It is great! If you don't have much experience in healthcare, and want to be a nurse, this is the book to get! There are a few others out there, but this one is straight to the point, gives concrete ideas, even talks about going the LPN route.
Even if you have an idea of what it's like to go to college, or know the classes you'll be taking, the hoops you have to jump thru, etc., Stephanie actually tells you what'll be like when you have your first clinical day. She tells you seemingly inconsequential details like the supplies you might be expected to buy before you actually start your clinicals. That may be a small thing, but if you're tight on a budget and just approaching your pre-reqs, isn't that a handy thing to know? She spells out what a big time commitment it will be, how hard it is, etc., but also tells you that you can do it if you just get FOCUSED.
And she tells you how to focus, gives study strategies, note taking tips, how to use study groups. I plan on reading this section to my son who just began high school and needs help with his study habits. We will both benefit from committing this one to memory.
She also explains what different specialties of nursing means. Didn't you always wonder what Nursing Informatics was all about (obviously something about information, but what kind?). She tells you what the classes that are usually standard in most schools of nursing are about (like what the hec is "Foundations in Nursing"? Is it the beginning of nursing? The history, or what? It is actually just the "basics").
Financial Aid is covered in this book not so much as to tell you where to go and what to do (altho some of this is there) because truly, as the book advises, your school will steer you in the right direction and it lists some places you can try for additional help. But did you know some grants, loans and scholarships can help with your living expenses? Important information to know if you're a single parent who is wondering how they will go to school, feed the family and have time to study.
Taking the NCLEX is spelled out in detail as well as what to do if you don't pass the first time....or the second.
You can't go wrong with this book and I can't say enough good things about it. Everything from making your application to the school and what they're looking for to going on to graduate studies is included in this volume. Plus everything in between. If you are either a traditional high school student who wonders what the whole education process of a nurse is, or you're a 50-something wanna-be nurse going back to school after 30 years, you will profit from this book immensely. Absolutely worth $... and then some! It will keep you from tossing and turning and agonizing over things Stephanie has thoroughly spelled out in this terrific book!