The best partner of someone who prepares for an examination is the right book or material. When we say the right material, we are talking about the books that include all the topics needed to be covered. The prep book must be written with accuracy and an excellent presentation of information. It should give an extensive and comprehensive review that will help a student in understanding each topic. If you are preparing for the NCLEX, you must see this list of best NCLEX-RN Review Books.
What is NCLEX?
The National Council Licensure Examination or NCLEX is an examination for nurses. After passing the NCLEX exam, takers will be considered licensed nurses. This means that they can already practice the profession since they have their licenses. The license is proof of competency and skills of nurses. Other professions have a standardized test as well to ensure that takers are prepared to join the workforce.
The NCLEX exam has two types, the NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN. The first one is for practical nurses or those who want to apply for entry-level nursing positions. The second type is for registered nurses, those who have additional education. The type of NCLEX exam that you need to take depends on what role you seek.
To take the NCLEX, one has to complete an accredited nursing program. Then, apply for a license with the regulatory board. After that, register for the type of NCLEX that you want to take. After you pass the NCLEX, the board might ask you to complete additional requirements before you get your license.
What to Expect in NCLEX?
Before you take the NCLEX, here are the things that you need to know. By being aware of these things, you can devise a plan or schedule for the exam itself.
On the day of the exam, you have to ensure that you bring the necessary documents. The first thing that you should bring with you is your Authorization to Test (ATT). Also, don't forget to present a form of signed identification with your picture. The proctor strictly prohibits study materials inside the test center. Bring snacks or water too.
Take note that this is an important examination. Therefore you need to come early to the test center. Then present your ATT and ID picture. If you have with you your bag or belongings, the proctor will be placed outside the room.
Both types of exams have similar coverage. The difference between the two is that NCLEX PN is more focused on assisting RNs. While NCLEX RN is for the management of care. The exam covers eight subject areas.
1. Subject Areas
2. Exam Format
Multiple choice questions mostly comprise NCLEX exam. Both the NCLEX RN exam and NCLEX PN exam are computerized tests. Also, some questions require multiple-response and questions that require drag and drop.
The NCLEX PN exam consists of 85 questions to 205. The exam consisted of 75 questions in minimum and 265 in maximum.
3. Duration
For the NCLEX PN, there is typically an allotted time of five hours. Meanwhile, NCLEX RN takes six hours to finish. There are breaks provided for you but the time for break counts against total time.
4. Scoring
The NCLEX is scored differently compared to other exams. There is what they call logits, a unit of measurement that evaluates a taker's estimated ability and the difficulty of the questions in the exam. In the NCLEX RN, the passing score is 0.00 logits. While in PN, you pass the exam when you at least have -0.18 logits.
When you have already answered the minimum number of NCLEX questions, the computer assesses if you have at least 95% certain that your ability is above or below the standard. Even if you just answered the minimum number of NCLEX questions but you already meet the 95% confidence interval rule, you pass. Otherwise, you have to answer up to the maximum number of questions.
The results of the NCLEX RN test and NCLEX PN test will be released in six weeks after you take the NCLEX. The state's regulatory board will be the one to release the official results.
5. When Results Are Out
There are two possibilities after taking the exam, either you fail or pass. You will receive a candidate performance report where your performance per area of the test is broken down. The report will help you evaluate which area needs extra attention if you wish to retake the NCLEX.
If you pass the exam, then you are on your way to getting the license. Once you become a licensed nurse, you can specialize in one area.
Best NCLEX Review Books or Prep Books
The NCLEX is not an easy test. To take the actual exam well-prepared will surely lead you to desirable results. In line with that, we have here a list of available resources that you can study for the NCLEX. We have focused on the comprehensive review of each NCLEX review book in the list. The first requirement for a review book is the content. You have to ensure that the content is complete, clear, and well-illustrated. There are so many books on the market, but we'll help you choose the most ideal.
1. Kaplan Test Prep NCLEX-RN Content Review Guide
The Kaplan Nursing Prep Guide is the most trusted resources when it comes to NCLEX. This Test Prep from Kaplan RN content review guide provides an in-depth summary of the things that you need to know. You don't have an overwhelming number of books to study, you just need one that you find helpful. This book contains all the important details that will help you pass the NCLEX.
