ATI at the end of each semester...

GeneralJinjur · Dec 6, 2009

Our school does HESI testing at the end of each class and a cumulative one at the end of each semester. It's so they can compare how we are doing to other students nationally. If we fall below a certain score, we have to do NCLEX questions as remediation. Sometimes the tests cover information we haven't seen yet because each school organizes their information differently. I'm glad it's not a big deal for us. I've heard of some schools refusing to let students continue if they don't make a certain score on HESI or ATI testing.

Nursey103, ADN, RN · Dec 6, 2009

Yes, we do ATI testing at the end of each class or semester. We get to do two practice tests (version A & B) at home, then come in & take the proctored test at school. I don't do too well on the practice tests but I usually get a level 2 on the proctored test.

Keep in mind, as you get higher on the levels (1, 2, 3) it means you're doing well. So, if you get a 70% on a level 3, that's actually not too bad. Each level means something....I forgot exactly what but a level 2 & 3 means you are doing good & have a high likelihood you will pass the NCLEX.

Hope that helps.....I'm taking my unproctored test today.

ybq2008 · Dec 6, 2009

We had our ATI exams last week. I found that the unproctored study exams were more difficult than the actual exam. Our grading structure was the same a s the previous poster; 1-60%, 2-70%, 3-80%, approximately. I would advise just creating a focused study guide after you take your practice exams and study that material. Also, look over a lot of your notes from you're school's equivalent of the nursing foundations class. I found that preparing for the ATI also helped with preparing for our foundations final. Good luck! :)

OrthoFNP · Dec 6, 2009

Thanks ya'll! I am stressing and it is making me nuts! I have almost studied the entire ATI book. What I have been doing is studying the Chapters in my Fundamentals book and then the corresponding sections in the ATI book. I am also looking at the rationales and trying to understand the answers and then retaking the ATI tests. UGH! Making me crazy...

Nursey103, ADN, RN · Dec 6, 2009

What happens if you don't do well? Do you not advance to other semesters? Nothing happens if we don't do well.....it's just nice to see what we need to focus on. Plus there are always things on ATI that we never even discussed in class.

DolceVita, ADN, BSN, RN · Dec 6, 2009

Does anyone else have to take an ATI test at the end of each semester? I am about to have to take my first one tomorrow. It is supposed to test how well we have learned the info so far. I am not sure how well I will do on it since there are sections in the study guide that we have yet to go over in class such as IV rates etc. We were told we woud learn more about IVs, endotracheal feedings, ostomies and suctioning in third semster. Now we are being tested on them?! Is anyone else taking an ATI at the end of each semester and if so, how well are you and your classmates doing? We had some practice tests to take and I didn't do as well as I had anticipated. Thing is neither have my classmates.

I just took the 1st semester ADN ATI but we covered trach, IV's, ostomies, NG/G tube feedings this semester -- amongst other things.

Do the practice test as soon as possible and use the analysis of your results to guide your studying.

OrthoFNP · Dec 6, 2009

My school uses the test as a tool to let our instructors know what they need to focus on I believe. Thing is, I am doing very well in the class. I think it is silly to give us a test that will cover some things we have not been over yet. They are actually telling us that if we make an 80% or above on it, we will not have to take the final exam. Problem is if there are sections and possible questions on it that we have yet to go over, we are not really set up to make an 80 or above. The exam is two days later so I have been studying more heavily for it. You see, I have to make a 92 or above to come out with an A in the class. I think I have a better chance of making a 92 or above on the final, which will only cover material we have been over than I do on the ATI, which contains material I have not yet learned. So, it is a little bit like an unfair teaser. I know some of my classmates did not even study for the final because they think they will rock the ATI. My philosophy is better safe than sorry...I hope we all do well.

Tyronie · Dec 6, 2009

We, too, have ATIs that we must pass each semester with a Level 2. Most instructors will give a small amount of extra credit we pass on the first attempt; however, for those that don't they're given two additional tries to attain level 2 (otherwise they must petition to repeat the course or beg with a really good excuse for a fourth try).

I've found that the practice tests are a great study tool, and then trying to understand the rationale of the answers is a good strategy to prepare for the real deal (especially when you've got four things that all seem wrong). Then like the others said doing a focused review of the ATI material, which is even easier now that they have it online.

Good luck!

rnjls · Dec 6, 2009

We have to get a level 2 or better when we take it. If we don't, then we get to remediate at home by taking one of the practice tests and scoring better than 90% on them. So far I haven't had to remediate.

melmarie23, MSN, RN · Dec 7, 2009

I took the Med/Surg ATI as a final exam over the summer. I scored a level 3. I took my Community Health ATI on Weds, and scored a level 3 as well...but it wasnt counted as a grade and used instead just as practice.

I have my OB ATI and my Peds ATI this week, and both are used as finals in those classes. The weight of the final isnt the same for both classes, but a Level 3 is an A-/A depending on the %, a level 2 is a B-/B again depending on the % and a level 1 is a C. If you dont get at least a level 1, its considered a failure.

OrthoFNP · Dec 7, 2009

I am confused about levels. What do you guys mean by levels? All I have is a practice test. I think I need to go to the ATI website and do some research.