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Hello Everyone,

I had a great question regarding passing the Nclex! As I promised, I will try to catch up with all of the questions, and once I get caught up, I will try and answer more =).

Anyway, here is the question regarding studying for the Nclex and getting licensed:

Hi Sarah,
Congratulations on your accomplishment!!

I just graduated from Registered Nurse RN school and I’m studying for the boards here in California.

I wanted you advice on the Nclex-RN review; Do you recommend a review course such as Kaplan? Do you think it possible to pass with Nclex review CDs such as Mosby’s?
Thanks for your time?
 
Val

Thanks so much for your question Val, and congrats on graduating from RN school!! I know first-hand how stressful it can be to study and prepare for the Nclex, so I totally know what you are feeling. It seems as if the pressure would be gone after graduation, however, we still have the stress of getting that Nursing license!

Which RN (Registered Nurse) Nclex Programs Are Best?

It was such a relief to know that I passed my Nclex first try. People often ask how long they should study, which programs are best, etc.

Therefore, I would like to take the time to really discuss the importance of preparing for the test. I think it can be summarized best by the following formula:

• Pray a lot
• Study a lot
• Get the latest NCLEX Study Guides (at least 2, perhaps 3), and repeat numbers 1 & 2.

Unfortunately, there is no way around the studying. To pass the Nclex, I really recommend studying as much as possible. In addition, I would absolutely recommend getting the latest Nclex study guides (which usually includes a book and a software program on CD).

You can view my Hesi & NCLEX-RN study log to see how much time I put into it. I also show the books I used on that page as well (although I would always get the latest ones possible.

What About Kaplan Nclex-RN Study Classes, Or Mosby’s?

It is hard to comment about the Kaplan tests/courses personally, as I did not sign up for them. However, I do know a few RN nursing graduates who did attend the Kaplan course reviews.

Overall, I can’t think of any that failed, and most said they enjoyed it. Study review programs such as Kaplan often have a high pass rate, and can be beneficial. After all, you really can’t study too much, and the more you study the better.

Are they required? Not necessarily. I also know a great deal of people who passed and didn’t attend a Kaplan review course. There are pros and cons to doing a Kaplan course, and I think that is something each person should decide for themselves. It does cost a good chunk of change, but it may be worth it for those who really feel as if they aren’t prepared.

As far as the CD-roms and study guides for the Nclex, those books on my study log page should give you a push in the right direction. I used every resource I could (I studied and read the book, and practiced questions on the CD’s).

In addition, if I found an online question bank, I always practiced that as well. So I recommend getting at least 1 or 2 study guide books made especially for NClex, and really focusing on them.

Conclusion: Study Hard, Get a Good Book or Two, and Good Luck!

Again, congrats on your graduation from Nursing School, and good luck on your tests. I hope you pass with flying colors!

I do think all nursing students should really study hard in order to pass those Hesi and Nclex tests. The study books with CD’s can be a huge help.

Kaplan courses are also great, and can help students as well. But I think they aren’t for everyone. Some people will do fine just by studying the books and practicing CD’s.

On the other hand, for those nursing students who need a little more motivation and need to be “forced” to study, I would recommend considering a Kaplan type of study course before taking the test.

Thanks again for the question, and good luck!! =)

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Posted under Ask A Question, Graduation

Okay….so your school is making you take the HESI (mid-curricular) and you have to score a certain score on it in order to stay in the program. The test covers everything you have learned up to that point….so your whole nursing career is pretty much riding on the dreadful test. Does this situation sound like your because it was mine?

I think what made it so bad for me was that I had a full load a classes on top of preparing for the test. Luckly I passed that thing the first try and didn’t have to waste my summer taking a repeart. So here is my advice for you on how to pass it the first time. First what you need to do is get the best NCLEX study guide online. I STRONGLY suggest getting this book…..Saunder’s Comprehensive NCLEX Review. Here is a picture of it:

This book is awesome! It contains a wonderful CD that contain over 2,500 question on it in many sujects. However, my HESI test only tested us on OB, Mental Health, Peds, Fundamentals of Nursing, Dosage & Calculation, and Pharm. The CD lets you pick what area you want to test on. If you get an answer wrong it gives you the rational for it. Also this book breaks down everything to a dummies level, like mine. I also used this book to help me prepare for my lecture exams.

So where can you buy it: I bought mine on Amazon.com but you can buy it off Half.com or eBay.com. I paid only like $35.00 for it and you know that is a bargin considering the costs of our nursing books. I think my Medical Surgical book was like $110 (crazy I know).

This is how I studied for it. I found out I had to take the test in January but I would not have to actually take it until April. So what I did was by this book immediately and everyday during the week (not the weekends because that is relaxing time) I did 50 questions on day that was on the CD. My professors suggested in order to pass it the first time you need to take atleast 1,500 question before the test. I think I only did about 800 question and I passed it. Also, they say the best way to study for this thing is by doing questions on the CD. Seriously if you do that you should have no problem passing it! You will be a registered nurse RN in no time!

My tips to you: Study hard months before the test, the week before don’t cram and take it easy, get lots of sleep the night before, eat a good breakfast, get the book above, and say a prayer. This always helps me! If you have any certain questions about it ask me. I am more than willing to help another nursing student in need. Until next time……..

-Sarah =o)

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Posted under Daily Ramblings