If you continually practice answering the exam questions here, you will see the improvement. Kaplan is a test review guide which is extensive and complete with questions and answers to help you practice. Kaplan book has a straightforward presentation of the topics to help you understand the concepts easily.
The Kaplan NCLEX RN content review used an approach that will help in enhancing your critical thinking skills. It is one of the best reviews or studies to practice yourself and get familiar with the format and style. The Kaplan s NCLEX RN review book also provides questions to help you focus on processing key concepts.
2. Prioritization, Delegation, and Assignment
Prioritization, Delegation, and Assignment types of questions are expected on the actual NCLEX. Therefore, you need to study how to practice answering these questions effectively. It will be helpful if you take the test with a proper understanding of how to analyze this portion of the exam.
With regards to that, this book that is on its 3rd edition has practice exercises that will help you grasp the important concepts. Prioritization, Delegation, and Assignment Practice Exercises have NCLEX-style questions. There are handy case studies too.
Build your confidence by answering the practice test. The prep book encompasses all the topics. Every nursing student preparing for the NCLEX will find this book helpful and one of the best NCLEX prep books. When you review for NCLEX RN or PN, the unique approach of this book establishes your foundational knowledge.
Nursing students need a study guide that will equip them with foundational skills and teach them how they would apply these skills into practice. That being said, this book which focuses on prioritization, delegation, and assignment is a great choice.
For the practice test, the prep book has an in-depth answer key at the back portion. This includes a detailed explanation of the correct answer.
3. Comprehensive Review: Saunders
Nursing students who have been looking for NCLEX prep books that cover everything. This Comprehensive Review is the best review book if that would meet your expectations. Saunders comprehensive review tackles everything that is included in the NCLEX. As the name suggests, it is a comprehensive NCLEX review book designed to enhance your analytical skills.
There is an impressive amount of practice questions included in this study guide. After you read the material, there is a practice test that you need to answer before you move to another topic. That is to test the amount of information that you retained after studying a certain topic.
Saunders Comprehensive Review is an excellent option because you can either purchase a book and an online copy depending on your preference.
Saunders Comprehensive Review for NCLEX contains more than 5 000 practice NCLEX-style questions in the book and online. Aside from that, the book ensures that you get the best quality of questions to develop your critical thinking skills. Saunders Comprehensive Review is always updated and also comes with test-taking tips inside.
Being one of the best NCLEX review books, Saunders Comprehensive Review has 85 questions that serve as a diagnostic exercise. The content of the exam is aligned with the actual syllabus for the NCLEX test plan. The book has more visually engaging content too to make studying fun and easy. It is authored by Linda Anne Silvestri, PhD, RN, FAAN who has been providing nursing education to students for decades.
4. Lippincott Q&A Review
The NCLEX RN Lippincott Q + A Review is an easy to use prep book. The Lippincott Q + A Review book has the same question types as the actual examination. The format and style were designed in the same manner as NCLEX. This is to help students to get familiar with the way the questions are asked.
Lippincott Q + A Review has 6000 practice questions. One of the factors in choosing the best NCLEX RN prep book is the number of practice tests included in the Lippincott Q + A review book. There is no better way to master the topics but to consistently answer the practice questions. In this NCLEX RN review book, you get to experience active learning. Also, the NCLEX RN Lippincott focuses on mental health, medical-surgical, pediatric nursing, and obstetric.
After answering the practice questions, you can be confident enough to take the NCLEX RN examination. This Q + A review book also has tips on how you deal with the NCLEX RN examination.
Furthermore, the NCLEX RN Lippincott Q + A review guide is a budget-friendly choice. Compared to other books, this Nursing Lippincott Q + A review guide is more affordable.
5. Kaplan’s NCLEX-RN Drug Guide
Kaplan has a good reputation when it comes to the best NCLEX review books. One of their excellent review books is Kaplan's NCLEX RN Drug Guide. The NCLEX RN Drug Guide is focused on drugs and medications. The NCLEX RN examination includes a large part of this subject.
With a great deal of information found inside the study guide, you can review for NCLEX well. In this NCLEX RN guide, there are more than 300 drugs explained. The book is portable too since it is smaller than the usual textbooks. You can bring the book and study it anywhere.
