Helpful study books

I am currently a nursing student and have two questions that I would like to ask. The first question is, I am preparing to take boards here in a couple of months and I would like to know what study books others have found most helpful in preparing?

I found the Kaplan materials to be most helpful. Their test stratagies and higher level questions are a good deal of what contributed to my passing on the first attempt. They have a book you can pick up at any bookstore for around $30

My second question is, I am completing the RN program and have thought more serious lately about continuing on to pursue the position of a nurse practitioner and would like to know what further education would be required to do this?

You will need a to have a MSN, specializing in NP. Typically, you have to have a BSN before you can start on a MSN, but some programs will allow RN-MSN (skip the BSN).

Thanks