Help On Exist Exam & Nclex

grievsterlvn · Mar 9, 2008

I just graduated from LPN school a week ago. And will be taking my exist exam next month. But I'm not sure if my school is using ATI or HESI, they won't tell me. Did any one have ATI or HESI used by their school. Although I know not all schools give the same questions, is there any areas I need to focus on for my exist exam, if so please tell me. Was anyone's exist exam much harder than the NClex? Also in preparation for the NClex, what books and resources should i use, any sites, c.d's, any subject areas I need to focus on more than the others. And I heard the board of nursing is increasing their passing score starting april, is that true.

My school used the hesi. Only one person passed it the first time. The hesi I think is so much harder then the NCLEX. If you take the hesi there is a book for the hesi and a cd comes with it. I would do has many questions possible relating to priority, delegating and know your scope. All the NCLEX test are different and just remember your ABC's, maslows, and your ADPIE. The number one thing about the NCLEX is to relax. I would also do 100-200 questions daily before the NCLEX. I used Saunders in the beginning and I really didn't care for it. I also bought the NCLEX PN from KAPLAN. It contains questions in the back but he shows you how to answer questions. It shows the difference between school tests and the actual NCLEX. I don't know if your school's test was like mine but our test's was NOTHING like the boards. What state do you live in???

josinda421 · Mar 9, 2008

Grievsterlvn, I'm from maryland thanks for the feedback

Trophywife81 · Mar 16, 2008

I took the HESI just this past Friday. My school made a HUGE deal about how hard it would be, how many, many students do not pass it the first time, etc., etc. Don't listen to those voices!! In reality, I do not think the HESI is that hard. If you are a reasonably good student (i.e., pay attention in class, study an hour or so most days of the week, and make decent grades), you will do okay. You will be able to narrow 99% of the questions down to two possible answers (and in lots of those, only ONE possible answer), and then just answer what your "gut" tells you. It is really not so much about remembering all the minute details of every disease process known to mankind, it is about practicing safe patient care. As long as you have gotten the gist of how each body system works and the major disorders pertaining to it, I think the answers sort of jump out at you.

In other words, don't psyche yourself out of passing. I have seen too many students who should have passed second-guess themselves out of a passing score. Just practice test-taking strategies, and answer as many NCLEX-style questions as you can. The sample questions will be FAR harder than what you will see on the actual test. For reference, I am an A-student; on NCLEX practice tests, I usually scored in the low-to-mid 70s. This last Friday, I scored around 1100 on the HESI; passing is 850. (I don't mean to sound like I'm bragging, I'm just trying to say that the test is really not all that it's made out to be).

Anyway, don't sweat it; just practice on NCLEX type questions as much as possible, and you'll find the HESI a breeze.

GOOD LUCK!

camib11 · Mar 17, 2008

Our class took the ATI two weeks ago. We get our scores back tomorrow. That should be interesting. I felt like I could always narrow it down to two and then it was kind of like, this one could be because and this one could be because!! I'm not trying to make you nervous, but go with your best instinct! Just try not to second guess yourself! Good luck!!

iggyEDRN · Mar 19, 2008

I'm a BSN student, and I feel your test anxiety pain:cry:

In addition to the above advice:

First, read the questions thoroughly. Many times you can narrow down the answers by making sure you are answering EXACTLY what the question is asking. I know that sounds like common sense, but many people don't do this.

My school requires us to take ATIs after each major class, and they have not been extremely difficult. Saunders NCLEX review is a good study tool. It comes with a CD ROM that has lots of study questions. As other people have noted, the practice questions seem to be much harder than any test you will actually take, so don't stress over it too much:)

josinda421 · Mar 19, 2008

So exactly what do I need to focus on, because I don't know where to begin