This was the only book I used to review/practice for the NCLEX-RN. I just took it Sept 2006 and passed. I have the 2005-2006 version of this book. I thought the first half was really helpful on question type analysis and answer choice strategies. I did not think this was common sense and I wished I had read it earlier in my nursing program, it would have made a difference when we started getting "application" questions. The second half of the book was also helpful for review and practice. I learned to read the question once or twice, read and eliminate answers, then choose one instead of obsessing or overthinking as I have done in the past. I know there is some luck involved in passing the NCLEX - apparently some people are unfortunate enough to be randomly selected to receive 265 questions, while others are unlucky to get a lot of questions on an area with which they are uncomfortable - as well as some luck in surviving nursing school itself (what a bizarre culture, like trying to get into a sorority at times), and I was lucky to get a minimum number of general questions. However, I waited 3 months exactly (2 is recommended) to take the test and did very little study/review. This was the only book I used for a few weeks before the test. Risky, but it worked - I would highly recommend this book. I think Kaplan did a fantastic job. Good luck to all!

Oh, P.S. on using the CD: I went through all 180 questions in the book and all 180 on the CD (they are not the same questions). As I remember, I put in the CD and the files on it automatically showed on the screen. I double-clicked the install file and it put a Kaplan icon on my desktop. From there, I used the icon to bring it up. I quit early (after 15 questions) and then chose to review. The program went through each question and answer with reasons, like in the book, and it was actually more helpful to go through it this way because I could still read and answer the question, but this time the answer was right there so I could check my answer and reasoning right away. If you go through the test the way it is set up, you have to answer all 180 before you find out if you were right or wrong.

I thought this book was great. I needed a book to help me mentally prepare for the test and to give me test taking tips. I didn't need to review content, that's what nursing school is for! So, this book was perfect. When I came across a question that I wasn't sure of, I thought back to the tips in this book to help me answer the question. Very helpful!

I was able to get through this book in only 2 days!! This entire book offers the reader ONLY strategies and no review of content. For some of you, this is what you are looking for, BUT the strategies they offer are all common sense. I have confidence that, if you were able to graduate from nursing school (ADN/BSN), you have ALREADY mastered the techniques they have to offer.

If you are looking for a good book that offers strategies I suggest using "Saunders Strategies for Success for the NCLEX-RN Examination."

For a good book that reviews content I suggest using "Saunders Comprehensive Review."

If you want practice questions you should use "Lippincott's Review for the NCLEX-RN Examination"

Very good book to help you prepare for nursing school type test, The school I attend is very NCLEX oriented and has a graduate NCLEX pass rate of almost 100 %, including the few, and I mean very few that have to retake the nclex, they do have 100 % pass rate! This gives you some insight on the type of testing they put us through! Yes, it's tough, but when all is said and done, it will have been well worth it! EXCELLANT BOOK TO PREPARE YOU NOT ONLY FOR THE ACTUAL NCLEX, BUT NURSING SCHOOL TYPE TESTING. 5 STARS, in my opinion! P.S. to the reviews I've read after posting mine, Look under program files for KAPLAN>NCLEX>NCLEX Practice, then the testing cd works fine. When the program starts, enter ANY first name , ANY Last name , ANY 4 digit school ID Number and ANY 10 digit enrollment number.(just remember what you entered so you can continue the SAME test at a later time. It ask all this in case you quit in the middle of a test, you can continue it at a later time, or you can start all over by entering different numbers.

The book promises you 180 questions and another 180 question on the CD. Well, CD does not work. How is this possible? It was made in 1998 no wonder my XP doesn't know what to do with it. SCUM !!