ATI Testing for BSN Students

fteralynn3 · Feb 20, 2014

We use ATI in our BSN program, too. It was very hard to get used to because it is much harder than normal. I think the point of it is to set the bar high, so you have to work to reach it. I find that the ATI books actually give me more details than my textbook.

Hang in there...it will get better :)

Jen2010 · Feb 20, 2014

Thanks, fteralynn3! I'm hoping that I can get used to it. I was spending hours and hours on one exam and still getting 70% correct. It was very frustrating for me considering how much time and effort I put into completing the exam. My professor won't let us get the correct answers and rationales until we reach at least 80% on the ATI exam. It's just frustrating for me I guess. :cry:

fteralynn3 · Feb 20, 2014

Oh wow! Do they give you the practice exam codes? If not, you can google them and there are a TON of practice codes and passwords on the internet. That's what I do. Our teacher usually gives us one practice code, but there are a lot of different tests. For example, right now I'm doing the ATI Leadership, so that's the test I google. It really helps because the practice tests give you the rationales. Hope that helps some.

adnstudent44 · Feb 20, 2014

Im taking my first ATI exam in March, but we aren't allowed to even take the exam until we get 90% on two practice exams. :/ Im very nervous though.

bunnysanford · Feb 21, 2014

It's so weird that for such a "standardized" test, each school has such a different approach to ATI tests. My school, we got the big box of books first semester, then we purchase an access code each semester. We have two online practice tests available but not checked by anyone at the school. Near the end of each semester, we take the corresponding proctored test. We have to get at least a Level 1, or we're out of the program.

BusiestBSN · Feb 21, 2014

Oh ATI... how I despise thee.

My school is pushing it big time. My issue is I find a lot of inconsistencies between what my textbook says & what ATI says, making things muddier when I am being tested.

Covaryx · Feb 21, 2014

My school has been using ATI for yrs, and our last 2 graduating classes have has 100% NCLEX passing rates. I'm 1.25 yrs into the program, and it took me a solid yr to understand and know their question/answer style. Now that I understand it, all of their tests are a breeze. Also, for us Lvl 1 is the lowest possible score (unless 0 exists?) and we have to have a minimum of 2, the highest possible is 3. Idk if your school has had an ATI representative come and speak yet, but he gave some really great info, and there are way more resources available that just the 2 practice test + 1 proctored rest per class.

My entire class, including me, hated the heck out of this program too. At first. It's become a welcome addition though. Tough love, my best advice is to grit your teeth and take the "books" with a grain of salt. It's the question format that will save yo booty.

adnstudent44 · Feb 21, 2014

@covaryx how can I get an ATI rep to come to my school? That would be great if they did!

@bunnysanford I wish we got all of our books at once like you did, we get one or two per semester, and they said this year was the first year they gave the nutrition ati book before the ati test so that we can use it to study. The class before us last year didn't get it until after they took the test.

BlackBettyRN,OCN · Feb 21, 2014

If you already have access to ATI's website, you can download all if the ATI books in PDF format. I have them all on my iPad and my phone, so I can study anywhere.

adnstudent44 · Feb 21, 2014

@EMT2studentnurse I'm going to double check, but im pretty sure our ATI "professor" keeps sections on the ATI website locked to us, and only opens up sections as she sees fit and when she wants us to access them. It will be awesome if we could access them all online though!

BlackBettyRN,OCN · Feb 22, 2014

Ok, she might have it "locked", but after you log in, on the Student Home page, click on "Product Support Materials". Then expand the tab that says "RN Review Modules", and click on "2013 Editions." It has all of the books, and you can download them to your computer, tablet, or phone. It would be ridiculous on your teacher's part to limit you from accession it.