So you’ve worked pretty hard to complete your basic nursing program successfully. Now the only thing standing between you and your all-important nursing license is the NCLEX-RN examination. Choosing the best NCLEX-RN study materials wisely is critical for maximizing your chances of passing the examination with a top score, and we want to help you wade through the many choices that are available in the market.
Best NCLEX review books
As you would know, the NCLEX-RN exam is designed to determine whether applicants for licensure as registered nurses have the necessary level of skill and knowledge required to practice knowledgeably, safely, and capably at an entry-level.
We’ve outlined some of the Best NCLEX Review Books in this comparison table to make it easier to find the one that is right for you. You can click “Read More” on any of the items in the table to jump to the section in this article outlining more information about it. Or, you can click the “Buy from Amazon.com” button to pick it up immediately.
To help you prepare, we have put together the 5 Best NCLEX review books.
Saunders Comprehensive Review
At over 1180 pages, The Saunders Comprehensive Review provides a comprehensive review of all subject areas specifically related to the latest test plan.
Designed to help candidates make their way to the top of the pyramid, this best seller introduces all that one needs to know about the NCLEX exam, offers key tips and tricks about preparation, and, best of all, gives you access to rationales and test-taking strategies– which give you the information you need to differentiate the correct and incorrect options, and to determine a logical path to choosing the right option.
In addition to a great number of practice tests, you also get to enjoy access to a unique web portal that provides additional study materials to complement the book.
Verdict: One of the best NCLEX review books out there. With this book, the dreaded assessment isn’t nearly as scary.
Prioritization, Delegation and Assignment
As the title reads, this NCLEX review book is all about helping nurses hone their prioritizing, delegating and assigning skills. Questions that test your knowledge are rather easy to crack, but practice exercises and case studies that test your application and analysis need some critical thinking skills. This is where this book comes in handy.
Consisting of 3 parts that focus on the concepts of prioritization, delegation, supervision, this NCLEX review study guide is a game changer in the sense that it allows you to develop the ability to critically think through and analyze the situations.
Verdict: A must-have guide for those who struggle with delegation and prioritization of patient care needs.
Lippincott Q&A Review
The 12th edition Lippincott Q&A Review matches the actual NCLEX exam in content, format and difficulty, making it one of the best review book for test takers who have finished their review of NCLEX topics but still want to get a sense of the real exam. Authored by an award winning nursing educator and an associate professor, this review guide for NCLEX features practice tests and questions that are written in the same style as the NCLEX exam.
Besides a comprehensive account on nursing for obstetrics, pediatrics, medical-surgical, and mental health nursing, this review guide offers well written rationales, and easy to follow strategies and tips to tackle all 8 formats of test items such as multiple-choice, multiple response, fill up the blanks, chart/exhibit, hot spot, drag-and-drop, graphic items, and audio options.
Verdict: A solid review guide you could use to get better scores and stay on track after passing the NCLEX.
HESI Comprehensive Review
For those candidates who believe it is never too early to begin preparing for the NCLEX, the HESI comprehensive review is a good fit. Organized into different chapters, this book uses a variety of learning mechanisms to help nursing students prepare for the ultimate test in a structured way. What stands out is the way the open ended questions are presented at the end of each chapter. The review questions and study exams available online on the Evolve site provide much-needed exposure and practice to the critical thinking style questions that you are likely to encounter in HESI exams.
Verdict: It might not be the best book for NCLEX style questions, but it is right up there with its well summarized and easy-to-memorize content.
Mosby’s Comprehensive Review
Last but not least, the Mosby’s comprehensive review is a classic resource put together by a team of trusted NCLEX experts. With over 4000 practice questions, elaborated rationales, this latest NCLEX review book reflects the newest test plan prescribed by National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NSCBN).
You’ll also find over 600 questions in the latest alternate item format, a preparation tool kit in addition to a couple of comprehensive exams, and access to a variety of customizable quizzes, downloadable audio summaries and more.
Verdict: A classic NCLEX prep book, updated on a regular basis, presents well-organized review content and relevant test questions (in the newest format) that will help you make the grade.
Which NCLEX review book did you have success with?
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Thanks for sharing these nclex books. These books show you how you’ll apply the medical knowledge you have gained in your real-life situations.