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! 
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)
