Which NCLEX book helped you most in nursing school?

Nursing Students General Students

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Hi,

I got accepted into a competitive ADN program for the fall (so happy and excited!). I keep reading everywhere that acquiring critical thinking skills is an absolute must in order to be successful in nursing school. I feel that I'm not that great at it, and it's starting make me a little nervous as fall semester draws nearer and nearer. I was hoping that all of you had some suggestions of books that had NCLEX type questions and critical thinking exercises that would help me during school to prepare me for tests and, eventually, the NCLEX exam. And, maybe, it would be a book that that I could kinda start reading now like a couple times a week just to feel a little less nervous.

Thanks!

Specializes in Hospice.

I've heard that Saunders is good, and they are coming out with a new edition in October.

For your first semester, I'd recommend NCLEX Made Incredibly Easy. It's broken down by content. It helps develop the critical thinking skills to advance to Saunders, which is also great. Our Fundamentals book also came with access to a site called PrepU. It has NCLEX style questions (thousands) that correlate with the chapters and help prepare you for exams. It also tracks your progress so you know where you're lacking. I'm going into my final semester and still miss having the PrepU access. Double check the publisher's website to see what kind of resources they offer. We all spend tons of money on our books; we might as well get the full value out of them!

I have my second and final year of nursing school left (also an ADN program) and found that the Saunder's questions were not similar to those used on exams for my program. They were too easy and simple to help me prepare for exams or study. I've since bought one of the "Made Incredibly Easy" NCLEX Review books (there were 3 at Barnes and Noble when I looked at them) and found it to be much more helpful and the review chapter explain information so clearly! Good luck!

Specializes in Psych.

So glad you're asking us now! I remember when I first started school, the nclex was the furthest thing from my mind.... Now that I'm about to take the nclex, I wish I had started worrying sooner ;) Just kidding. Anyway, I like Saunders & of course Kaplan's stuff. "The Decision Tree" actually helps!

Good luck to you :)

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