Are you looking for the best book for NCLEX RN despite overwhelming choices?
If you have been preparing for the NCLEX exam, you already know it is not a joke! This is one of the important stages in starting a nursing career in the United States.
Also, we understand that with so many books available in the market, choosing the right books for your NCLEX is a bit overwhelming.
NCLEX is your final boss after fighting out with the high school exams and pulling all-nighters every day. Are you ready to conquer it?
NCLEX: The Nursing Hunger Games
There are two versions of the exam:
- NCLEX-RN – For those becoming Registered Nurses (RNs)
- NCLEX-PN – For those pursuing a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
Pass it, and you move forward in your career. Fail, and you have to try again after weeks of waiting and additional preparation.
How Does the NCLEX Work?
The NCLEX is not your average multiple-choice test. It uses Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT), which means the difficulty adjusts based on your answers. The better you do, the harder the questions become.
Here’s what to expect:
- Between 75 and 145 questions for NCLEX-RN
- A mix of multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, fill-in-the-blank, and case study questions
- A focus on real-world nursing scenarios rather than memorized facts
- Up to five hours to complete the exam
1. Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN – The Gold Standard
- This book is the NCLEX Bible—detailed, thorough, and packed with over 5,000 practice questions.
- Every question comes with rationales, so you’ll know exactly why an answer is right (or wrong).
- Covers every topic you need to know, with easy-to-understand explanations.
2. Kaplan NCLEX-RN Prep Plus – Mastering Test-Taking Strategy
The NCLEX isn’t just about knowing the content—it’s about knowing how to answer the questions. This book teaches you Kaplan’s decision tree strategy, which helps you eliminate wrong answers like a pro.
- Comes with 1,800+ practice questions and six full-length tests to help you build stamina.
- Perfect if you get stuck on “Which patient do you see first?” type questions.
3. UWorld NCLEX-RN QBank – The Closest Thing to the Real NCLEX
- Technically, not a book—but this online question bank is as close as it gets to the real exam.
- Features NCLEX-style questions that mimic the Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) format.
- Every question includes detailed rationales, plus a slick interface that makes studying feel less painful.
4. Lippincott Q&A Review for NCLEX-RN – The Question Machine
- If you believe that practice makes perfect, this book is your best friend.
- Packed with 6,000+ practice questions, covering everything from pharmacology to patient prioritization.
- Comes with Next-Gen NCLEX (NGN) questions, so you’re not blindsided by the new format.
Best For: Nurses who want to drill themselves with as many practice questions as possible.
5. Prioritization, Delegation, and Assignment by LaCharity – The Game-Changer
- The NCLEX loves to ask “Who do you see first?” or “Which task can you delegate?” type questions. This book focuses entirely on that.
- Teaches you how to prioritize like a real nurse, not just a student cramming facts.
- Packed with practice scenarios that make you feel like you're already on the hospital floor making real decisions.
So, Which NCLEX Book Should You Choose?
📌 Want an all-in-one review? → Saunders
📌 Need test-taking strategies? → Kaplan
📌 Want NCLEX-level practice? → UWorld
📌 Love endless practice questions? → Lippincott
📌 Struggle with prioritization & delegation? → LaCharity
No matter which book (or combo of books) you choose, the key to passing the NCLEX is consistent practice and strategy. The exam isn’t just about what you know—it’s about how you think.