Nursing students who need help with drug and medication portions of the exam will love to read this. To help you prepare and review for the NCLEX RN Examination, the drugs listed have relevant information. Details such as contraindications and uses are included as well.
6. Mosby’s Comprehensive Review of Nursing
As you prepare for the examination, the first thing that comes to your mind is your ultimate goal. The goal is to successfully pass the exam on your first take. To make that possible, you need a comprehensive guide.
Moby's Comprehensive Review gives you 100% assurance that you will pass the examination. Nursing students or candidates have to study over 800 pages of information. This is a book which covers everything that you have to study.
Mosby's contains more than 4,200 NCLEX-question types. Not just that, there is a detailed rationale for each item too. The practice test reflects and follows the latest NCLEX RN test plan. This is one of the recommended NCLEX prep books because there's a ton of practice questions. It also includes colorful charts and illustrations. The entire focus of this book is on nursing management practices.
Tips When You Start Your Review for NCLEX RN
Nursing students are the ones who usually know how to manage their time. They have to meet various requirements and take numerous quizzes each week to survive the course. It is a difficult but promising profession. Graduating from nursing school is already a big achievement. But there's still one challenge that they were about to face after attaining their degree from nursing school, which is the NCLEX.
While it is true that they were used to studying tons of materials during undergrad, the situation is a little different now. So, here are some tips for you to earn that license and finally become a registered nurse:
1. Choose the Best NCLEX Review Books
Before anything else, you have to ensure that you choose the best NCLEX prep books. You don't have to worry about that because we have listed them here for you. Different brand names will capture your attention. However, take into consideration what works best for you. Are you looking for a comprehensive guide or do you prefer a flashcard style? This depends on your preference. When it comes to practice questions, choose the ones that provide detailed explanations of the right answer.
2. Know the NCLEX Format
You must know what to expect in the actual conduct of the exam. Unlike other exams, NCLEX is using computerized adaptive testing. The difficulty of the next question depends on your performance from the previous questions. We have also discussed above the number of items and time allotment. There is also a rule as regards minimum and maximum questions.
3. Make a Plan
A plan gives you a direction towards your main goal. If you know what you are doing, you will not get lost amid your review. You can also ascertain how long it will take you to finish the materials that you have. The plan should include a schedule. Determine the time when you think your brain is active. Do you want to study in the morning or the night? Then, write it down as part of your plan and schedule.
By having a plan, you can also prevent yourself from procrastinating. Anyway, no one should be cramming when the actual examination is near. Everything must be under control. Don't waste your time and start planning early.
4. Practice Answering Questions Consistently
The only way you can master a topic is by consistently devoting your time to answer practice questions. Don't just read the discussion part of the book and then rely on what you remember. You have to keep practicing to ensure that you understand what you have studied. An extensive review for NCLEX RN includes consistent effort in answering practice tests.
5. Get Enough Sleep
Keep everything in balance. As you review for NCLEX RN or PN exam, make sure that your health is well-taken care of as well. Getting enough sleep is a requirement. If you have enough rest, you will not feel sleepy during your study sessions. This helps you gain focus.
What is the Best Online NCLEX Review?
There are so many good online NCLEX reviews. The two of the most popular are Kaplan and UWorld Nursing.
In Kaplan, they have 18 hours of nurse-educator lectures for your review for NCLEX RN. There are more than 2,000 questions with detailed explanations too. It has a 500-page e-book that you can read on your mobile devices. Meanwhile, UWorld Nursing provides 200 nurse-educator practice questions. They also have a software where you can practice like you are already in the actual test. Your review for the NCLEX becomes manageable with these options for online review.
To compare the two, Kaplan is a better option to review for NCLEX RN. They are almost the same except for Kaplan's additional features which will surely be helpful as you review for the NCLEX.
Conclusion
The list of the best NCLEX-RN review books above is carefully selected by considering the content, quality, and reliability of the material. But the most recommended prep book that stands out from the list is Saunders Comprehensive Review. It is the best book for nursing students because of the quality of the practice questions that it has. Well, all books have their advantages. But because Saunders is a comprehensive guide with tons of practice questions, it emerged as the best choice. With this book, you are more than ready to review for NCLEX RN exam.