HESI exam

dwag · Feb 26, 2004

I am a 2nd year ADN student in Kentucky and we take the HESI at the end of every nursing course. Our instructors informed us that our course outline is sent to HESI and they develop a "nclex - like" exam based on the information we have been taught. You may not be able to find out too much regarding the test because, at least at my institution, we are not allowed to discuss any part of the test or we will be prosecuted (weird i know). As far as studying, find out how your tests are developed - if from your school curriculum my best suggestion is just to review your notes and hope for the best. Sometimes looking at NCLEX books can help give a general overview. I haven't found a HESI book. Don't stress about it though. As a junior, i am sure you have already developed the critical thinking skills needed to do well!! good luck.:)

BunnyBunnyBSNRN, ASN, BSN · Feb 26, 2004

Hi Maggie!

I can't help you with any questions re: the HESI, but I can tell you that I feel your pain. I am a 1st year ADN student in West Texas and we have to take the HESI at the end of April this year.

Good luck to you!

belladelicious · Feb 26, 2004

I'm a junior in a BSN program and I have to take the HESI exam at the end of this semester. Anyone out there ever taken it? I've heard that it's harder than the NCLEX :uhoh21: So, I'm incredibly nervous!! Anyway, I heard that there is a study book out there, but I don't know the name. Can someone tell me the name of a good HESI review book, and where to get it. Thanks very much,
-Maggie

We have to take it after every semester as well. At our school, we can purchase the review book, it costs 15 dollars. Not sure if the review book is for each semester or what though. So, if your school doesn't offer it, try calling another school. Our nurs. school secretary is the person who handles it. I haven't heard it was harder than nclex, or anything from seniors too bad about it. I wouldn't worry if I were you.

pcat · Feb 27, 2004

We had to pass the HESI with a 85 in order to graduate. I did well on it and found it a lot easier than the NCLEX. I have classmates, however, who felt the opposite. My friend failed HESI the first time and she purchased a review book especially for HESI. I dunno what it's callled but she said it helped a lot. I used the green Saunders book to prepare for HESI and I thought it prepared me well.

jjbaby · Feb 27, 2004

In my program we take the HESI twice, at the end of first year and again at the end I took first year HESI and got a 99.99%. I will be taking the final one next week. We graduate March 12th.

While I was taking the HESI I thought it was hard, but I got 99.99, so I did better than I thought.

Just remember the test score is based on your PROBABILITY of passing state boards, not your actual score. Our instructors told us that there is really no way to study for a HESI, it is designed to test what you have retained.

First year HESI we were given extra credit points based on your score, for the second year HESI we must score an 85% in order to graduate from the program.

It is a lot of critical thinking, it is testing your ability to think through a scenario and come up with the correct response to the question. Each person's test is unique (just like state boards) so it won't do any good to ask others about the questions. It will also continue to ask you questions based on your previous responses. If you keep missing medication questions it will continue to give you more medication questions, etc.

My best advice is to relax and take your time review the questions carefully. Ask yourself, "What is this question asking me?" Be sure to read the questions carefully and rule out the answers you know are not right. This may narrow it down to 2 possible answers. Then critically think about the 2 remaining amswers.

You will be fine and good luck.

JJ

MaggieJo · Feb 27, 2004

Thanks for the advice. I know that no one can give me questions that they were asked, and I would never ask someone to do that. I'm sorry if that came across in my question. All I want to know is the name of the study book. I know there's one out there specifically for HESI. Oh, well, I think that I'll just take the advice to relax, and take it one question at a time. Our tests and material build on each other, so if it's mostly just to see what you've retained, surely I won't have a problem. I hope not. We have to have an 85 just to get to senior year. We're allowed to take it three times, and if we don't get the 85 the third time we're just out of luck. That's what scares me so badly! All of this work, for possibly nothing. :uhoh21: Terrifies me. Anyway, thanks for all of the advice. I still have two months before I have to take it.

-Maggie

ucandoit · Apr 28, 2004

I'm a junior in a BSN program and I have to take the HESI exam at the end of this semester. Anyone out there ever taken it? I've heard that it's harder than the NCLEX :uhoh21: So, I'm incredibly nervous!! Anyway, I heard that there is a study book out there, but I don't know the name. Can someone tell me the name of a good HESI review book, and where to get it. Thanks very much,
-Maggie

http://www.hesitest.com/students (click study links at the top of the page)

Here is the link, I just took the HESI final today and got an 94.20%. Definately get the disk, it was great! I didn't use the book at all, but some of my class did and they liked it. We were required to get a 85% to graduate.Good luck, I hope this didn't reach you too late! :)

NursesRmofun, ASN, RN · Apr 28, 2004

I took a HESI exam and then took my boards a few months later. The Hesi was easier IMO...but it is still good preparation.

ne01 · Aug 23, 2010

Do you feel that the HESI exams help to prepare you for tests in class or for your boards?