Exam Cram or Hurst Review??

[learae08]

I have been doing a lot of research and trying to figure out what the best option for me is. I have looked at both and read reviews on both and I just can't decide which one would be the best choice. I want to find a good source of content review and I don't know which would be better?? I want it to be straight forward and as easy to understand as possible!! Obviously there is a huge price difference between the 2 but I am not really worried about that. I would rather pay the more money for a better product if that is what it takes. Does anyone have any thoughts or ideas on which one would be better to help me pass??? Please let me know what you think. Thanks a bunch!!

[NurseThis21, BSN, RN]

Hi There!

Here's my take on the two books and who it's either beneficial (or not beneficial) to:

Exam Cram: Mostly for the reviewer who has a good content base, but would like to go over each system a few more times. A lot of the points in the book are to the point, not very detailed, but give you a basis of what the whole system entails. It's kind of like the "Cliff Notes" of all the NCLEX books put together. It's also used 1-2 weeks before the exam as a refresher now and again. However, don't use this book if you are just starting out and need to review all of your content. Reserve that time and energy for a Saunders or Mosby book.

Hurt Review (This is based solely on her BOOK and not the actual COURSE): For the reviewer that gets bored/distracted very easily and needs colors, drawings, and jokes to help with the learning process. This book reviews every system in its entirety and helps the reader understand complex ideas in layman's terms. Sometimes, you may come across some information that is outdated, so make sure you look something up if it sounds fishy to you. This book should be used at the beginning of your study regimen and should continue until it's time to test. However, DO NOT plan on reviewing 1-2 weeks before your test. Trust me, I tried it and it's just too much to remember and nothing really stuck well. This must be used over a period of time so that it can all sink in and you can really appreciate the jokes that Marlene Hurst has to offer!

If I were you, I would get both because Hurst has good content review, but Exam Cram is probably the closest thing you'll get to actual NCLEX-style questions; just my opinion though!

Hopefully that helped somewhat! Good Luck Studying! :roll

NurseThis21, BSN, RN

UIC Alumna

[learae08]

Thanks so much!! That really helps when you break it down! I will see if I can't do both!! Thanks for your help!!:D

[UjonesRN]

nursethis21: hey i did the stimulated exam for exam cram it says i am above average close to excellent overall and 2 sections excellent and 2 sections above average what do think? is this accurate??