Reddit reviews Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN Examination (Saunders Comprehensive Review for NCLEX-RN)
We found 16 Reddit comments about Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN Examination (Saunders Comprehensive Review for NCLEX-RN). Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
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Ahh Fundamentals. Nursing as an ART. ; ) Yes. It's different.. no your science-based knowledge isn't really going to help a whole lot when it comes to this area.
Fundamentals essentially are the roots of nursing. Consider Maslow's hierarchy... you are basically learning about the bottom 2 levels. Oxygenation, fluids, food/nutrition, rest, pain... etc.
The fact that you're new to nursing, and NCLEX style questions - that also makes it more difficult as well. Learning NCLEX can be difficult for some. I suggest you go ahead and buy Saunders 6th Edition Comprehensive Review. It will help you throughout the entirety of your nursing school career. Also, a lot of people in my nursing school used quizlet.com .. just google things like "fundamentals quizlet" .. we found that our instructor got a lot of her exam questions from there... also google whatever you're studying + quizlet or whatever you're studying + NCLEX.
Practice a lot of NCLEX questions. Get the hang of them. Really review the rationales... this is true for not only fundamentals, but all areas of nursing.
With Saunders you get a code that provides an online source so you can practice NCLEX questions. It's really helpful.. it's been a really great tool for me. The book is laid out really nicely and also has questions in it as well.
HaHa! When I read your title I wondered if you were talking about my school, but after reading your post I've realized that sadly I'm apparently not the only one who thinks their school sucks. (As background, I'm an adult female in my early thirties with a former unrelated 8 year career plus an additional 8 years as a parent behind me. I am not a whiner or crybaby by any means.)
About my school
disorganization: check
I don't think the staff who are in nursing education (at my school these are all nurses who were out in the field for 15, 20, 30+ years), are very educated about the modern software and systems for technology based teaching. They can do the basics, but were either not taught specifics/alterations, or don't care to learn. Truthfully, I am not sure they even realize how hard it is to navigate the things they post or just how much they are missing the user-friendly mark. I always have to go searching for power points because they are hidden in folders or at the bottom of the list one week and at the middle the next week.
As a whole, my classmates are all worried about how much this program sucks. The terrible graduation and NCLEX pass rates are hidden on the college website.
I have decided there is no reasonable alternative available to me. The nearest school has hours that don't work for me and costs a lot more. I am supplementing the crappy textbook by buying others and using youtube and the web to find better content to study. I find there is a lot more information for me that way. I am better with visual/auditory learning anyway, but obviously everyone isn't.
So the book we are required to use is bordering on outdated, but the bigger problem might be that it contained a lot of mistakes at printing time. We are required to defer to the textbook when taking exams in class. The staff is careful to keep reminding us that even if there is newer information we have to give the answers in the textbook. Naturally they also helpfully point out that the NCLEX will not be based on our shitty book. So along with learning the wrong information in order to pass the exams, you need to be studying the right information because that's what you'll need to pass the NCLEX and get your license. Completely backwards and foolish to be trying to learn and forget inaccurate info, but that's just what I've come to be accustomed to for the duration.
If anything like this comes up, the whiny kids complain rudely out loud during class. The proper way to do it would be to compose an email outlining the specific differences in technique asking for clarification. The email would be addressed to both lab instructors, the course coordinators (who may or may not be the lecture or lab instructor), as well as CC'd to the director of nursing. Everything in nursing says "If it isn't written down it didn't happen." Documentation is important when asking for clarification because it shows you were respectful and have genuine/valid concerns or questions. Hopefully, it also requires them to respond to you in a similar respectful manner. In addition, I would hope that the CC of the director of Nursing Education for your school would keep the correspondence civil and respectful.
The only disrespect I've really come across has come from students with entitled attitudes. These are adults too, so it has been mind boggling. The instructors typically have responded to disrespect with....disrespect.
As a grown adult this is bizarre to witness, but I'm chalking it up to practice for when I'm a nurse and I may encounter these same types as coworkers or managers.
I have a huge problem with what you are saying is happening and do not appreciate being treated that way myself. Unfortunately I don't know what to advise about that. I had an issue with a secretary for the program, but I managed to come out of it ok because it wasn't an instructor and I just try my hardest to avoid contact with her.
I imagine if you really feel like there is mistreatment going on, you could be creative about it. I always ask for permission to record at the first class. If these instructors are allowing you to record their classes, you'd have proof of their unprofessional attitudes. The problem is, you need to get through these classes and get your degree so you can test for your license. Politics are a nightmare and I am sure you already learned that in your time serving with the Marines.
I've firmly made my own decision to make the best out of the crap that comes from my school. I try to anticipate the random problems and make due with plowing through to get to the other side. Obviously your foundations on care and the workings of the body need to be solid, but I believe a lot of nursing is learned through practice and observation. I am trying to gain as much of that as I can while also reading books like the Silvestri NCLEX review and other unassigned texts and videos. Just make sure you study the specifics of your program for exams when they differ from your supplemental resources.
