Please share your thoughts on this matter.....

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Nov 1, 2009

The nursing program that I attend issued each student a Saunders NCLEX study book, and the instructors encourage us to answer at least 100 questions per subject while we are concurrently studying it (psych, OB, pediatrics, med/surg, etc.).

Melodix · Nov 1, 2009

I see no problem with using NCLEX books to supplement studying, especially if you can find questions that relate to the content being taught in your program. The questions (especially the ones with rationales for the right and wrong answer) can be very helpful with the "critical" thinking required for some questions. However, it is important to learn the content your program is teaching first and use questions as supplemental study.

Melodix

melmarie23, MSN, RN · Nov 1, 2009

Saunders NCLEX review book got me through med surge. I think your professor is crazy to tell you not to use NCLEX prep this early in the program.

HyperSaurus, RN, BSN · Nov 1, 2009

NCLEX books are great and all--they do help you get used to the format of nursing school questions, but I think what your prof is getting at is that you are over thinking. And if you're just working on theory stuff, nclex books aren't that helpful.

DolceVita, ADN, BSN, RN · Nov 1, 2009

The only problem I see would be if what they are teaching you differs somehow or if the online aids you are using are a bit dodgy. Something like a Saunders NCLEX book is essential to me (I am in my 1st semester).

For example, during exams I sometimes have to ask the instructor what answer she wants -- the one in the book or the one she said in class. But that is with the non-application questions.

Is it possible that the meant over thinking -- like the last poster said?

Abby Normal · Nov 1, 2009

I don't know what specifically you were being tested on, or what "online aids" you were using. but I think it is definitely true that you can be getting too many sources of information and complicate what can be simple questions FOR THAT TEST.

For the long run? Great. Keep them, study them, but not for tests.

Essentially they have given you a book that says, "the four steps to assess X are ...". You might stumble upon a site that phrases them differently, or splits the third step into two steps making it 5 steps, or is out of date, or is Australian and uses terminology that won't be on your exam, or just tells you a lot more than you need to know.

There is also just a lot of bad information out there.

So the professors (that's plural at this point!) have given you an important piece of information: Everything you need to succeed is in the assigned material. I think you should try it their way.

They have no reason to want you to fail.

I had to learn this lesson too. I'm kind of an overachiever. But if being an "overachiever" isn't getting you the result you need, then it's not a good strategy, right?

Straight repetition of the assigned work worked for me, unimaginative as that was.

If you feel like you do all the reading (or whatever assignments you have) and you still have questions or want more practice, ask for what they DO recommend you do.

CuriousMe · Nov 1, 2009

After failing my first nursing exam by 4 points, I spoke with a couple of Professor from the school that told me that I am over studying. I was told that during the first semester, it is not advisable for students to purchase NCLEX books and other learning aids, as it may become confusing when trying to grasp information from so many sources, which is what I've been doing. I have 2 NCLEX books, use all online aids I can get my hands on, Has anyone else been told this. What are your thoughts?

It sounds like your nursing Prof is concerned that you're getting distracted by the NCLEX books. I think NCLEX books can get you in trouble in first or second term, if your trying to learn content from them, instead of testing style. So, if you think....well the book said to do X,Y, Z with this condition, so that must be the answer here. Instead of focusing on the test question, within the realm of information that you've been taught so far.....does that make sense?

Truly, I didn't use NCLEX books to study by first term, because our course that term was Health Promotion. And none of my NCLEX books had a 'health promotion" section. So, all the questions covered things we hadn't learned yet.

Peace,

CuriousMe

Butterfliesnroses · Nov 1, 2009

I'm in my first quarter. We get a syllabus for each unit with reading assignments on it. They also lecture off the power points. The way I study is strictly by studying the powerpoints and the readings. I'm passing at this point so I guess it's working. We have ATI books, ATI dvd's and stuff but I really don't read it unless it's assigned.

9livesRN, BSN, RN · Nov 1, 2009

In think since you are only starting, you should get one book with nclex questions based on what you are studying like

Fundamentals - review & rationales

also

Pharmacology - review & rationales

it can get confusing trying to answer medusrge, ob and psych questions without being thought.

so there you go! those 2 books i told you are great, are nclex style and are withing the scope that will help you and not "waste" your time.

CuriousMe · Nov 1, 2009

In think since you are only starting, you should get one book with nclex questions based on what you are studying like
Fundamentals - review & rationales
also
Pharmacology - review & rationales
it can get confusing trying to answer medusrge, ob and psych questions without being thought.
so there you go! those 2 books i told you are great, are nclex style and are withing the scope that will help you and not "waste" your time.

I think it can get a bit confusing, because not all nursing programs have a course called "Fundamentals." (I know mine doesn't, I can't imagine we're the only ones ) Of course all the same info is taught at some point in the curriculum....but, it might not be labeled the same way.