HESI exam--a gooad preditor of future NCLEX performance?

EwokRN · Jun 1, 2009

Hi. I think that the HESI and NCLEX are two different tests, and that the HESI tests different things. On the other hand though, I think that if you pass HESI then you are almost assured to pass the NCLEX. HESI, imho, is more of a content-based test while NCLEX is more prioritization, infection control, delegation type of test. When I studied for NCLEX, I really made sure that in addition to studying content, I also studied prioritization, infec ctrl, and delegation,etc.

I did pass HESI 20 points above what was recommended (850) and subsequently passed NCLEX on the first try. I did know someone in my school who passed all of his subject HESI's and main HESI but failed NCLEX the first try and passed NCLEX the 2nd try; however, that was just one person. Everyone else I knew who passed HESI did pass NCLEX the first try.

MB37 · Jun 3, 2009

http://www.nursingcenter.com/pdf.asp?AID=818330

This link is to an article entitled Predicting NCLEX Success With the HESI Exit Exam: Fourth Annual Validity Study. Hope it helps! The quick and dirty version is that a high HESI score is very predictive of success on the NCLEX, but that a low HESI score doesn't mean you won't pass the boards- in the above study, 28% of the lowest scoring HESI takers were still able to pass the NCLEX, while 98-99% of the highest HESI scorers did.

mich321 · Jun 5, 2009

I can only speak for myself on this one. I scored a 950-something on the HESI Exit Exam, and I passed the NCLEX-RN with 75 questions on the first attempt. However, I had classmates that "failed" the HESI and passed the NCLEX on the first attempt.

I did feel that the HESI was more content-based while the NCLEX involved more critical thinking.

kmarie724 · Jun 5, 2009

I scored something like 865 on HESI and passed NCLEX on my first attempt. However, out of 25 people in my class, only something like 7 scored about 850 on HESI and I only know of two people who didn't pass NCLEX on their first attempt. For those who didn't do so well on HESI, I think it was a good way for them to see what areas they were strong in and which areas they needed to study more in.

Good luck on NCLEX!

beachbutterfly · Jun 5, 2009

Wow you guys are giving me hope:jester:I passed Hesi with 909 points,yet I totally dont feel ready for the NCLEX:sniff:

EwokRN · Jun 7, 2009

Wow, you should feel like you're going to pass! That's a good score (909)! Really study the information that comes with the HESI via email. I remember when I passed HESI, my instructor made sure that I receive the information from the questions I missed via the company that gives the HESI. That helped too.

BTW, are you taking Kaplan? If you take the Kaplan course and the Diagnostic and Readiness tests, then these are good predictors to determine if you're ready for NCLEX. If Kaplan is too expensive, then take the NCSBN course given by the state boards of nursing. Even though this course is cheaper, I actually heard this was a good review course as well. Hey, you can't beat taking a test given by the actual people responsible for distributing the test! I heard that the NCLEX test really looks like the NCSBN questions.

Good luck!

jayde_RN · Jun 7, 2009

I believe that's how it probably is. My school has I think a 98-99% NCLEX pass rate(one of the highest in southwest TN), and I think it has something to do with the fact that you have to pass HESI with at least a 950 to be able to take NLCEX. I passed HESI with a 1020, and honestly, I found NCLEX to be pretty easy!

But I will agree that HESI seems a little more content based.

CrufflerJJ, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Jun 8, 2009

I passed HESI with a score of 1078, and also passed NCLEX with 75 questions. No matter how well you do on HESI, you'll probably wonder "did I pass" after taking the NCLEX. Just give it your best shot.

hypocaffeinemia, BSN, RN · Jun 14, 2009

Wow you guys are giving me hope:jester:I passed Hesi with 909 points,yet I totally dont feel ready for the NCLEX:sniff:

It's just an anxiety thing. I passed the HESI with the highest score in my entire class (>1100) and I don't particularly feel ready to take it this wednesday. :)

Editorial Team / Moderator · Jun 15, 2009

It's just an anxiety thing. I passed the HESI with the highest score in my entire class (>1100) and I don't particularly feel ready to take it this wednesday. :)

Holy crow, why am I not surprised you got such a great HESI score?? :) Good luck on Wednesday -- I'm predicting great things! (Me and my Magic 8 Ball over here, which says "Most Likely." )

hypocaffeinemia, BSN, RN · Jun 16, 2009

Thanks, Lisa!