Failed Exit Exam

[CaRNintheworks]

In 2022, an RN program in Florida caught my attention, primarily due to its promise of flexibility. The allure of balancing work, family responsibilities, and nursing school was strong, especially given the success a former coworker had experienced in the same program. Despite some negative reviews, I chose to focus on the positive, a decision I now regret. After dedicating myself to the program, I faced a significant hurdle: the exit exam. Unfortunately, I fell short of the required 78% score, achieving 75.8% and 76.8% on two attempts using the ATI predictor. Adding to the frustration, the program had utilized HESI exams throughout, only switching to ATI in the final semester. Interestingly, the 78% passing score was initially associated with the HESI exit exam. Based on the 2024 ATI Comprehensive Predictor, my score range indicates a 97% predicted probability of passing the NCLEX. Feeling the grade was unfair, I filed an appeal, but it was denied without explanation.

I'm looking for insight on what further steps I can take?

[Majie RN]

Sorry to hear this. What's the plan or intervention your school offered you? 

[CaRNintheworks]

The educational institution permits students two opportunities to attempt the exit examination. In our final semester Capstone the institution switched to ATI after having used HESI for the entire program. The Dean of Nursing instructed us to ensure we obtain a Green Light status on the VATI while reviewing focus materials from past examinations. The ATI coach assigned me extra NGN questions and required me to complete a practice test.

[Majie RN]

CaRNintheworks said:

The educational institution permits students two opportunities to attempt the exit examination. In our final semester Capstone the institution switched to ATI after having used HESI for the entire program. The Dean of Nursing instructed us to ensure we obtain a Green Light status on the VATI while reviewing focus materials from past examinations. The ATI coach assigned me extra NGN questions and required me to complete a practice test.

This practice is common in many nursing schools in the US. My school did use ATI and VATI, too. 

VATI was added to our curriculum on our ATI weekly, monthly, and quarterly exercises, with remediation. I scored high on both ATI Comprehensive Predictor 2023 A and B. The Dean/school notified me that I didn't need to wait for the Green light. I doubted my ability to pass the NCLEX. My professors told me I would pass it, so I did it. I took the NCLEX and passed on the first try.

I was curious if I would do well in other NCLEX preparers like UWorld. I purchased 100x2 questions on UWorld. I also scored high, indicating a higher probability of passing the NCLEX.

[Majie RN]

CaRNintheworks said:

The educational institution permits students two opportunities to attempt the exit examination. In our final semester Capstone the institution switched to ATI after having used HESI for the entire program. The Dean of Nursing instructed us to ensure we obtain a Green Light status on the VATI while reviewing focus materials from past examinations. The ATI coach assigned me extra NGN questions and required me to complete a practice test.

I meant what are they going to do after you didn't meet the requirements to sit for the NCLEX? 

My school provides remediation for those students who didn't meet the requirements to sit for the board exam. They cannot exit the school until they get a 98% probability of passing the ATI NCLEX Predictor.