Take care and don't get too discouraged. You aren't the only one. Best wishes with your path toward Nursing and thank you for your service. I appreciate the world we live in and am grateful my kids can be brought up here.
Recent grad from an ABSN program and I just passed my NCLEX on the first try. I almost never read in nursing school and graduated with a 4.0 Like with any college major, you'll likely be assigned a lot of reading but that doesn't mean you actually have to read all of it to learn the material and succeed. My best tip is go to class, take good notes, and only use the text for clarifying topics you don't understand. Or get Saunders- my cohort used that for studying for class way more than our actual textbooks.
I've heard many suggestions for the Saunders NCLEX Review, which is readily available through illegitimate means if money is an issue.
I just took the NCLEX last month, and it was all over the place where content is concerned. I was in and out in 75 questions, so I didn't see a whole lot of it, but its really more about critical thinking than specific knowledge. Of course you have to have a level of background knowledge in nursing, but its mostly about the "think and link".
As far as studying, I didn't do much - I spent the last 3 years studying nursing, after all. I did however use an app called NCLEX Mastery, which can be found here, whenever I had a few minutes with nothing to do. Its pretty comprehensive, and it generally has thorough rationales. I found it useful for assessing for areas of weakness in my knowledge. I also used this book. Its very thorough, and while I didn't make much use of it, my classmates speak very highly of it.
If you've done well in your course of study, don't get yourself too worked up about NCLEX. If you haven't done so hot, I'd recommend spending some quality time with either/both of those resources.
Best of luck!
Edit:
> A lot of students in my class are extremely nervous about it.
I have come to the conclusion that my faculty made a BIG deal out of the NCLEX mostly to scare us into busting our asses studying. It worked. The truth is, if you've paid attention in class, done your reading assignments and haven't been daydreaming during clinical, you'll be fine. The vast majority of nurses pass the NCLEX on their first try, whether it takes them 75 questions or 285. The fact that you're worried about it and are seeking resources indicates to me that you'll pass and be just fine. Just don't think you can sit on your laurels, though :)
When I took the CRNE this past June, I bought this NCLEX guide. I found the summaries super useful and concise. The only downsides were converting stuff like lab values (particularly blood glucose) and knowing different cultural aspects for Canada instead of the US. Along with this, I used the CNA prep guide as you suggested as well. These two books were my primary study materials and I passed my exam. Of course, make sure you do what works for you in terms of studying! I was never a note-writing, chart-making or a group study type - I just read the information until it makes sense to me because I know that's how I study best.
Great advice in your post, thanks for taking the time to write it all!
Hi, I graduated last May and passed the NCLEX first try. Here's what I did:
Michael Linares videos from Simple Nursing: This guy helped with some of the tougher concepts.
Khan Academy is wonderful for disease processes and anatomy/physiology problems.
Go to the library and check out some NCLEX books, or find some used on Amazon. I recommend the Saunder's and Prioritization, Delegation, and Assignment out of all the ones that I bought. I used these for everything.
Have you heard of www.quizlet.com ? You can look up tons of flashcards or make your own. There's an app so you can take them with you wherever you go, and it grades you each time you go through them so you can find your weak spots. Spelling counts on the points, and it did on my exams, which helped with some of those tricky words. You can also add pictures to your cards if you want.
I went through the Hurst review after graduation, which was a nice review. It's crazy expensive, and if I did it all over again I probably would have skipped it.
Get comfortable with the math! Go to a tutor if that's something your struggle with, as those are EASY POINTS. There's only one correct answer in math, unlike every other nursing school question.
Remember ABCIS for priority: Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Infection and Safety! Every question you see, imagine if you can only do one thing for your patient. Read the questions carefully and look for key words. I went through and underlined those words. Break it down piece by piece.
I used powerpoints for my notes, as added diagrams and videos help me. You can also search easily for information when you are reviewing.
Good luck, and don't forget to breathe!
Your NCLEX should not cover much of the more advanced critical care questions. The NCLEX trains you to be a generalist. I used this book and chugged through all the computerized practice questions and did just fine!
If you are just looking to further your own knowledge, I'd recommend CCRN study books. Many, like this one that I used for my CCRN exam have online or computerized question banks that are very helpful. However, the vast majority of these questions are going to be much higher-level than those that will be on the NCLEX.
No worries and thanks /u/weeza29745!
U world is a mobile app that you can also access on other devices such as your computer (which I like the best becoz it gives easy 'search' option) or an ipad. One time payment gives you an access on ALL devices for a certain time period (around $50 for a month that you can renew for a cheap). There are also other plans for a longer period access, such as yearly, available on their website
It is Uworld NCLEX-RN. They also have PN for LPNs and USMLE for medical students.
Saunders is a comprehensive book that also comes in just 'question&answers' version.
Good luck, my friend!
