What's a good time to buy a NCLEX-RN study guide?

[citylights89, BSN, RN]

I posted this already on Yahoo! Answers but all I got so far is one answer telling me not to buy one. :icon_roll

So the thing is that I'm starting my BSN program Monday at Houston Baptist University. When I entered the university I was scheduled to graduate in May 2011 but now since I began a year late it might be pushed back to May 2012. With that being said, would it be wise to invest in a good NCLEX-RN study guide now or wait until test time is closer? Does having one throughout school really help? I would imagine that it would but I don't want them changing up stuff on me either in terms of the testing guide lines/material.

What are ya'll opinions? And if at all possible, suggest some guides. I heard about Saunder's being real good.

[UjonesRN]

I would use Saunders to help you through school and so that you could get use to doing nclex style questions:typing

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

I too would say Saunders comprehensive review will be a good review book both for in school and for studying NCLEX.

[lindzrae]

I would suggest buying an NCLEX book at the very beginning of school, and using it as a secondary resource when studying for tests. It gives you different styles of learning and different questions, plus it prepares you for the types of questions you will see on the NCLEX. I used a book called "Complete Review for NCLEX-RN" by Donna Gauwitz, published by Thompson-Delmar Learning. It is really good in content. It has a review section before each set of 20-30 questions. It has adult med-surg, pre and post-op, pharmacology, pediatrics, maternal, and a lot more. I used this book (plus some others that fellow students had) all throughout my nursing school, and also before every test. I just passed my NCLEX on the first try, along with the help of Kaplan. Just do questions all the time, it is the best way to learn. When you get a question wrong, read the section about it. The questions you get wrong are better tools to learn from than anything else. Good luck!

[Nitenurce]

I also would suggest SAUNDERS. Make sure you read Chapter 5. I used it all through Nursing School, used it to study for the NCLEX, did not take Kaplan or any other review courses out there, studied on my own and I just passed the NCLEX August 6 on my first try. (Plenty of FREE info out there (on the web) if you really know where to look).

[rn_nxt_dr]

These NCLEX-RN review books are updated at least every 2 years. Saunders review came out recently. You can buy used because by the time you take your exam. there will be one or two updates by then, depending on what you'll buy.

When you are nearing to take the exam is the best time to have ALL current books and updated test formats to guide you available. You will be well prepared by then.

Do not forget to interview past test takers even when they did not succeed the first time. There are lessons learned from all candidates regardless.

Have fun and concentrate on the basics first. Worry about the exam later, you'll have plenty of practice time.

[KAYBDT6, BSN, RN]

Saunders and davis..............all nclex review study guide are the best. Decide which is most comfortable for you!

[citylights89, BSN, RN]

Right now it seems like we are just covering the background and business side of nursing right now. No actual health care, well, except for Care of Families and Health Assessment. I'm going to wait until next semester when we actually begin clinicals. Er, but I would hate to go through the first test and be like "Dang! I shoulda bought that book!" But I'm gonna try with just the textbooks now. They got some NCLEX style questions in there. I'll save my money for a bit; I got to get my stethoscope b/c the one that came with the toy anatomy man just ain't cutting it anymore. What did I expect? It came from Toys R' Us!