Hesi exit exams

cgun101 · Jan 12, 2008

well I personally think HESI is given just to rip students off..the whole idea is to expose us to NCLEX type of question but when its wrong when they put your degree on the line as to whether or not you pass HESI..fortunately for me, my school didnt hold us back or prevent us from graduating if ppl failed..we're given 2 chances to get 850 and we have to pay about $40 bucks for each attempt..but they gave us other exams as well...sucks but i dont think how ppl do on these tests is a good predictor of how well ppl would do on the NCLEX because most students i know (including me) didnt take the exam seriously because we were more concerned about passing our unit exams than wasting our time studying for some HESI exam..

twilight3 · Jan 12, 2008

I am drowning and need some help!!!

Does hesi get gradually harder each time you take it? My scores are 762, 860, and 702. I know those scores are pitiful. But I don't know what else to do. I've done the hesi cd, some saunder's question, taken the hurst review twice, and did a few questions from the nursing 3500 cd.

My heart is hurting because I have to except an incomplete in one of my nursing classes until I pass with a 900, take a directive study course that cost $800, my degree is held and I have to reapply for graduation.

The last test we took was version 4 and I did not know how to answer those questions, it seemed harder. I don't mean to whine, but the nursing schools are not being fair at all. They did not have to take the hesi in order to get their degrees so why should we? I was banking on graduating because I am in desperate need of insurance and I really love nursing.

Becca608 · Jan 14, 2008

We don't have the HESI, we do the ERI instead. Sounds like exactly the same people wrote it.:barf01:

iwilldothis · Jan 14, 2008

I am drowning and need some help!!!
Does hesi get gradually harder each time you take it? My scores are 762, 860, and 702. I know those scores are pitiful. But I don't know what else to do. I've done the hesi cd, some saunder's question, taken the hurst review twice, and did a few questions from the nursing 3500 cd.
My heart is hurting because I have to except an incomplete in one of my nursing classes until I pass with a 900, take a directive study course that cost $800, my degree is held and I have to reapply for graduation.
The last test we took was version 4 and I did not know how to answer those questions, it seemed harder. I don't mean to whine, but the nursing schools are not being fair at all. They did not have to take the hesi in order to get their degrees so why should we? I was banking on graduating because I am in desperate need of insurance and I really love nursing.

ok. let me tell you I passed hesi today and I actually took it at my intructors house. I demanded I wanted a private room because this helped me concentrate even better. So ask about that. Also, I went to doc and he prescribed me xanax .25 for anxiety. Im not saying so that but it truly helped me calm down because I have been so worked about the entire school thing. It is not your knowledge content it is your nerves. YOu have made it this far! For a reason. Believe in yourself. I also went to counseling just to talk about some of my anger. I also have a lawyer who says he will be able to get my money back for tuition. In other words things are working out. And they will for you. You have to dig deep and eliminate things in your life that may be detrimental. Thats what I did. More than likely it is not knowledge content. It is nerves. Then, find time to study. I did NCLEX 3500 cd and this helped me tremendously. You might want to check it out. It really helped me.

4rom2bRN · Jan 20, 2008

My sister's friend and her classmate sought after an attorney for their case. Your student hanbook is considered a contract. If they did not comply with your contract than they breeched it. I think my sister and her classmates along with my aunt filed a complaint. I do belive there were over 20 of them. The school never stated on the contract about the HESI. Acutally, until a month before graduation.

I watched both of them graduate and than they did not pass HESI. Now, the school won't give them their diploma or take NCLEX.

My school does not HESI or ATI. Once we completed all nursing courses, we are done.

Just keep studying. Document everything. Follow your handbook before filing any complaints.

Use you lawyer as your advisement. Just keep studying, focus on that.

Best of luck.

iwilldothis · Jan 21, 2008

My sister's friend and her classmate sought after an attorney for their case. Your student hanbook is considered a contract. If they did not comply with your contract than they breeched it. I think my sister and her classmates along with my aunt filed a complaint. I do belive there were over 20 of them. The school never stated on the contract about the HESI. Acutally, until a month before graduation.
I watched both of them graduate and than they did not pass HESI. Now, the school won't give them their diploma or take NCLEX.
My school does not HESI or ATI. Once we completed all nursing courses, we are done.
Just keep studying. Document everything. Follow your handbook before filing any complaints.
Use you lawyer as your advisement. Just keep studying, focus on that.
Best of luck.

