Nurses Review Saunders NCLEX Prep Course

When searching for the best NCLEX review program, there are many factors to consider, including cost, NLCEX pass rate, and more. Saunders is one of the most recognized names in NCLEX review courses Check out this article for the full list of the  top NCLEX review courses. 

This Saunders NCLEX review will provide an overview of the programs, client reviews, pros and cons, cost, prep products, refund policy, and more to help you decide if it’s the right review course for you.

Overview of Saunders NCLEX Review

Linda Anne Silvestri, PhD, RN, FAAN, is a nursing professor and researcher who wrote the original Saunders NCLEX review books. However, more recent editions are co-authored with Angela Elizabeth Silvestri, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE, also a nurse educator and researcher.

Silvestri researched predictors that led students to success on the NCLEX exam. She used her findings to write NCLEX review books that help students prepare for the NCLEX with “a holistic educational approach” for NCLEX prep. 

Reviews of Saunders NCLEX Materials

There are numerous positive online reviews about the Saunders NCLEX app:

The most common constructive feedback in reviews is that the Saunders practice questions are too easy. Some students use Saunders material in conjunction with other sources that require more “critical thinking,” as one reviewer put it.

Students also comment that the “Ask-An-Expert” app feature is helpful and responsive.

Is an NCLEX Review Course Worth It? 

Taking an NCLEX review course is one of the best investments you can make as a nursing student to ensure you pass the exam. If your nursing school didn’t offer NCLEX preparation, you probably haven’t taken any exam like it. 

The NCLEX is a comprehensive exam of everything you’ve learned in nursing school. So, why leave this most crucial exam up to chance? Many students already have enough stress preparing for the NCLEX while managing other commitments like work and family responsibilities. 

Do your research to find a highly recommended NCLEX review course that produces high pass rates. An excellent review course will save you time and anxiety. It may also get you working as a licensed nurse faster than tackling the NCLEX on your own.

Pros and Cons of Saunders

Pros of Saunders

Saunders has been called “the best NCLEX® exam review book ever” and has helped thousands of students pass the NCLEX licensing exams.

Students have peace of mind knowing that Saunders offers a 30-day 100% money-back guarantee if they are unhappy with their purchase. 

Being able to “Ask-An-Expert” questions and receiving a response from a nurse educator within 24 hours is reassuring support for students.

Compared to other review courses, the lower price point is a bonus for students on a limited budget. Students also have access to the book or e-book indefinitely after buying it.

Cons of Saunders

Despite having access to the “Ask-An-Expert” feature via the app, some students may need one-on-one tutoring, which Saunders doesn’t provide. 

Also, there are no live or on-demand content sessions. If you are a student who studies better in a group setting, Saunders may not be the right review course for you.

Some reviewers point out that another downside is paying to access the app even though they already bought the printed book.

Saunders products work best for self-directed learners who are comfortable learning new material on their own.

Saunders Test Prep Products

1. Print and e-Books

For NCLEX-RN (registered nurse) and NCLEX-PN (practical nurse) preparation, Saunders offers several print books and e-books. The books are also consistently updated with new and improved editions.

Currently, the following books and e-books are available for NCLEX review for NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN students:

• Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN® Examination, 8th Edition
• Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-PN® Examination, 7th Edition
• Saunders Q&A Review for the NCLEX-RN® Examination, 8th Edition
• Saunders Q&A Review for the NCLEX-PN® Examination, 5th Edition
• Saunders 2020-2021 Strategies for Test Success: Passing Nursing School, 6th Edition
• Saunders 2022-2023 Clinical Judgment and Test-Taking Strategies: Passing Nursing School and the NCLEX® Exam, 7th Edition
• Saunders Canadian Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN® Examination

2.  Online App

Saunders NCLEX review materials are accessible through an app developed by Skyscape for iPhone, Mac, iPad, or Android. The apps mimic the popular Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN Examination and NCLEX-PN Examination Review books. 

Both NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN students can download the app for free and “try before you buy” through Skyscape, the Apple App Store, or Google Play Store. 

The free app feature provides access to some sample chapters and 125 practice questions for NCLEX-RN students and roughly 100 practice questions for NCLEX-PN students.

App features include:

• Bookmarking of “tricky” questions, letting you add notes and make flashcards
• An “Ask-An-Expert” feature to ask questions of nurse educators and receive an answer in 24 hours
• Time Mode, so you can improve your speed answering test questions in a set time
• Study Mode, which provides the answer and rationale after each question
• Stats that show you areas where you’re strong so you can focus on areas that need improvement
• Create Quiz, lets you pick a topic and the number of questions you want
• QOD, which gives you a random question to attempt every day

There is also a comprehensive test at the end of the NCLEX review for both NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN students.

If you complete the comprehensive test in the app, you will receive a Candidate Performance Report that summarizes how you performed in each content area. The report also tells you if you are above, near, or below the NCLEX passing standard. 

Pricing and Access

Pricing for the books can vary depending on which review book you purchase, where you buy it, if the book is new or used, and if you buy a print copy or e-book.

For example, the Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN® Examination, 8th Edition, is currently on sale from the Elsevier site for $65.69 but is regularly priced at $72.99. An access code for the e-book is also available from Amazon.com for $52.42.

Students can download the app from Skyscape to “try before you buy.” This free feature includes sample chapters and 100-125 practice questions. 

For the NCLEX-RN review, an in-app purchase gives you access to the entire course and more than 6100 practice questions. You can buy subscriptions for one month with a free trial, 3 months at $49.99, or unlimited access at $69.99. 

NCLEX-PN students can purchase the app for one month at $24.99, 3 months at $32.99, or the Saunders Comp Review NCLEX-PN for $49.99. The app provides access to the NCLEX-PN review course and over 4500 NCLEX style exam questions.

Prep Materials

Surprisingly, Saunders doesn’t appear to track or advertise the NCLEX pass rate of students using their materials. This may be because students can purchase the review books from various sources, which would make it hard to track NCLEX pass rates.

Materials include either the print book, e-book, or app. However, the app offers more interaction due to its features like the Create Quiz option and the Time/Study Modes.

Students who learn best by reading and reviewing written material will likely find the Saunders material works well for NCLEX preparation. However, visual learners who prefer listening to or interacting with an instructor will probably want an additional NCLEX review course to supplement Saunders.

Practice Exams

The Saunders Q&A Review for the NCLEX-RN® Examination, 8th Edition, provides students with over 6000 NCLEX style exam questions and detailed test-taking strategies for each question. 

While it’s great to have practice questions, Saunders doesn’t advertise offering practice NCLEX exams, which can be a crucial strategy for some students. 

Saunders provides a comprehensive test following the reviews for both NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN prep. An access code can access more NCLEX review materials on the Elsevier Evolve site, including practice exams.

Refund Policy

Refunds for print books and e-books will depend on the company's refund policy where they are purchased.

Skyscape offers a full 30-day money-back guarantee if you aren’t happy with your app purchase. 

Is Saunders the Right Test Prep Course for You?

Saunders has a reputation for providing one of the best NCLEX review books, and there are many favorable reviews for the NCLEX prep materials. Saunders also appears to work well for those who prefer to study with reading material rather than tutoring or classroom courses.

However, those who prefer a more interactive format may want an NCLEX review course that provides webinars or live sessions, which Saunders does not have.  Students may also choose to work with Saunders materials and complement them with another NCLEX review course that offers additional support.

If you're still unsure which NCLEX prep course to use, check out our other reviews below:

• Archer NCLEX Review
• Hurst NCLEX Review
• NURSING.com NCLEX Review