Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN Examination, 5th Edition 5th Edition

First let me say I'm writing my review a couple of years late as I took the NCLEX January 2008. Should have written it sooner, but time gets away from you when you're in grad school...I attended University of San Francisco (USF) and they require the HESI exam after each course in order to pass the course and move on. I purchased this book to study for each HESI exam AND also for the NCLEX. this review book is written in a clear, easy to understand manner. It covers all the information that you need in order to pass the NCLEX. I had about 3 other review books, but THIS is the one I used the most and that I feel was most helpful and accurate to the NCLEX.Regarding the HESI exams if your school uses them: you will want to also use the HESI specific study guide. We (my cohort) found that many of the questions in the HESI study guide were actual test questions just with different wording, so that made the HESI easier. However, for general knowledge and understanding the Saunders book is much better. Think of the HESI as being test specific, so you need it, but the Saunders is more of the 'real deal' for the NCLEX. It is also a much better general review for comprehending concepts, which is helpful for both exams.I STRONGLY recommend you use flash cards to study as well. Don't get the kind with multiple questions on each card - you can't use as easily because when you flip them over to check your answer you then see the answers to the other questions that are on the same card. Make sure they only have one question per card. I punched holes in them and put them on a ring to carry around.Lastly, my husband helped me study and often he would guess at answers also just for fun. He would frequently get answers right that I got wrong and he has absolutely no medical background. We realized that I was over thinking the questions while he was going for the most obvious answer. I remembered this when I took the NCLEX and it served me well. My exam ended after the minimum number of questions and I passed with flying colors. So, don't over think each question - go with the most obvious answer.Best of success on your NCLEX!

Before purchasing this book I was doing the Virtual ATI Review. I was told that a mentor would tailor an individual study plan for NCLEX. So I was sold on what seemed like a great idea. My buddy chose to do ATI as well.So, basically you use the learning activities then take a focused review for each subject. Fundamentals, pharmacology, Med Surg, OB, Pediatrics, Mental Health & Leadership. If you score above 60 percent you can move on to the next subject. But...before you move on you have to do an assignment that is supposed to address areas where you were weak in. They just seemed random (not pertaining to what you were tested on) and were time consuming. The tests did not compliment what I studied. Basically the so-called individually tailored review is the SAME for everyone except you can go through it in 3,4,5 or 6 weeks. I did the review up to Pharmacology and did not finish.You are better off just printing out old ATI remediation study plans and doing that for review. (that's what one of my buddies did and he passed the 1st time. I lost all confidence in ATI. The review material consists of awful powerpoints with low-quality material. I purchased this book and reviewed some areas that I felt I was weak in. I also uploaded the program that cameon the CD (included with the book with over 4000 questions) and did 100 question quizzes a day for 2 weeks. The rationales are great and some are just decent. The only fallback with the tests are that you will get some repeat questions but that could be a good thing. If you do the quizzes at the end of every chapter then you will be tested on what you learned. The major ingredient to my confidence was prayer to my Lord Jesus Christ. I took my test in less than 1 hr and 20 minutes and it shut off at after question 75! I checked the BRN website 3 days later under permanent license verification and there it was... my name with Registered Nurse following! I wish I had this book during Nursing School. Know your pharmacology, priority assessment of patients, and Leadership-style questions. These make up the majority of the test. Good luck to all and God bless!