Drexel...what you should know before deciding to go here.

Yeah, I'm pretty sure Drexel's pass rate is there for a reason. I'm really hoping for a rigorous program where I learn a lot (which would probably happen in a program that isn't so rigorous). I'm so nervous about the HESI/NCLEX tests that I've already got a study guide (or two), and spent a while studying it. Not as much as I had hoped. But, I did do it for a while. I'm trying to get a 'feel' for the types of questions they'll ask.

I was joking with my boyfriend that I wanted to study the books so well that the classes seemed like refresher courses. Oddly, he doesn't think that will happen.


I'm hoping to get through on the first try, but I can't be sure. I can't find my 'notes' that I took during the orientation. I remember the attrition rate was a bit.. hefty.. I figure they're taking a chance on me (my GPA wasn't so high), so I fully expect to work my butt off to prove myself.

What "else" do they give you? And, if you fail the HESI, how do you go about retaking it? I'm also a bit confused about the HESI thing. There's 1 HESI for each class, then another HESI at the end?

Yes, Loner there is a HESI for each class in which, you will take during finals. So for instance you may have a final worth 30% and a HESI worth 20%. The HESI you take for each class are approx 50 questions focused in the area you're studying. For example if you're taking a pediatrics final then your HESI will be only pediatric questions. As for the final HESI you take that at the end of finals week once you've gotten cleared that you passed all of your 4th quarter classes. It's comprehensive with approx 160 questions. If you do not pass it with a 950 or 87% then you get to take it again in two weeks without additional cost. If you do not pass it the 2nd time you must enroll in a "B" version of your senior seminar which last an entire quarter at the cost of approx $2,500. They attempt to "HESI remediate you." You will have 3 or 4 times to take it again. If you pass it on a try before the quarter ends--then you're done and do not have to return. If you do not pass it then (which A and B students have not), you will have to enroll in "C" version of senior seminar, pay additional money, redo labs and "check-outs" and you will have 2 additional times to take the HESI over. If you do not pass at this point they will not grant you your Nursing degree. They also do not round scores. For example an 86.9 is just that and won't be rounded to an 87. I hope this helps. I wasn't sure how to answer, "what else do they give you?".

My "else" question was what do you get if you don't get the nursing degree.

I believe it's a "Health Information" or "Health Studies" degree. A student in the "C" version was telling me that's what they would grant.

Mac,

Is there any books or supplemental material you suggest future students look at prior to starting the program, so that we're more prepared?

Thanks!

Yes there are. I would definitely invest in getting "Reviews and Rationales." They have a book for each area of study except for community health. They also have one big book with all of the subjects in one. Whether you buy them separately or the comprehensive they come with a CD with tons of sample questions. I personally liked them for studying class material along with the power point slides the professors provide. At times I didn't even use the text book unless I wanted more in depth information. For Maternity, I liked "Straight A's." "Straight A's" has there own line of review books like Reviews and Rationales but I didn't care for them as much. For one, the CD that comes with it is not Mac compatiable Last but not least, get the "HESI Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN Examination" It's blue and green. The CD again is not Mac compatible however, it's broken down into content areas of study and provides "Hesi hints". Hope this helps!

Is this the "Reviews & Rationales" series you mentioned? **Would you recommend using this series in place of Drexel's book lists?

http://www.amazon.com/Medical-Surgic.../dp/0130304573

I just bought the HESI book today. I was torn between that and the Saunders, but I figured since Drexel places so much weight on the HESI, I should get their book first. Thanks for the book recommendations- very helpful!

Yes, that's it. I think there is a newer version though-not that it really matters:
http://www.amazon.com/Prentice-Hall-...ef=pd_sim_b_19

Here's the Comprehensive one. They'll recommend this one too in 4th quarter. It's has all the topics in one book.
http://www.amazon.com/Prentice-Halls...9357325&sr=1-1

Drexel recommends a lot of books which can be too overwhelming. I would leave it up to personal preference whether you buy the textbooks. As for review materials those are the ones I stuck with.

I just got the HESI Evolve book in the mail... it seems a little thin for what I was expecting. Like, 1/2" thick. That's the right one?

The HESI book is pretty thin but it holds a lot of information. You have to remember it does not put review questions in the book like other books--only on the CD. Take the time and look at the HESI hints and do the questions on the CD. They may look "familiar" later on. I found it most useful for it's psych and pediatric section. It outlines growth and development pretty nicely. It also has some really good charts with meds. You'll find that some review books go more or less in depth of certain topics, which makes it good to have more than one so you can reference between them. I put the amazon link at the bottom with a picture of the book so you can see if you have the same one.

http://www.amazon.com/Testing-Remedi...9576207&sr=8-1