HESI vs NCLEX

WDWpixieRN, RN · Mar 24, 2007

We're taking one at the end of our second semester of an ASN program....I can't imagine finding "special" time to study for this amidst finals, simulator labs, etc....hopefully I'll manage to pass!! :uhoh3:

Thanks for this thread!!

S.N. Visit, BSN, RN · Mar 24, 2007

We take a section of the Hesi after each term. We also take the the full version of the Hesi, the last week of school. It counts towards 25% of our grade. Hopefully, I score high enough on it to graduate!:uhoh21:

1studentnurse · Mar 26, 2007

We just took the HESI in our school. You have to take it twice if you do not get an 850 or higher (I got a 1025).

Ours was the week after spring break. I studied from the time they told us about it until we had to take it. I actually followed Suzanne's tips from the NCLEX section here.

Our school provides NCLEX classes, but I would have to come in early or on a day I'm not there to do them. One extra day in my week to complete my other assignments was more important to me.

I'll still keep using Suzanne's method though, to study for NCLEX. I think it is excellent!

rags · Mar 26, 2007

I would imagine the biggest difference in the two tests would be the level of anxiety you have at the time of testing.

When you take the NCLEX remember to breath, take your time, don't think about "how you're doing" or "how many questions you've had" and if you find you are losing focus... take a break to regroup.

Good luck to all of you!

rags

abundantjoy07, RN · Apr 7, 2007

Our mininum score when taking the HESI exit exam is 900. I guess every school really does set their own objectives.

RxnTx · Apr 28, 2007

i got a 935 on the hesi and passed nclex in 75. i thought the hesi was much harder particularly because a lot of the questions required that you knew textbook values and information. it was a lot easier to guess on nclex and eliminate wrong answers.

the hesi tests everything, the nclex will focus on some topics but not others depending on the computer. when i left the nclex if felt kind of cheated that i only had two labs questions, no math, one ob, and hardly any pathophys.

moongirl · Apr 28, 2007

i got a 935 on the hesi and passed nclex in 75. i thought the hesi was much harder particularly because a lot of the questions required that you knew textbook values and information. it was a lot easier to guess on nclex and eliminate wrong answers.
the hesi tests everything, the nclex will focus on some topics but not others depending on the computer. when i left the nclex if felt kind of cheated that i only had two labs questions, no math, one ob, and hardly any pathophys.

thank you! this was exactly what i was wondering. the hesi had verything on it, plus some stuff i had never even heard of before and all i could think was oh cr*p- if the nclex is like this, i am sunk. this makes me feel better... a little

RxnTx · Apr 28, 2007

thank you! this was exactly what I was wondering. THe Hesi had VERYTHING on it, plus some stuff I had never even heard of before and all I could think was oh cr*p- if the NCLEX is like this, I am sunk. this makes me feel better... a little

But the NCLEX will give you some difficulty with drugs. I had a dozen drug questions and only knew about half of them. A couple of drugs i never even heard of, and some drugs had choices that weren't even associated with the normal side effects.

It all comes down to the test. I had only one "pick all that apply", my friend had 10 :uhoh3: . I didn't even have that much delegation, 80% of my test was about priorities and who understands/needs clarification.

Tbone3 · May 2, 2007

Sounds like you will be okay but don't take getting a high score on HESI

for granted NCLEX is just as hard. Maybe at this point just doing questions is maybe all you need. Saunders is great for boards.

Ps. Don't get freaked out just come up with your own study plan.

Best Wishes,

southernatheart · May 7, 2007

I am an a/b student and have never studied. I am blessed with a great memory and I'm a good test-taker. I have also worked as an aid for almost 3 years and have gotten to experience so much in that position because my nurses were always aware that I wanted to learn as much as possible. I took the HESI 2 weeks ago, along with doing my preceptorship..ack..and passed the first time with a 1160 and no studying. We have 3 chances to pass, and if you don't pass the 3rd you're required to take the Kaplan review before you'll get a final grade in our Med/Surg class for 4th semester. I am taking the Kaplan review only because the hospital where I accepted a job is paying me nurses wages to sit in on the class. Let me say that last year, 66 out of 67 people passed NCLEX on the first try. Their HESI pass rate was WAAAAAAAAY lower. So either the nclex is not as difficult as HESI or the people who struggled with hesi busted their butts to make sure they passed nclex. Our instructor said that next year if you don't pass HESI by your 3rd try, you have to repeat 4th semester.

:lol2:

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · May 9, 2007

I will be taking the HESI soon and petrified. I enrolled in the Kaplan course and am really loving it. I hope it helps me with both the HESI and NCLEX.

NurseLatteDNP, MSN, DNP, RN · May 9, 2007

I thought the HESI was hard, but I passed it. My best friend who graduated from same school last year said that the NCLEX was so much easier. She only studied the test taking skills and still passed on the first try.