Calling all Southwest Tennessee Community College 2012 Fall Hopefuls - Page 26

Example: The discussion about STCC's NCLEX pass rate. Don't get me wrong...there are some great theory and clinical instructors that truly want you to learn. But the reality is, this is a self taught program. I do not think that was made clear on yesterday. Also, the high passing rate is more so due to the fact that you cannot graduate until you pass the HESI with a score of 850 or more. At the end of each semester you have to take the HESI exam which counts as 5% of your grade. There was never a review for the exam and when I first started we were just told when to show up for the exam. It would have been nice to know that there is a method to the HESI madness. There is a way to study for the exam and there is a way to successfully pass it. I had to figure that out on my own before taking the placement HESI in order to not have to repeat Foundations.

Yea the self taught part was excluded from orientation smh. Thanks Nikki!! What is the method to HESI madness? What study tools/methods do you recommended? And did all test questions come from the book if not from the lecture? Sorry just trying to be prepared.

The test questions are written by the instructors. So it is VERY important to not only focus on Ms. T's lectures but also read read read and READ the book. That is the most important advice that I can give. The other thing you should make priority......LEARN HOW TO ANSWER QUESTIONS!!!!!! Sa$$er did touch on this in orientation when he said your way of thinking will change and being able to apply critial thinking to choose the BEST answer is and will always be the key to success. There is a book on Amazon that focuses on critial thinking/test taking skills. You may want to invest in that book.

On to the HESI.....hindsight is 20/20. This exam is very simple but can be very complicated if you allow it to be. This exam is designed to judge how well you are able to choose the correct answer. That is it! Obviously you will need to have some core knowledge to answer questions but that is not the main point. All this test does is predict if you will be ready to sit for the NCLEX. That is why you will take it at the end of each class, ususally the day before your final. Even though it is expensive, I HIGHLY recommend purchasing the HESI case studies. I purchased it in the beginning back in 2010 and never used it. Remember, in order to graduate from the program, you have to make a minimun of 850 to even receive your diploma. When I had to take the HESI this past May to "test out" of repeating Foundations, I used the case studies as a study tool for the placement exam. I ended up making a 1083. The first time I took it at the end of Foundations, I made a 640. So take it from me, it does work. I hope this bit of information helps.

Thanks for all the great tips and info Nikki!

Has anyone received an email giving them permission to register?

i got mine the same day we had orientation

Are you saying you have already registered for classes and know your schedule?

i have my crns and have verified with with Mrs.W*****o that those are my classes. she put them in the computer and said im done and will give me my permits in an email soon. But i know what days and times my classes are.

i have my clinic day as well. now i just need my books to come in

we have emailed back and forth like 5 times, i have had no problem communicating with her about what classes are still available and which ones are closed.


***i have read this on past classes threads and i know someone who has just graduated so i just wanted to pass this info along. NO ONE EVER USES THEIR PHARM BOOK. the girl i know said she never even took the plastic off hers. im waiting to see if we"ll need it before i buy it bc its so expensive. just an fyi for anyone out there