Thank you so much! You know I actually passed it last week, but I am still persuing this. I will get my money back and everyone elses money from that school since 2000 when they started this thing. That is so unfortunate about your sister and her friend. You know what I think these schools will have to stop this HESI stuff- hopefully after enough students get lawyers and stand up for their rights- it will stop. Again, thank you for the support.

locolorenzo22, BSN, RN · Jan 21, 2008

If they didn't tell you that's one thing....but if they made an addendum to the handbook, and you sign it, it's legally binding. That's what my school did....and you know what? It's not a big deal to me.

Last year, it was NOT required to graduate, but if you didn't pass you had to show some sort of NCLEX review course before they would send your application in. It (HESI) showed a direct correlation between the amount of students that failed that, and then, in turn, failed NCLEX....the fail number on NCLEX for my school over last 5 years....2, 4, 1, 0, and then when hesi did NOT have to be passed...in the teens....

I know my answer is going to be unpopular, but why stress yourselves over this if you have passed? If you haven't, maybe you need to revise your study material or test-taking skills....or maybe you just need to focus on things....the problem is that NCLEX also doesn't care what kind of nurse you are going to be....it will ask you questions from EVERY field.

and, let's face it, pass rate is about the most important number for funding, accreditation, and marketing....it's no secret. So, even if you try to fight city hall, remember, it may actually decrease the value of the school to your college..."oh, why fund the nursing program? They had that horrible lawsuit last semester".....and you can be sure they're probably already revising future handbooks....

and to the poster who mentioned the friend failing on a higher pass score....well, NCLEX pass score went up too....it's trying to be as realistic as possible.

Just putting it out there....not trying to start WW3 or anything.

Trinh · Jan 21, 2008

I agree with you Loco. Hesis are the most stressful exams I've ever taken but are a good indicator for Nclex passing. I have felt enraged, angry and all of the above like so many of those who have posted, but at my school Hesi is not going away. I chose to focus my energy on how to pass them. I've had more concern with them than with regular class exams. I study the Hesi review book very hard and do the practice questions. I supplement with Saunders as well. Hesi is an experience that hurts your brain while taking it and you click off with no sense of passing it. I have scored in the 1100's on 2 so far and have been shocked each time. I have 4 more to go, can you imagine? I really think knowing how to approach each question is important. SLOWLY. The beginning of Saunders talks about approaching questions and is worth reading in my opinion.

My heart went out to the student who had to take a Hesi after a final and had logging on issues for an hour!! That would have put me over the deep end! Students should INSIST that Hesis are NOT taken on the same day as a final exam. That is sadistic in my opinion and a set up for failure.

Anyhow, I had to get the mindset that I CAN DO THIS and studied Hesi hard and did practice tests on the CD. We are all bonded in Hesi misery but we can prevail! Rock on.

iwilldothis · Jan 21, 2008

If they didn't tell you that's one thing....but if they made an addendum to the handbook, and you sign it, it's legally binding. That's what my school did....and you know what? It's not a big deal to me.
Last year, it was NOT required to graduate, but if you didn't pass you had to show some sort of NCLEX review course before they would send your application in. It (HESI) showed a direct correlation between the amount of students that failed that, and then, in turn, failed NCLEX....the fail number on NCLEX for my school over last 5 years....2, 4, 1, 0, and then when hesi did NOT have to be passed...in the teens....
I know my answer is going to be unpopular, but why stress yourselves over this if you have passed? If you haven't, maybe you need to revise your study material or test-taking skills....or maybe you just need to focus on things....the problem is that NCLEX also doesn't care what kind of nurse you are going to be....it will ask you questions from EVERY field.
and, let's face it, pass rate is about the most important number for funding, accreditation, and marketing....it's no secret. So, even if you try to fight city hall, remember, it may actually decrease the value of the school to your college..."oh, why fund the nursing program? They had that horrible lawsuit last semester".....and you can be sure they're probably already revising future handbooks....
and to the poster who mentioned the friend failing on a higher pass score....well, NCLEX pass score went up too....it's trying to be as realistic as possible.
Just putting it out there....not trying to start WW3 or anything.

Very good points. ha ha. Dont worry im not going to start a war with you. Unlike some, I can except a difference of opinion and I respect that you say what you think. I made an opinion the forum why my friends are mad at me and this girl jumped my case- and no one agrees with me and lets it be known. But, yeah- i understand exactly what you are saying.

