Are reading journals also helpful for NCLEX???

[sweetrainbowcak3]

I like reading nursing journals. RIght now, I'm having my NCLEX review. And I'm just really curious, if the reading would help me somehow in preparing for NCLEX, even a little bit? Thanx. :redbeathe

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

See if it works for you, but I wouldn't put my entire focus on just the journals alone. If you see an article that relates to a subject that was particularly difficult, then, go for it, but I would spend more time practicing questions and reviewing the subjects that sort of eluded you while in school. Good luck!!

[HM2VikingRN, RN]

For developing critical thinking skills yes.

I would still get a Saunders NCLEX book and follow Suzanne4's plan for content review.

[OldMareLPN]

Save the journals for after NCLEX.

Run out and buy Kaplans blue review book, whose subject matter is how to process a NCLEX question, how to pick and throw out distractors and how to pass the first time.

You'll never have to take NCLEX again, so keep your focus tight.

Good luck!

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

I believe your time would be better spent practicing the questions.

[racing-mom4, BSN, RN]

When you feel your mind is mush from doing questions and your eyes are blurry from staring at the computer screen and your fingers are numb from the carpal tunnel you now have from doing so many practice questions, then in your few minutes of spare time you could peruse through a journal!!!

[kristenncrn]

I'd be concerned that journals reflect the real world too much and might mess up your NCLEX answers.

Seriously - the NCLEX requires a very discliplined way to answer. Typically, at least 2, if not all 4 answers are "right" or at least can be justified. On the floor - protocols, procedures, policies, providers, patients (and sometimes just the mood of the day) can vary so much. On the NCLEX, not so much. The NCLEX doesn't reflect reality - it reflects a perfect, pretend reality that ensures you can critically evaluate and exactly respond to a given situation in a prescribed, detailed manner.

I had 4-5 NCLEX books. And notecards. But I'm a total nerd.

That's just my 0.02 tho.

[TangoLima]

You need to focus on practicing questions. You just need to get into that mindset and learn HOW to answer the questions. I just took the Kaplan course, and it became clear to me that taking the NCLEX is more about HOW to interpret the questions and give the "perfect world" answer more than it is about what you know about nursing. I think your time would be better spent practicing questions.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do.