Kaplan, Lippincott & Saunders ... oh my!

purevintage · May 9, 2012

There is no one best book, so I suggest getting more than one. I own several books that help me in different ways.

Look for books that offer a CD-ROM and/or a web-based supplement, so you can practice answering questions/taking tests on the computer. The NCLEX is on the computer so be prepared for that.

Also, its a good idea to look for books that offer good rationales for each of the questions/answer. The ones that offer rationales for EACH of the answer choices are usually best. I find myself learning something new (or remembering something I had forgotten) from every question, whether I had it wrong or right.

My books:

I have one book (actually part of a series of books) that has sections that match very closely with the chapters I am assigned in class. I really like this series in particular for studying as I go through my courses. The series is called "Reviews & Rationales" written by Mary Ann Hogan.

Another book I have gives a detailed report of the types of questions I am answering correctly/incorrectly, broken down into the different classifications of questions. I like this book because it helps me to focus on the types of questions I am getting wrong, in addition to the general content area I need work on. This book is Mosby's "Review Questions for the NCLEX-RN Examination" by Nugent.

I have a few others, but these are the two I find myself using the most so far.

I hope this helps!

mom2ccg · May 9, 2012

I am using the Saunders NCLEX book and found it very helpful. It summarizes the material and gives rationales for the questions that are at the end of the sections. It too comes with a CD. My textbook didn't have a useful study guide so I used this for the study guide. It's pricey but am glad I splurged on this one. I'm sure there are other good ones out there but just wanted to share.Hope you find a good one.

anonymousstudent · May 9, 2012

Try Davis's Med/Surg Success books, they are far better than any you have listed so far. Saunders is a close second.

shay&lynn, ASN, RN · May 10, 2012

thank you so much for all of your replies!

i will be sure to check out the davis's med/surg success books...i have never heard of them!

thanks again!

classicdame, MSN, EdD · May 10, 2012

I got involved in a study group my first semester. We each bought a different book and shared the info.

shay&lynn, ASN, RN · May 10, 2012

I never thought of that! I mean, I do study groups, but about buying and sharing!

Thanks for that idea!