Best NCLEX-RN study guide?

For me- I loved Saunders and NSNA (for their CD ROMS with questions). HOWEVER, Kaplan was the closest to the NCLEX questions I got.

I just took the boards this month. I had used at least 4 different books/CD's/websites to prepare and I found that Kaplan was definitely closest to actual NCLEX-RN questions in both style and level of difficulty. (closest...not identical...I thought the NCLEX was harder and quite different from anything else I had ever seen---but Kaplan was the most helpful, I thought).

This is good to know....anyone else?

Hey, thanks for the replies! I won't be taking the boards till next summer, but I want to spend a little time everyday looking at test questions until then.

thanks

Been told Saunders is the way to go.

I heard that kaplan is the best. I plan to take their on-line course next month. However, I browsed their website and found that they have different study plans with different charges. It's hard to choose. Could someone give me some advices on this? Thanks!

I heard that kaplan is the best. I plan to take their on-line course next month. However, I browsed their website and found that they have different study plans with different charges. It's hard to choose. Could someone give me some advices on this? Thanks!

Hi--

When I studied for the NCLEX, I used the Kaplan book that you can buy at Amazon.com (or many other retailers). I didn't use the Kaplan website but I know of people who did. My school hosted two NCLEX review classes after graduation and the people who did the Kaplan review had access to the online question bank and found it helpful. I'm not familiar with the different study plans they have to offer, so I guess my only advice would be to chose the plan that gives you access to a lot of practice questions. One thing I liked about the Kaplan book was the very detailed and easy to understand rationales for each question...so you can understand HOW to answer the questions and why.

Some of the other review materials I used besides Kaplan included NCLEX3000, Saunders, MEDS, and the NCSBN website. I liked the NCSBN website and found their test bank and study outline to be helpful (they are, after all, the ones who write the NCLEX) BUT--I was caught off guard when actually sitting for the NCLEX because I thought the actual exam was a lot harder than the website practice questions. While I was sitting there, I kept wishing I had spent more time on Kaplan questions---but I didn't, because I found it to be the hardest of the study materials and I didn't particularly enjoy it!! LOL! Different things are going to help different people, so you'll need to find what works for you. Personally, I didn't find the Saunders book helpful at all (not very challenging) but other people might.

Another tip for studying for the NCLEX....keep all of your notes, handouts, etc from school organized and save everything. As I was taking the NCLEX, I was kicking myself for not spending more time reviewing my class handouts. There were a few questions I couldn't answer, not because I never learned the information, but because it had been so long since I'd seen it--I just forgot!! I spent most of my study time focused on doing a million practice questions---which is good ('they' say you should do at least 3000 before the exam, 5000 if you're high risk) BUT I wished I had at least SEEN at lot of material again recently, to refresh my memory. So don't skimp on the review! You won't be able to re-learn years of material, but it will help to at least visualized it closer to the exam time.

Good luck!

I've been using Mosby and Lippincott--both with CD's. I like doing the computer thing too--

Reading this thread, I think I'll go sink another $35 into a Kaplan book & CD. Couldn't hurt.

I am getting mushy brian syndrome though. The darned test cannot come fast enough!!!! (Waiting on my ATT....)

I've been using Mosby and Lippincott--both with CD's. I like doing the computer thing too--

Reading this thread, I think I'll go sink another $35 into a Kaplan book & CD. Couldn't hurt.

I am getting mushy brian syndrome though. The darned test cannot come fast enough!!!! (Waiting on my ATT....)

Hi Chris--

I just found it on Amazon for $24.50

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0743251849/qid=1093347687/sr=8-1/ref=pd_ka_1/102-8906950-9885743?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

Don't be afraid!! (easier said than done, I know) I'm sure you will do just fine! It's normal to be nervous--I know I was!

When you take the NCLEX, RELAX, read each question carefully and read & think carefully about each answer choice. School has prepared you to take this exam--it's just a matter of pulling the info forward and applying it---you can do it!!!! Good luck to you!

I like to know if any one has used NCLEX Reveiw cards by Springhouse. I would use Kaplan but they don't make one for PN and I am taking PN NCLEX.

Hello everyone, I am looking for a good nclex-rn study guide. I'd like one with a CD so I can answer questions on my 'puter, and I'd like a guide that has the new-format questions. What books have worked well for you?

Thanks!

I am currently enrolled in the Kaplan NCLEX review and have all the materials. By reading this thread, I've noticed that most prefers the kaplan reviewer. I kow that this is different from the white Kaplan book that I have. My question is, do you advise me to buy the Kaplan review book (Blue) . I know I can never have enough books.

Please Help.

What blue book ? The one you can purchase for $35 from Kaplan and $25 from Amazon ? If thats the one, you dont need it because they do not cover any theory on those books and thats all about 'Critical thinking' strategies + a sample exam.If you are enrolled for the REVIEW, they will teach all of these critical thinking stuff there itself.

Even I had taken the NCLEX online review from kaplan but dint purchase this $35 book separately. If you are curious, just stop by at your local library and mostly they will have this book there.

I am currently enrolled in the Kaplan NCLEX review and have all the materials. By reading this thread, I've noticed that most prefers the kaplan reviewer. I kow that this is different from the white Kaplan book that I have. My question is, do you advise me to buy the Kaplan review book (Blue) . I know I can never have enough books.

Please Help.