Failed because of the HESI? Huh?

CrazyPremed, MSN, RN, NP · Aug 24, 2005

Obviously, if so many students at the school in the column, and so many people on this website, can't pass the HESI, then the schools are not preparing thier students correctly!! The responsibilty should fall - first - on the schools and their curriculum. Also, there are about 9-7 community colleges in my area and they ALL boast at least 90% pass rates on the NCLEX the first try. This school has less than 80%. Some changes in the program are necessary.

Also, I have not taken the HESI, but I've looked through some study guides for it at the local bookstore. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems like an advanced version of the NET exam. I have a degree in Exercise Physiology and have taken many premed classes. I was surprised how much of my non-nursing science requirements were covered on this test that was supposed to stick to high-school knowledge (BTW, if I took it today, w/o review, I probably wouldn't do so hot!!!). It seems as if these tests aren't based on the average prenursing science curriculum.

As far as the students are concerned, they shouldn't have been put in that situation. Unfortunately, if one signs an agreement to pass a test - and they don't - they aren't sticking with the agreement. It's similar to promising to become certified in something in a healthcare setting, after one has been hired. They should have complained BEFORE signing the paperwork.

CrazyPremed

suebird3 · Aug 24, 2005

I did not take the HESI; just the ERI's. I was told that these tests show our strengths and weaknesses. To be honest, if students tend to show the same "skew", would that not show the school is doing something wrong? Especially if the pass rate is poor? :angryfire

Yes, my school made it clear we were to take the ERIs. We also were told we needed to take the pre NCLEX exam, and pass with a certain grade. Fail? Well, take a 2nd time. If you then failed a 2nd time....I forgot what had to be done. BUT, in no way, shape or form were we told we were dropped from the program, unable to graduate, etc.

Something is very rotten in Denmark.

chicagonurse · Aug 24, 2005

My program required the students to pass the HESI also. Personally I do not think the test was all that difficult. We took it at the end of the first year and I passed it at that time. I will contend that it was harder than the state boards. That test was a joke.

Schoolnursetrish39 · Aug 24, 2005

I went to their rival Crowder College ADN program ( even though we were a community college not a university) and we took the HESI and all of us passed in my class in 2003 with the exception of one and she had struggled throughout the program, however we took all our class tests NCLEX style by computer. Maybe that was the difference I don't know.

Sounds like to me the MSSU nursing school dropped the ball. To me and not to offend anyone, its not the degree granted really its the quality of the educational instruction part and clinicals. I remember at Crowder there were ones that didn't get into our nursing program so they went to MSSU and took another year at Crowder to finish up prereqs. Some were snooty about it too..

Well I am just glad I stayed at Crowder. The HESI doesn't lie I guess, However it was unfair how they gave the junior class more time but I know nursing school is like that when were in 2nd year , 1st year students had things different than us... nursing school was the hardest thing I ever did Thats awful for those girls though after all their hard work.

RN2B07 · Aug 24, 2005

Hey guys...at my school you must pass the HESI with a 900. You take it after you graduate, but the school will not send your papers to the board of nursing until you pass, I got a 899, the school said it should be ok, I just called them and they will release my papers, but I freaked all day yesterday. :balloons:

angelladyclaire · Aug 24, 2005

My school also required HESI tests to graduate. We had to take them every semester in order to pass certain classes and then take a final HESI before graduation. We were given three tries to pass, but after you failed the first test you HAD to do remediation through a plan with an instructor. We didn't have anyone fail three times and everyone I graduated with passed the NCLEX on their first try. I think the HESIs are useful, but remediation should be a must after the first failed test.

MarylandNsgStudent · Aug 24, 2005

I just graduated from ADN program this MAy 2005. Did well in nursing school/ actually very well. Never failed a test! We have ATI and I was gauged at 99% probability of passing NCLEX-RN the first time! Well I did not! So to kick them out of the program they workied so hard for is crazy! Assisst them is their studying techniques, help them, don't desert them! I will be retaking the exam in 2 weeks, I recieved all 265 question and was near passing in all areas, So I feel well prepared now. ATI or HESI has no bearing on the NCLEX in my opionin. I had classmates score very low and do fine on NCLEX!

BlevinsRN · Aug 24, 2005

My school just began using the HESI for the upcoming students. We started with ATI. Our pass rate on the NCLEX the year before me was bad. In other words, I think that schools use this because they don't really care if you graduate or not. They have to think about their pass rates and their accreditation. It is all about money. I don't mean to sound this negative. I'm just pointing out the business end of it.

Because the HESI predicts whether or not the student will pass NCLEX, schools who don't let people who don't score high enough graduate and take the NCLEX. By doing this, they are more likely to have a higher pass rate. The high pass rate is used to attract more students to their school. Also, if their pass rate is not high enough, they could lose their accreditation.

A university near me also began using the HESI a few years ago when their pass rate dropped. Their pass rate is 99% now. I hate to think of all those people who didn't get to graduate and become nurses.

jeepgirl, LPN, NP · Aug 24, 2005

I'm really surprised they did this also because it seems like this college (Missouri Southern State University, or MSSU) is all about making the $$$$$. I guess they figured that if the pass rate didn't go up that they'd be in a bigger "crunch" than if they failed a few students.

cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN · Aug 24, 2005

I'm really surprised they did this also because it seems like this college (Missouri Southern State University, or MSSU) is all about making the $$$$$.

We have to pay $50/semester for the HESI fee!

nursing 101 · Aug 24, 2005

We have to pay $50/semester for the HESI fee!

Gee :eek: and I was complaining about the $35 fee when I didn't pass the first time. Only second timers had to pay the $35 fee.

jeepgirl, LPN, NP · Aug 25, 2005

so you have to PAY for an assessment test that if you fail you may have to drop out of your program? what a bunch of crap!! that is really passing the buck.