Failed because of the HESI? Huh?

Ex130Load · Aug 25, 2005

Several responders have mentioned test-taking skills, an important area for examinees. There are peculiarities/idiosyncrasies/etc. related to HESI that are equally important, especially to borderline students like me. Not having complete information set me up for three rounds of testing taking required to attain "senior" status. My group's proctor, nor any other faculty for that matter, didn't mention that it was was a "given" that nurses had standing orders to administer any intervention offered from among answer choices. For example, one question that I answered incorrectly offered choices like administer O2, administer a med, call the MD, or take another vital sign reading. I selected "take another vital sign" because the first two choices require an MD's order, nothing said I was allowed to provide those interventions, and I knew definitely that calling the MD was incorrect. Administer O2 was the correct choice. I missed at least four questions like that. Knowing that piece of critical information would have made difference when I scored an 84.? and 85 was the minimum passing score a few years ago.

HESI seems to be the norm in my area. Most schools allow three attempts. My schools allows graduation without HESI, but won't send your name to the Board of Nursing as one having completed requisite course work and thus renders a student/graduate ineligible to undergo NCLEX. It's part of a process to ensure schools graduate students likely to attain the 75% mininimum first-round NCLEX passage rate. I heard that prior to HESI, some schools had passage rates down in the 60s percentile. To receive less than 75% NCLEX passage now jeopardizes a school's accreditation. I think we lost 2 out of 85(?) during my junior year.

I agree that test two was more difficult, but that's a subjective assessment. Still, classmates agreed with me. Savvy test takers heeded the assistant dean's message that test three would would include re-cycled questions...

I can appreciate all perspectives regarding HES--its accuracy/worth as a predictor of NCLEX success, a school changing the rules midstream, curriculum that may not match test areas, stress/anxiety, etc. How would/should a graduate feel if he/she graduated from a nursing program and couldn't pass NCLEX. I've been told that some states, LA(?), only allow a limited number of NCLEX attempts, 3(?).

I'm one of those who believes "the glass is half full," that all isn't lost by graduating but being unable to undergo NCLEX. Ya still have a degree, especially for the four-year folks. Many folks know that nursing school generally is tough compared to many other programs. I firmly believe a degree, any degree, is generally better than no degree when it comes to seeking employment, even in a non-medical field. Knowledgable employers know the average nursing graduate: is academically capable; can communicate orally, verbally, and perhaps use multi-media; and has developed problem-solving skills--desired attributes in any career field. That may be poor consolation to many, but it's still something positive from what I found to be a difficult and long path. I too was glad to pass my final HESI.

Spearfisher · Aug 25, 2005

At my school it is just used as a tool to locate your weak areas. They scheduled it during finals week 3 hrs before our Pharm. final. One guy (needing to cram for the final to make an A) just marked a for every question. He finnished the 2 hr test in under three min.s . I broke up laughing we he stood up and told the proctor he was done. Another student needing to study then did the same and walked out a few min.s later. It is a good tool, but my school did not schedule it at a good time.

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Aug 25, 2005

I wholeheartedly agree with the students that it was unfair to add this requirement AFTER they had partially completed the nursing program. It has been my experience that changes in curriculum or graduation requirements have affected subsequent classes of students, not those who were already enrolled and making satisfacory progress towards graduation.
It also seems that the HESI requirement was tacked on as a CYA move by a school with a less than favorable NCLEX passing rate. Perhaps their efforts would be better spent upgrading their curriculum, rather than relying on a test to weed out students who have not received an adequate education in the nursing program. These were not students who were in danger of failing their nursing courses, but rather high-performing students that failed the test. Seems to me that reflects poorly on the program itself.

I agree that it was unfair. That is why my school makes us sign a disclaimer which states that any changes can be made to the program and we agree to that.

Seems like they signed it after the fact that they had enrolled. :rolleyes:

mom2michael, MSN, RN, NP · Aug 25, 2005

Missouri Southern used to be an ADN program and their pass rates for the NCLEX was one of the best in the state. Since moving to a BSN program...they've dropped to what the school believes a horrid number. Funding is being threatened, etc....Instead of using the HESI as a tool to learn what is NOT being taught in their program, they are using it as a tool to kick out what they think are the weak links. It's a crappy way for them to think they'll get higher test scores and believe me, they won't until they start looking at the big picture.

More than 1/2 of these students that failed the HESI were straight A (NS) students...that tells you something right there. If they can make straight A's and not pass the HESI, there is a problem with their grading scale.

I attend a ADN program in the same area as this school. We also use the HESI throughout NS, but as a TOOL. They have been able to revamp a lot of teaching methods to try and get the students to pass the NCLEX on the 1st try. It's not used for evil and we are made fully aware of this from day one.

jsteine1 · Aug 25, 2005

Missouri Southern used to be an ADN program and their pass rates for the NCLEX was one of the best in the state. Since moving to a BSN program...they've dropped to what the school believes a horrid number. Funding is being threatened, etc....Instead of using the HESI as a tool to learn what is NOT being taught in their program, they are using it as a tool to kick out what they think are the weak links. It's a crappy way for them to think they'll get higher test scores and believe me, they won't until they start looking at the big picture.
More than 1/2 of these students that failed the HESI were straight A (NS) students...that tells you something right there. If they can make straight A's and not pass the HESI, there is a problem with their grading scale.
I attend a ADN program in the same area as this school. We also use the HESI throughout NS, but as a TOOL. They have been able to revamp a lot of teaching methods to try and get the students to pass the NCLEX on the 1st try. It's not used for evil and we are made fully aware of this from day one.

