Best nursing reviews & study guides according to redditors
We found 53 Reddit comments discussing the best nursing reviews & study guides. We ranked the 25 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 53 Reddit comments discussing the best nursing reviews & study guides. We ranked the 25 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
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.
I really thought the Margaret Fitzgerald Review was great. I bought the MP3 and review book. I also did the Leik book review. I took the AANP and passed the first time.
Hope this helps!
https://www.fhea.com
https://www.amazon.com/Family-Practitioner-Certification-Intensive-Review/dp/0826134246/ref=nodl_
I thought this book was most reflective of actual questions on the test
http://www.amazon.com/Prioritization-Delegation-Assignment-Exercises-Examination/dp/0323113435
Prioritization, Delegation, and Assignment: Practice Exercises for the NCLEX Examination https://www.amazon.com/dp/0323498280/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_FP1lDbRFW6Q25
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.
Good idea. Like I said to the other poster, I think Saunders is much too easy. Even the priority questions are very obvious. I really liked the Lippincott book. Their questions were harder and helped me more. Lippincott also has a questions book with ALL alternative format questions.
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 :)
I passed the NCLEX last week. I used the UWorld free trial for a 1 week then renewed for 2 additional weeks, and I completed the ExamCram book (highly recommend this book, not too pricey either - http://www.amazon.com/NCLEX-RN-Practice-Questions-Exam-Cram/dp/0789751070/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452621788&sr=8-1&keywords=exam+cram+nclex+rn). I would also occasionally use the ATI app on my phone I had from nursing school to answer questions in my spare time.
I've heard many suggestions for the Saunders NCLEX Review, which is readily available through illegitimate means if money is an issue.
I'm also a senior nursing student and something that has really worked well for me is recording lectures. My classes are typically four hours long, so I start a new recording for each chapter. Recording by chapter allows me to find the material more easily, and it's less daunting to open a recording that's 1:00-1:30h as opposed to a solid 4:00h of lecture. I recommend using an app on your phone that allows you to playback lectures at variable speeds (1.5x works well for me). Also, you might want to get an okay to record from your professor... I've heard that some professors are weird about being recorded, but I haven't had anyone say no to me yet.
I don't take notes during class because I want to listen and absorb as much information as possible without getting distracted. After class, you can head to your study spot and pop on the recordings and start transcribing your notes without worrying about missing something important. I listen to my lectures in the car, at the gym, walking my dog, etc.
I definitely recommend preparing for the lectures, though. Read through the chapter and take your own notes, jot down questions, and be ready to participate in the lecture. Don't be afraid to ask questions, but if you don't feel like asking during class, write them down and ask during a break, after class, or send an email.
Also... the Saunders NCLEX Review book has been a lifesaver. It's got thousands of practice questions to help you get the feel for NCLEX-style questions. It's also really helped me learn the materials a bit better as well. It was recommended by the director of our program, and I've actually seen some questions from these reviews pop up on exams. You might want to contact your program advisor and see if this book is recommended or if there's an equivalent book that your program uses.
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.
Okay I found it. Read this review from Amazon "
Sean
Only book I used
May 20, 2012
Verified Purchase
Format: Paperback
This book has taught me so much! There are two ways to study for the NCLEX - do question after question and hope you'll learn something from them, essentially cramming every disease known to man in your brain. Or, read about how the questions are formed and what the writers of the exam are looking for - get to know the test maker so you can figure out what they choose is the best answer, even if you don't know the disease!"
Can't beat that . This guy is talking about the same thing I am. Just merely understanding the question.
Kaplan NCLEX-RN 2012-2013 Strategies, Practice, and Review WITH CD-ROM (Kaplan Nclex-Rn Exam)
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/1609785657/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_FVa.BbE3KR7ZK
the EKVR sections? is this what you're talking about?
http://www.amazon.com/Verbal-Reasoning-Mathematical-Techniques-Examkrackers/dp/1893858685
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.
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!
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!
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
How many hours per day are you studying? If it's less than 4, then start with four and titrate up to 6.
When you get closer to test time do more practice questions than content. I used this book mainly: http://www.amazon.com/Lippincotts-Review-NCLEX-RN-Nclex-Rn/dp/1451172281/ref=dp_ob_title_bk (well, i had the previous version) I'd also recommend the Success Series to cover more topics, because one will cover diseases not in the other one (To me, lippincott is higher quality though).
More practice questions:
NCLEX 3500
This Q&A book really helped me out.
This book is good for focused interview prep and strategy
This book is good for common sense interview skills
I am using both of these books myself, and I like them a lot. They really only deal with traditional interview formats however. No books for group interviews or MMI format.
I've heard really good things about this book: https://www.amazon.com/Prioritization-Delegation-Assignment-Exercises-Examination/dp/0323113435
But any good source of practice questions (saunders, ati, etc) should have prioritization questions.
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'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!
