Which Study Guide?

Baloney Amputation, BSN, LPN, RN · Jun 24, 2008

The best guide for NC3 is---the practice test! Seriously. If you never use the EC practice tests, this is the time to do it. I am a textbook kind of gal myself, so perhaps a NCLEX review book would prove beneficial--I am partial to Saunders. I have Lisa Arends' notes (and not TCN or studyguide101), but I'm incredibly distracted by the frequent lack of punctuation and misspellings that I can't use them for useful study. That's just me. Other people have used her materials for every test and done well. She certainly has done her homework!

All in all, pick what works for you, but I believe the practice test was by far the biggest help on this test for me (that and I love OB/reproductive health and rocked those sections).

Good luck!

Editorial Team / Moderator · Jun 24, 2008

If I was on a desert island and could only take either Lisa Arends or SG101, I'd take SG101. But seriously, they're both pretty inexpensive -- why not use both? I did. Plus the EC practice tests (so worth it!) and regular textbooks. That's just how I roll.

MyAmi · Jun 25, 2008

thanks ladies! i appreciate the feedback! i may just get both, who knows?

yeah, i like having my own home library of textbooks to supplement with. basically, i'm reading the tcn book (why not? i paid $4000 for them..errr) along with the study guide of choice - then go back with the ec content guide to hit all the points along with textbooks. so far, it's been working for me.

from what i hear though, nc3 is the toughest test in the bunch, so i think i might also do the practice tests as well!

Editorial Team / Moderator · Jun 25, 2008

I used a TCN book for A&P, and I liked it. Not that I'd want to pay full price, ya know, but if you have 'em, you might as well get some use out of them!! :) You can probably re-sell the TCN modules on eBay to get some money back, at least.

Baloney Amputation, BSN, LPN, RN · Jun 25, 2008

Don't psych yourself out like that...It really depends on what nursing areas you are most comfortable in. I found NC3 to be the easiest. I think NC4 might have been the hardest for me except I rocked at hem/onc on the test. Hey, if your method is working for you, STICK WITH IT! Everyone's study methods are so individual. However, if you take the practice test for this one, many questions are lifted, some almost word for word, from the practice test.

erinp88 · Jun 25, 2008

Yeah, I have been using the TCN guides for NC 1, 3.. I miss the pictures. I get so bored reading them! For NC 4 I have a Chancellor's system which I'm hoping will be good for me because I'm a good audio learner..

I used L. Arends notes for NC 1 and Study Group 101 for NC 3.. Both I thought were "ok". I thought they were a little jumbled and unorganized. It bugged me that the margins/fonts changed through out the notes.. Stupid complaint, I know. But, I like things clean/table formatted and simplified!

Editorial Team / Moderator · Jun 25, 2008

It bugged me that the margins/fonts changed through out the notes.. Stupid complaint, I know. But, I like things clean/table formatted and simplified!

Preach it, sister! :) I've been a professional desktop publisher/designer since 1994, and her formatting/fonts drove me CRAZY! We won't even get into the spelling ... I mean, they're notes, so they're not intended to be perfect, but still ... LOL!

erinp88 · Jun 25, 2008

So, when can we expect "Lunah" notes to be for sale? I bet those would be perfect!

Editorial Team / Moderator · Jun 25, 2008

So, when can we expect "Lunah" notes to be for sale? I bet those would be perfect!

Ha! Never!! :) I'm not a note-taker, I'm just a reader!