Healthcare

The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best NCLEX Review Book in 2023

A nursing career is on the horizon, but one final hurdle remains: passing the NCLEX exam. Selecting the right NCLEX review book can be a daunting task, with so many options available. Fear not, future nurses! This ultimate guide will steer you toward the best NCLEX review book for your unique needs, ensuring success in your nursing journey.

Comprehensive NCLEX Review Books

For those seeking a thorough understanding of nursing topics and a wide range of practice questions, comprehensive NCLEX review books are the way to go. These books cover a vast array of nursing concepts and provide ample opportunities to test your knowledge.

Two highly recommended options in this category are Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN Examination and Kaplan NCLEX-RN Prep Plus.

Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN Examination

Widely regarded as the top-rated NCLEX review book, Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN Examination is an excellent choice for any nursing student preparing for the exam. With over 5,200 practice questions, this book offers a straightforward and concise approach to nursing content and test-taking strategies. The most recent edition includes modifications in accordance with recent NCLEX-RN exams, ensuring you are up-to-date with the latest changes.

The Saunders Comprehensive Review stands out for its visual aids, making it particularly well-suited for visual learners. The book’s layout is clearly organized, allowing students to choose between a more individualized approach to study or to follow the book as written. The practice exam included in the book reflects the same content areas and proportions as seen on the actual NCLEX-RN exam, further enhancing your familiarity and confidence in tackling the actual test.

Kaplan NCLEX-RN Prep Plus

Kaplan NCLEX-RN. Prep Plus is another comprehensive review guide designed to assist individuals in preparing for the NCLEX exam. This resource covers all essential concepts included in the NCLEX test, including new question types such as matrix, Multiple Response, Cloze, Drag-and-Drop, Highlight, Bowtie, and Trend on the Next Generation NCLEX-RN.

One standout feature of Kaplan NCLEX-RN Prep Plus is its focus on critical thinking pathways. With ten critical thinking pathways included, this book aids in breaking down test questions to comprehend the inquiry and the best response.

However, it’s worth noting that the accompanying answer explanations for the practice problems could be more detailed, which is its primary disadvantage.

Focused NCLEX Review Books

If you’re looking to hone your skills in specific areas, focused NCLEX review books are your best bet. These resources are designed to help students master particular aspects of nursing, such as prioritization, delegation, and medication review.

Two recommended options in this category are Prioritization, Delegation, and Assignment and Kaplan NCLEX-RN Medication Review.

Prioritization, Delegation, and Assignment

Prioritization, delegation, and assignment is a valuable resource for students looking to strengthen their practical nursing skills. This book assesses the capacity to address the practical concerns that nurses are currently facing, encompassing three principles of patient care: prioritization, delegation, and task management. The skills developed through studying this book include logical analysis, critical thinking, problem analysis, and providing resolutions.

While this book is highly beneficial in improving practical nursing skills, it should not be used exclusively. Instead, supplement it with some of the most effective NCLEX-RN review books, like Saunders Comprehensive Review or Kaplan NCLEX-RN Prep Plus, to ensure a well-rounded preparation.

Kaplan NCLEX-RN Medication Review

Mastering drugs and medications is crucial for nursing success, and Kaplan NCLEX-RN Medication Review is the perfect resource for achieving that mastery. This pocket-sized review book provides comprehensive coverage of 300 frequently prescribed medications, focusing on the key details that are most likely to appear on the exam.

Kaplan NCLEX-RN. Medication Review covers a wide range of medications, ensuring that you are well-prepared for any medication-related questions on the exam. Keep in mind, though, that this resource is best used in conjunction with comprehensive NCLEX review books to ensure a well-rounded understanding of nursing concepts and practice.

Visual Learning NCLEX Review Books

For students who learn best through visual aids, visual learning NCLEX review books are an excellent choice. These resources use mnemonics, charts, and color boxes to help remember nursing concepts, making them easier to remember during the exam.

Two highly recommended visual learning NCLEX review books are Illustrated Study Guide for the NCLEX-RN and Lippincott Q&A Review for the NCLEX-RN.

Illustrated Study Guide for the NCLEX-RN

The Illustrated Study Guide for the NCLEX-RN is a unique study material containing a range of visual presentations that make it easier for visual learners to grasp nursing concepts. This guide provides an effective review of nursing content with the use of colorful drawings and mnemonic cartoons, making it an engaging and useful tool for NCLEX preparation.

It’s important to note that the Illustrated Study Guide emphasizes the visual representation of nursing concepts. To complement this resource, it is suggested to make use of the online portal from the Evolve web resource for explanations and rationales.

Lippincott Q&A Review for NCLEX-RN

Lippincott Q&A Review for NCLEX-RN is another excellent visual learning resource for nursing students. Authored by a highly respected nursing professional, this comprehensive NCLEX review book is tailored to provide learning on nursing concepts and theories, divided into different content areas. The book contains over 6,000 questions, providing ample opportunity for students to test their knowledge and improve their problem-solving skills.

The Lippincott Q&A Review is best suited for individuals who are already acquainted with the NCLEX syllabus, as it focuses on critical thinking and problem-solving skills. With its wide range of practice questions and focus on critical thinking skills, Lippincott Q&A Review is a valuable addition to any nursing student’s NCLEX preparation arsenal.

