Failed HESI & supposed to graduate next month!

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I have been super excited to graduate..last day of class is April 28th. But...We have 3 chances to take our exit HESI exam in order to get our diploma, and I have now failed 2 of them. I have lost a lot of self esteem, confidence in my skills (what little I apparently have), and haven't been able to get motivated to finish this semester's work. I'm a ship thats sinking fast! I've made it this far, I know I can't give up obviously, but what happens if I fail the last try? Im not so sure I can handle it. I feel like I have just learned enough to pass the tests during school, then had to dump the material from memory in order to remember the next topic. How do I go back and review/remember everything from every unit? I feel like Im missing key info in order to critically think out the answer. Some people say on the majority of nclex style questions, you dont even need to know the facts if you know test taking skills, but I have never been able to just come up with an answer without knowledge of the topic. Unfortunately I am one of only a few ppl in this situation because the few of us were stuck taking the test on the first scheduled date. The rest of the students got a cheat sheet of all the questions ppl could remember off the test and the subjects to look over. Even though I know I wouldn't be alone otherwise, it still makes me feel dumb.. and sick! If that was happening, I should have at least been in on it! lol. Anyway...I really need some advice, whether it be simple encouragement, or tips on how to pass my final shot at the HESI! :confused: :crying2:

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Um, practice questions could help. Lots and lot of practice questions.

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I agree with the previous post.

Do alot of practice questions. I failed HESI and all the ATI predictors except one and I passed NCLEX on the first try with 75 questions.

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How do I go back and review/remember everything from every unit?

The book that assisted me in preparation for the HESI exit examination is entitled: "evolve reach POWERED BY HESI Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN Examination," with included StudyWare CD, by MOSBY ELSEVIER.

Pay special attention to the "HESI Hint" information boxes scattered throughout the study guide.

Good luck in your educational endeavors. :up:

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You need to study. After failing it twice I would have invested in a Kaplan or other type of study program so you aren't jeopardizing your chances of finishing your nursing program (if money is an issue try the NCSBN test prep!). Did you invest in the HESI study guide book? How are you preparing yourself? I agree that you need to know a lot of content to get through the HESI test, those that can guess the answers are talented!

http://learningext.com/hives/534b38552a/summary

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This is just a suggestion. I actually was in your situation 2-3 years ago trying to pass the HESI in my school. I really liked the Prentice Hall Reviews and Rationales Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX. To me the questions in the book really mirrored the questions found in the HESI. I really believe the HESI is a test of knowledge while the NCLEX has more prioritization questions and such, but that's me. Kaplan will really hit on what you need to pass the NCLEX. Like the PP, I think NCSBN will be a good alternative if you don't have enough money for Kaplan. Also, use the Saunders Book for reviewing for the NCLEX too.

Keep on hitting those books, and don't give up. Believe me, I know what you're going through. You can do this! That's what I kept on telling myself, and eventually I passed! Good luck!

Ewok

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Yes, I agree that it is really important to do lots of practice questions. When I failed HESI, I mulled over in mind whether my weakness is test taking skills or lack of knowledge. What really helped me was doing 100 questions a day from the Prentice Hall Reviews and Rationales NCLEX book CD, and then reviewing what I missed using primarily the Saunders book as a knowledge guide. All this while I took notes what I missed so at the end of the day and the end of the week of reviewing I could review what I missed. The CD as well as that Prentice Hall book provides tips in the CD and the book how you should read the question along with test taking skills.

If you did enough questions, and reviewed enough you would actually discover yourself repeating a few of the questions that you already reviewed from that Prentice Hall book CD. That's something I discovered amongst me and my friends especially the ones who passed HESI and NCLEX.

Just food for thought.

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Don't be discouraged I made it all the way through nursing school which was very stressful only to struggle with the NCLEX I begin to get stressed again I took the test three times and on the third i passed because I realized I can't possibly know every thing on the test it's impossible I found out through great advice to past this type of test I would have to learn how to answer question about subjects I didn't really know and this is how I did it I bought three random nclex books and only did questions for one month straight I didn't study anything only questions put your school notes away (because your be setting yourselfoil for failure) questions questions questions all kinds anywhere you can find them read rationals to understand why that answer was right do at least 3000 this does one thing and one thing only shows you how to answer questions ( the key) I guarantee if you do this you will pass

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Specializes in Medical Surgical Orthopedic.

Do the HESI case studies and/or questions! I would avoid studying anything published by other sources because HESI is a totally different animal. Not only is it different, but in some cases, it's contradictory.

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