The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®)is a test taken by all aspiring registered nurses in the United States. This exam tests students' knowledge, understanding, and skills in a number of health and medical areas, such as health promotion, infection control, pharmacological therapies, and physiology. NCLEX-RN® books are study guides commonly used by test takers that help prepare them for the exam. To choose the best NCLEX-RN® books, it can be helpful to consider factors such as the areas in which you need the most help, various features of the books, and the price of books.
There are two different kinds of NCLEX-RN® books. Some books provide complete overviews of the exam, while others focus on specific sections of the test. If you need an introduction to the test so that you know what to expect, the best books might contain complete overviews. These books can provide a way for you to learn where you need to focus most of your attention. You may find that the material in some sections is easy, while other sections might seem more complicated and require hours of study.
A common feature found in many NCLEX-RN® books is a practice test. This is normally a test that you can score yourself and which is made up of questions similar to ones you can expect on the real exam. In some cases, practice tests might include actual questions from past exams. Practice tests are good for students who would like to gain a better understanding of the NCLEX-RN® structure. Many testing experts believe that an individual's score increases each time he or she takes an exam, meaning that taking a few practice tests can increase your score on the actual NCLEX-RN®.
A number of NCLEX-RN® books also include CD-ROMs. These are CDs that carry software that can be installed onto most computers, though you should remember to check compatibility if you decide to use this feature. The software normally allows users access to computerized practice tests and may include tutorials. Computerized practice tests are helpful because they can generate automatic scores. The NCLEX-RN® is normally taken on computers in testing centers, so a practice test on a computer is likely to be more similar to the actual exam.
The best NCLEX-RN® books are probably those that you can afford which also include the content and features that will help you to prepare best for the test. For those on a tight budget, used books can be a great way to save money, though you should make sure that used books you consider are up to date. Another option for saving money might be to share a book with another nursing students who is in your class or study group.