Here are the sources:
Uworld-NCLEX-RN: https://www.uworld.com/NCLEX/nclex_rn_qbank.aspx
Saunders Comprehensive (there is a new 7th edition in the market I guess that just released); here is 6th Ed: https://www.amazon.ca/Saunders-Comprehensive-Review-NCLEX-RN-Examination/dp/1455727555
In case you had lots of priority or delegation questions (which you will get most of the time in NCLEX), both Uworld and the following book are helpful: https://www.amazon.ca/Prioritization-Delegation-Assignment-Exercises-Examination/dp/0323113435
Hope it helps
I'm going to school for nursing. I hope to be a would care nurse, and already have the opportunity to go to central Africa to help out periodically(the #1 cause of child death are burns from cookfires, so wound care is so in need), and a local hospital also offered me a spot there! I'm excited for both and I graduate December of next year!
Last semester I spent over $1900 on textbooks, so this year was pretty light, only $300! I could use a few books & things in my school list here, or a Amazon GC to help replace the funds I just spent! The books in the WL can be used, also. =)
Thanks for the contest! =)
edit: I have the older version (yellow cover) but really need to get this book for the whole program. I'm told it is essential, and it'll help me pass my tests!
Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN Examination, 6th Edition includes complete content review and over 5,100 NCLEX examination-style questions in the book and online.
http://www.amazon.ca/Saunders-Comprehensive-Review-NCLEX-RN®-Examination/dp/1455727555/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426253124&sr=8-1&keywords=Nclex
NCLEX Mastery app seconded. I was given the ATI books through my school, and hardly used them. I definitely would not buy them.
I highly recommend this book
There is a newer edition now, so look for that. This book was my go-to for all review prior to any tests in class and it helped tremendously.
I was getting around that too. Though I mostly used the ATI RN Mentor app (FREE!) more though since our school used ATI to prep all along the way.
If you have the [Saunders NCLEX-RN Comprehensive Review] (http://www.amazon.com/Saunders-Comprehensive-NCLEX-RN%C2%AE-Examination-Nclex-Rn/dp/1455727555), the online questions (info on the front cover of the book) are super helpful because you can sort the SATA questions out and just do those.
You'll likely be fine with how you're testing but I'd suggest, like others have, to just keep up with the questions. Good luck!
I finished a 12-month ABSN program last May; my previous degree was in illustration. Now I currently work in Peds ICU and I love it :) But I won't lie, getting to the point where I am today was challenging and definitely a test of how much stress you can handle. But I'm copying and pasting a bunch of my previous answers on the subject here:
"The longest, shortest year of your life" is exactly how I would describe it. In our program, you only got 4 grades (all tests) in a class - so if your average was lower than a 76, you were out. We had a new class every 4-5 weeks, two full days of classes per week and the rest were usually clinical. Also nonstop studying 24/7: tests usually covered at least 11 chapters. Relationships were definitely tested (I was really lucky to have an understanding SO but other people in my class, not so much) but I met some of my best friends in this past year and I wouldn't change it for the world. It did feel like we got a slight break every four weeks when we took the final for our current class, but after a weekend off, it was back to work as usual. We also only got two weeks off the whole year for christmas/new years. Out of 28 of us, 24 completed the program (only 1 of those 4 failed out, the rest dropped because they felt it wasn't for them) and 22 of us passed the NCLEX on the first try.
Skills wise, I'd say you definitely have what it takes. Going into school, I had no idea how to take a manual blood pressure or check my own pulse. I was worlds away from the science of medicine. But keep in mind that the things nurses do aren't exactly the same as what medics can do. We're not allowed to do a lot of things (and this alters per hospital policy of course) but keep that in mind when learning - try to keep yourself from getting disheartened when you feel you were taught something differently.
As far as testing goes, stay focused. Nursing test questions are known to be kind of bullshit. See if your textbooks come with study guides or online practice questions. Personally, I was a straight A student until I hit nursing school - I was just not ready for the way NCLEX-type questions are phrased and I should have practiced them a bit before my first big exam. It sucked but it is what it is. Many professors will take questions from study guides for their tests to help you out. Also, I highly recommend [The Saunder's Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX] (https://www.amazon.com/Saunders-Comprehensive-Review-NCLEX-RN-Examination/dp/1455727555) as a great reference tool. It really gets to the point when it comes to med-surg nursing.
Finally, making connections during your clinical placements will definitely help when it comes to getting your foot in the door for your first nursing job.
Good luck! My inbox is open if you have any questions
this one here, saunders 6th edition
http://www.amazon.com/Saunders-Comprehensive-NCLEX-RN%C2%AE-Examination-Nclex-Rn/dp/1455727555
Losing your head and freaking out is definitely not how you want to approach taking an exam. So whatever you are doing keep doing it, your classmates are being overdramatic. Study the material well, you're never going to know 100% while in nursing school IMO, but you can damn well use critical thinking to get to the safest answer. You got this!
PS: If you're super serious use this review book to self tests as you go through your classes.