Budget-Friendly NCLEX Review Books

For students on a tight budget, there are still plenty of NCLEX review books that offer affordable options without compromising on quality. Budget-friendly NCLEX review books such as Exam Cram NCLEX Practice Questions and Davis’s Q&A Review for NCLEX-RN provide a cost-effective way to access plenty of practice questions and key nursing concepts.

These books are designed to help students prepare for the NCLEX exam and provide them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. They offer a comprehensive review of the topics covered on the exam as well as a comprehensive review of the topics covered on the exam.

Exam Cram NCLEX Practice Questions

Exam Cram NCLEX. Practice Questions is a comprehensive review book offering over 1,340 sample test questions, 5 practice exams, and detailed answers. This resource is tailored to students who have limited test time and focuses on key concepts to ensure rapid and efficient study sessions. The book also includes Cram Sheets for last-minute test preparation, allowing students to review relevant concepts quickly before the exam.

While Exam Cram NCLEX Practice Questions provide an efficient way to cover key nursing concepts, it is best utilized as a quick refresher rather than a primary NCLEX preparation resource. To get the most out of your study time, consider supplementing this book with other comprehensive NCLEX review books.

Davis’s Q&A Review for NCLEX-RN

Davis’s Q&A Review for NCLEX-RN offers the most comprehensive set of practice questions among other review books, with over 2,750 questions in the book and an additional 10,000 practice questions available online. This resource provides questions that are sufficiently challenging to elicit problem-solving skills and ensure students attain a high level of performance on the NCLEX exam.

The Davis Q&A Review book is best suited for students who wish to gain a significant amount of practice before taking the NCLEX exam. However, it’s important to remember that this book should be used in conjunction with other comprehensive NCLEX review books to ensure a well-rounded understanding of nursing concepts and practice.

Online Resources and Supplementary Materials

In addition to traditional review books, there are also various online resources and supplementary materials available to support NCLEX preparation. These resources provide additional practice and support, ensuring that you are well-prepared for the exam.

Two such resources are BoardVitals NCLEX Review Course and Evolve Web Resource.

BoardVitals NCLEX Review Course

BoardVitals NCLEX. Review Course is an online course that provides practice questions and test-taking strategies to help students prepare for the NCLEX exam. This review course is highly regarded for its tailored questions and format, full-length practice tests which closely resemble the actual NCLEX exam, ensuring familiarity and confidence on test day.

By using BoardVitals NCLEX Review Course, you can benefit from a comprehensive review of nursing content alongside practice questions that closely mimic the actual NCLEX exam. This resource is an excellent addition to your NCLEX preparation arsenal, providing the practice and support you need to succeed on the exam.

Evolve Web Resource

Evolve Web Resource is an online platform offering Elsevier products for nursing and health professions students and faculty. This resource provides a range of online resources such as practice questions, animations, videos, and audio summaries that vary according to the textbook. It also facilitates the customization of educational content with brand guidelines and other online properties.

Utilizing the Evolve Web Resource allows you to access a wide variety of nursing content and practice resources, ensuring you have everything you need to succeed on the NCLEX exam. By incorporating this online resource into your study plan, you can further enhance your understanding of nursing concepts and improve your overall exam performance.

Summary

Choosing the right NCLEX review book is essential in determining your success on the exam and your future nursing career. By considering your learning style, specific needs, and budget, you can select the best NCLEX review book from the comprehensive, focused, visual learning, or budget-friendly options discussed in this guide. With the right tools and resources at hand, you’ll be well-prepared to conquer the NCLEX exam and embark on your rewarding nursing journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Nclex review course is the best?

Based on the feedback of numerous healthcare professionals, Kaplan’s NCLEX Review Course is recognized as the best NCLEX review course for 2021. Its comprehensive approach to exam preparation and personalized learning resources offer unparalleled support for aspiring nursing professionals looking to pass their exams.

Which is better, Archer Review or UWorld?

In terms of money-back guarantees, Archer Review provides a SUREPASS Combo that gives you unbeatable peace of mind, whereas UWorld does not offer any guarantee. Additionally, Archer has a computer adaptive testing program, while UWorld only offers two 100-timed questions.

Therefore, Archer Review seems to be the better option.

Is Kaplan or UWorld better for NCLEX?

Based on the answers provided, Kaplan’s NCLEX prep book has a clear edge, thanks to its comprehensive coverage of topics, video lessons, optional live classes, and other bonus resources.

UWorld does not offer these additional benefits, making Kaplan the better overall choice.

What is the best source to study for NCLEX?

When preparing for the NCLEX, the best source to study is Kaplan Nursing’s NCLEX-RN Prep Plus 2020. This comprehensive study guide covers all of the most important topics on the exam and provides detailed explanations and review quizzes to help you master the content.

Additionally, it includes testing strategies, practice tests, and tips for success on the exam day. With this comprehensive review book, you can be sure that you are getting the best preparation available for the NCLEX.

How to study for NCLEX effectively?

To effectively study for the NCLEX, evaluate your weak areas, create an NCLEX study plan or calendar, and build an NCLEX study binder.

Make sure to review each chapter at least twice for maximum comprehension. With this organized approach, you can efficiently prepare yourself to pass the NCLEX.

With over 2 million courses sold across industries, Jordan Fabel knows what makes an online course truly excellent. His background spans course creation, instructional design, and educational technology. At Approved Course, he's committed to providing honest, in-depth course analysis so you can invest your time and money wisely in your learning journey.