As I read so much about the HESI, is there any probability that the exam itself is poorly constructed in some way that the NCLEX isnt? Not having been exposed to it, I have to wonder.

sunnyjohn · Aug 25, 2005

As I read so much about the HESI, is there any probability that the exam itself is poorly constructed in some way that the NCLEX isnt? Not having been exposed to it, I have to wonder.

This is what I thought too.

jeepgirl, LPN, NP · Aug 25, 2005

Missouri Southern used to be an ADN program and their pass rates for the NCLEX was one of the best in the state. Since moving to a BSN program...they've dropped to what the school believes a horrid number. Funding is being threatened, etc....Instead of using the HESI as a tool to learn what is NOT being taught in their program, they are using it as a tool to kick out what they think are the weak links. It's a crappy way for them to think they'll get higher test scores and believe me, they won't until they start looking at the big picture.
More than 1/2 of these students that failed the HESI were straight A (NS) students...that tells you something right there. If they can make straight A's and not pass the HESI, there is a problem with their grading scale.
I attend a ADN program in the same area as this school. We also use the HESI throughout NS, but as a TOOL. They have been able to revamp a lot of teaching methods to try and get the students to pass the NCLEX on the 1st try. It's not used for evil and we are made fully aware of this from day one.

It just amazes me that 40% of the students failed it on the first try... that is a LOT. Then, a total of 20% failed it the second time and got kicked out. What do the instructors think is going on here? It is the nursing school and what they are teaching the students... as the students are mastering (good grades!) what they are given to learn.

Ex130Load · Aug 25, 2005

Weak links--I too suspect my college uses HESI as a way to weed out the weaker students... especially after my university received mention in Time or Newsweek magazine for having one of the best schools in the nation. I think they're helping to protect their newfound reputation though none in a position of authority have stated so. I'm convinced the school uses it as a tool to keep the Board of Nursing off its back regarding minimum first attempt NCLEX rates.

On the other hand, I think the school is being a bit altruistic in helping weaker students face reality sooner. I'm sure it's a motivator to some which is good in the long run. Fail HESI in the junior year, the student is removed. Fail it at the end of school, will the student pass NCLEX? Are weaker students better served, less time and money earlier wasted than if they were allowed to continue? Put the suffering out of their misery? To my school's credit, it mandates a review course like Kaplan's upon failure during the senior year prior to graduation. I think our first time NCLEX passage rate is in the mid 90s.

I've been told that another local/regional school uses HESI as diagnostic tool. If students fail, they're given or must seek given. I suspect failures must remediate to a certain level of performance or competency, but don't know for a fact.

I was profoundly relieved when I passed HESI on my last shot, third time during my junior year. I was equally relieved when I passed on the first round near graduation. Word at my school was that 25-30% failed the senior test, unusual compared to previous years.

I understand all the reasons why my school may use HESI though I don't necessarily agree with each. I most definitely hated the additional angst it caused. Course work and clinicals were enough for me by their lonesomes.

To all those staring at HESI, I understand the pain and emotion. Been there. As a possible way to help regain control of the situation, perhaps a HESI study guide may be of benefit. It was for me. I "pounded" one of the more expensive versions available from HESI--read, highlighted, flashcards, review questions, practice tests, etc. until I was intimately familiar with the information. Spent two weeks in the process. For juniors or those with another year to go, maybe that might be something to mull over as an option during X-mas or spring break of the senior/last year.

Good luck to all.

cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN · Aug 25, 2005

More than 1/2 of these students that failed the HESI were straight A (NS) students...that tells you something right there. If they can make straight A's and not pass the HESI, there is a problem with their grading scale.
.

Or there is a problem with their nursing tests. I found the HESI to be incredibly easy, like I said earlier, it took me 45 min. It was ridiculous compared to our real nursing tests. I don't find a lot of straight A nursing students. And of all of us that do make A's, none of us found the HESI difficult. That being said, if a student is straight A's in NS and then cannot pass HESI after 2-3 attempts, then they probably would NOT pass NCLEX because their NS did not challenge them enough.

suebird3 · 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.

:offtopic: Bottom line = $$$$$?

I agree that these tests could be a waste of time, etc. :uhoh3: Weeding out of good nurses-to-be.

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Aug 27, 2005

I'm sure it is about money, and the schools ability to increase their pass rates. Of course if one isnt let to take NCLEX then that student isnt figured into the average for that school.

But i think its also about study skills, if someone can study to pass a test in class, it doesnt mean they have studied to RETAIN that information. That is two different processes in study skill. If someone isnt studying to retain information beyond the next test it wont make any difference what test they take. Most likely they will fail.

That being said,, if i were offering a course thats continuation depended on pass/fail rate for accreditation i would want to know that students were studying to retain information not just to pass my class tests. So maybe the weed out is of those who havent learned how to study to retain and retrieve enough information?

Just another thought.

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN · Aug 27, 2005

The first-time NCLEX passage rate is considered a critical indicator for a nursing program's quality. Whether this is fair or not, I do not know. Just a few years ago, there was a trend towards a de-emphasis on the NCLEX. Now, unfortunately, that trend has shifted. Nursing instructors are again planning curriculum around "the test." The consideration is not if a student will make a good nurse, but if that student "will pass the NCLEX." In North Carolina, for instance, the BON has recently voted that all nursing programs throughout the state must have a three-year NCLEX passage rate within 95% of the national average, or face serious sanctions. This new ruling has cast an ominous pale over nursing schools in our state. The schools are reverting to the old "boot camp" mentality and programs are much quicker to purge out the "weaker" students, who statistically do not perform as well on the NCLEX. Entrance requirements for NC nursing programs are also becoming much more stringent.