4rom2bRN · Jan 24, 2008

As you stated:

and, let's face it, pass rate is about the most important number for funding, accreditation, and marketing....it's no secret. So, even if you try to fight city hall, remember, it may actually decrease the value of the school to your college..."oh, why fund the nursing program? They had that horrible lawsuit last semester".....and you can be sure they're probably already revising future handbooks....

But......

In my sisters and aunts defense regarding this issue. They were never told about taking any HESI exam until a month before graduation. It was never in their policy books either. My sister took it four times, her friend took it 7 or 8 times. Other classmates took 6 times. While others like my aunt was permitted only to take it 3 times. Needless to say, my aunt did not pass to this day. Because of that she will not receive her diploma or the opportunity to sit for boards. She would have to attend another program and do it all over again. She did however, complete the nursing program with a GPA of 3.37. Her argument is why did other students were given more opportunities to take the exam and not her or others.

They all worked hard for the same degree. The school breeched their contract, therefore, they did seek an attorney.

I don't programs who chose to utilize HESI should utilize in a way so that students have a familiarity base with the exam. Hesi exams should be given at each midterm not just as an exit. You shouldn't be able to pass any nursing course unless you pass HESI midterm.

I am glad we don't have HESI at our school. Its stressful enough, more than you can imagine.

I wish everyone the best of luck. I keep studying, but there is so much to know. How do you retain it????

:specs:

iwilldothis · Jan 24, 2008

As you stated:
and, let's face it, pass rate is about the most important number for funding, accreditation, and marketing....it's no secret. So, even if you try to fight city hall, remember, it may actually decrease the value of the school to your college..."oh, why fund the nursing program? They had that horrible lawsuit last semester".....and you can be sure they're probably already revising future handbooks....
But......
In my sisters and aunts defense regarding this issue. They were never told about taking any HESI exam until a month before graduation. It was never in their policy books either. My sister took it four times, her friend took it 7 or 8 times. Other classmates took 6 times. While others like my aunt was permitted only to take it 3 times. Needless to say, my aunt did not pass to this day. Because of that she will not receive her diploma or the opportunity to sit for boards. She would have to attend another program and do it all over again. She did however, complete the nursing program with a GPA of 3.37. Her argument is why did other students were given more opportunities to take the exam and not her or others.
They all worked hard for the same degree. The school breeched their contract, therefore, they did seek an attorney.
I don't programs who chose to utilize HESI should utilize in a way so that students have a familiarity base with the exam. Hesi exams should be given at each midterm not just as an exit. You shouldn't be able to pass any nursing course unless you pass HESI midterm.
I am glad we don't have HESI at our school. Its stressful enough, more than you can imagine.
I wish everyone the best of luck. I keep studying, but there is so much to know. How do you retain it????

That is horrible! And my major concern. I feel the pain and anger she may feel. Your exactly right. THat is how my school is- last semester- never heard of the hesi before then. You know I wish that one student can make a difference for all because I am persuing this regardless of my schools reputation- because I know I went through a very prestigious school and the hospitals in my area know this. This doesnt put any value on ME as a student. It makes the school look greedy and unfair AS ALL THE TEACHERS ARE NURSES WHO ARE DOING THIS! A nightmare! I would tell your aunt to fight it 100%! Take out a loan to get this done. WHat is 3000.00 to get lawyer or however much it would cost after she has already spent all that money and time? Like I have said I passed the Hesi test, but I can't get over what they are doing to other students to come or what they have done to other students in the past. Not to mention other students in America! So sorry. Keep your head up and focus on your Hesi- and warn everyone to start studying immediately for this. It is a rude awakening. Some say it's no big deal- and I hardly doubt this. Unless they are wonderful test takers and pretty much good guessers. You can't say oh I am just so smart thats why I passed. I had a 3.8 grade pt average and graduated with honors. People who struggled throughout nrsg school some passed first time. Again this shows you the validity of that Hesi test. And I mean these are people that barely passed clinicals- or actually did fail at some point. Stay positive and pass this test! And be there for your poor aunt. I am disgusted!

HeartJulz · Jan 27, 2008

Exit exams and HESI exams are all for the school itself mainly for their pass rates. And nothing to do w anything else ... I didnt have to do one, but they just offered one 2 mths after we graduated ...LOLOLOL! And my NCLEX is in 12 days! I think its a joke period w a lot of things and I feel for you and your frustrations... any of you. just my 2 cents, had to pipe in!