct answer and also research what made you choose the incorrect answer. This will help with critical thinking. I have to admit, this process was tedious! But I had to do it.

7.) Kaplan NCLEX-PN 2012-2013 Strategies, Practice, and Review (Kaplan Nclex-Pn Exam): Kaplan: 9781609785666: Amazon.com: Books made it all come together for me. I read this book cover to cover 2 weeks (no skipping pages) before my exam and answered ALL the questions without looking at the answer key. Then I read rationales and made sure I understood WHY I chose the incorrect answer.

8.) I prayed and asked for patience, perseverance and guidance.

9.) Read through study guide NOT endorsed by AN several times.

10.) Also, gnjoy posted what's called "SAARE Method" [COLOR=#003366]https://allnurses.com/nclex-discussio...537-page5.html.

Stable versus Unstable

Acute versus Chronic

ABCs

Real versus Potential

Expected vs Unexpected....

during my exam..when nclex asked me to pick the least stable patient...i analyzed each of this patients next to the SAARE method...

and said

Is this patient:

Stable versus Unstable (u would of course pick the unstable patient based on the choices given)

Acute versus Chronic (does the patient have an acute condition or chronic...chronic can wait..acute is NOW)

ABCs (ABCs is priority....no need to explain this one)

Real versus Potential (is patient having a real problem now or potential problem...fixed the REAL problem NOW)

Expected vs Unexpected.... (does the patient nclex gave u have an expected or unexpected outcome...for least stable patient..u will pick the unexpected action)

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Wow, this is very helpful I copied paste but will this be good for PN? Wondering if you receive ASN and take the nclex rn do you still have to take the nclex rn for BSN?

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Forgot to ask, did you look at my response on the other discussion?

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Wow, this is very helpful I copied paste but will this be good for PN? Wondering if you receive ASN and take the nclex rn do you still have to take the nclex rn for BSN?

Not sure what ASN is or what constitute a PN program. I graduated from a BSN program and took NCLEX RN which is the exam to get licensed as a registered nurse.

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Not sure what ASN is or what constitute a PN program. I graduated from a BSN program and took NCLEX RN which is the exam to get licensed as a registered nurse.

ASN - Associates degree in nursing = RN

PN - Practical nursing program = LPN

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Well, I had been told that if you bridge from LPN to associates in nursing once you take the nclex rn that the remaining degrees BSN/MSN do not require the nclex examination. Because the nurse has taken the nclex rn which is the same for BSN. This is what has been said but its hear say I just wanted to know if that is true.

PN focuses on funamental skills and data collection, implantation in the nurse process. Though PN's do assist in some functioning with the RN in Dx and outcome assessments. This varies from clinic to clinic as well as hospitals. Some faculties use LPNs more as a CNA, as other companies equal them to RN's. All depends where a nurse works. They say LPNs are soon to either become a two year associate degree and bump ASN to a mandatory BSN or eliminate LPNs and CNAs take their place with additional training under med techs. Either way the system changes I am aiming for the MSN to escape the hoop la. There is no way our medical system can go without nurses. They may decrease MD's but nurses are a must and the best secure job in the world.

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I have much to learn about these different programs. Thanks for clarifying.That's great you're looking into MSN! All the best to you and your endeavors!

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I made a mistake on an other comment when I said I have a BSN I have bachelors in science. I orginally was going onto a different medical profession when I saw that LPNs can transfer into a bridge. I would spend a short time receiving my register nursing degree through online classes because of my completion prerequisites. I choose LPN mainly to work while continuing my education but it was more difficult than I expected passing the nclex exam.

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Congrats!

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Congrats!
Thank you!
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Congrats a RN license is the best gift you could get this Christmas!! :)

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Congrats a RN license is the best gift you could get this Christmas!! :)
Thank you! Now I can go back to having a life. I isolated myself this past 4 1/2 months. Happy holidays to you and your family!
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