SATA questions are the absolute worse. When I took the NCLEX the third question in was a SATA question and I often got up to 5 in a row t/o the test. The NCLEX is littered with these style questions so it's probably a good idea to start practicing them now. (BTW, I took the NCLEX the beginning of 2015.) One of the books I used to study was:
[SATA book] (https://www.amazon.com/Lippincott-NCLEX-RN-Alternate-Format-Questions/dp/1496325311/ref=dp_ob_title_bk)
My suggestion is to practice as many as you can throughout your time in school. Also, when I was in school I bought Saunders NCLEX review book and used that to study by doing their practice questions. It's great for using while in school since it gives you the rationales too! I was always told the best way to prepare for the NCLEX is to just practice as many of their style questions as possible. I passed 2 months after I graduated with 75 questions. Good luck!
So I should use this one then right?:
https://www.amazon.com/Kaplan-Complete-7-Book-Subject-Review/dp/1618656449
And not this one?:
https://www.amazon.com/MCAT-Complete-7-Book-Subject-Review/dp/1506205593/ref=dp_ob_title_bk
This is the only book I bought. The organization is not my favorite, but it cuts to the chase with all pertinent topics. I read that and did all the questions. At that point, anything I felt I still didn't know I glanced at in my old nursing textbook (I knew there was a reason I kept that thing around!)
I'm an LVN, but I had a lot of success with this book. It's not long because it teaches how to approach questions instead of just trying to throw thousands of questions/answers at you. Good luck on your next try!
I got a 315 which translates to roughly the 93rd percentile in my school. It sucks that someone who got a lower score than you got in in the previous year, but don't give up! A lot of my friends retook the test and scored a lot higher than they did initially. At least now you know what the test is like and what the general layout is. Did you use any books to study for it? One of my friends lent me her book and it really helped out, since there were a decent number of questions from the book on the test. Here it is:
https://www.amazon.com/Health-Occupations-Secrets-Study-Guide/dp/162733520X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1539657400&sr=8-2&keywords=psb+health+occupations+study+guide
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I used this one, and it kinda helped! I focused too much on chemistry, and not enough on A&P, so naturally I bombed the A&P part and did great on the Chemistry portion.
I dunno if I'm allowed to link, but I'll try it anyways as I'm on mobile and too lazy.
Best thing I ever did for CARS was read this old school EK book. Bottom line: read calmly, slowly, and deliberately, and try to get excited for each passage.
And I also got the old EK 101 verbal passages book from previous exam. It's got a bunch of warmup passages and 14 of the verbal practice exams.
IMO the old verbal was way harder for timing than the new one. Questions also seem much more challenging. If you can use that to get timing down and know how to dissect the questions, even without understanding the passage, it goes a long way to improving your score and giving you confidence in tackling passages that seem unreasonably dense.
Both books are super cheap, here's the verbal and math strategies book I used, found with a quick google search on amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Verbal-Reasoning-Mathematical-Techniques-Examkrackers/dp/1893858685
I swear you can improve. Timing should come first before you resort to any whack strategies. Anyways, as with all things, take my advice with a grain of salt. But those two resources I personally found invaluable.
Try not to be too disheartened. Just make sure to try to tackle the problem from a new angle since your first method didn't seem to suit you. Good luck
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
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 just passed the NCLEX, and I would recommend:
I thought both of these resources were harder than Saunders and closer to the level of difficulty of the NCLEX. You get content and rationales with the National Council's questions, too.
I've also heard good things about the Pharm book recommended by /u/myname150, although I haven't used it personally.
Good luck!
I bought a Saunders test Prep book and read it before starting nursing school. It is a HUGE help because a large part of the difficulty of nursing school is that you have to figure out NCLEX style questions. The one I got was not very big and had great tips.
You also may want to get flash cards and go ahead and memorize some common normal ranges for lab values. (Like normal ranges for sodium, etc.) your school may not require that you memorize them but mine did and it will help to already know them.
If you want to review a class you have already taken (I assume) look back on A&P. It's a foundation for just about every class here on out.
Here is the book:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0323296610/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469047504&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=saunders+test+taking+strategies&dpPl=1&dpID=51iP-IZF84L&ref=plSrch
Good Luck! I'm glad you are preparing ahead of time!
> Saunders and their magical CD
This? https://www.amazon.com/Saunders-2018-2019-Strategies-Test-Success/dp/032347960X
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
You need some PDA
https://www.amazon.com/Prioritization-Delegation-Assignment-Exercises-Examination/dp/0323113435
This book will abuse you but make you understand the nclex style of questions
this one here, saunders 6th edition
http://www.amazon.com/Saunders-Comprehensive-NCLEX-RN%C2%AE-Examination-Nclex-Rn/dp/1455727555
Its the new Q&A answer review for the nclex rn cd by lipincott. http://www.amazon.com/Lippincotts-Review-NCLEX-RN-Nclex-Rn/dp/1451172281/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1372123731&sr=8-2&keywords=question+and+answer+lippincott It's the cd that came with that book. I think that you're right Troll_Mclure does have the best answer.
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.
I found the best way to study was to complete alternate format questions, specifically the select all that apply questions. They're definitely the hardest on the NCLEX, and if you can begin to master those kind of questions, the other questions begin to look a lot easier! This was the book I used to study for the NCLEX, and I passed on my first attempt: http://www.amazon.com/Lippincotts-NCLEX-RN-Alternate-Format-Questions-Lippincott/dp/1451185456/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453125007&sr=8-1&keywords=select+all+that+apply+nursing
Good luck to you!