by Lunaticus

Okay, so I took the HESI and passed with what I feel to be a pretty decent score of 1047. To be truthful, I felt the exam was significantly easier than what I had expected. Now, I've heard that if one performs well on the HESI that the odds are very high that they will also do well on the NCLEX, but I've also heard that the NCLEX is a painfully difficult exam. So now I'm starting to experience panic attacks regarding the difficultly of the NCLEX and my preparedness for said exam. When I try to talk to the RNs where I've been hired to work, all I get is the "if you did well on HESI, then you'll do fine on boards" crap, seriously SO not helpful! Is there anyone else out there who thought HESI was easy, if so, how did it compare to the NCLEX?

Re: Terrified of NCLEX!

The HESI is the HESI and NCLEX is the NCLEX. You need to prepare for the NCLEX and don't put too much mental energy dwelling on any predictor test. The NCLEX is a tricky, unpredictable test. You just prepare the best you can and take the test. Sounds to me as if you are ready. Just brush up and take the test. Good luck.

Re: Terrified of NCLEX!

NCLEX is different for everyone, so it's kinda hard to give specific advice on it. That's the reason everyone might be giving the general saying " if you did well on....".

I can tell you to know your diseases (Addison's, Cushings, etc.) and symptoms. Also brush up on your medical terminology, helps to know prefixes and suffixes when you come across a new word on the NCLEX. Know your labs and work on prioritizing and select all that apply questions. While it is normal to be nervous, go in with a confident attitude and a feeling of well preparedness. Pay attention to the question and know what it is asking before you select a answer.(Determine if you need more assessment or if you can implement with the amount of information given in the question) If you need more assessment, you can cancel out the implemetation answers and vice versa. This helps narrow your selection of correct answers. Finally remember Maslow and you will do fine.

Hope this helps! Good Luck!

Re: Terrified of NCLEX!

I don't think it matters how well you do on HESI. My friend who passed HESI with 986 but failed NCLEX twice and still trying to pass for the third time. My other classmate who made 600 on HESI passed NCLEX the first time. HESI and NCLEX are two totally different exams. CECE gave you really good advice. It's really important to know diseases and symptoms.