what do I do? failed hesi have to settle for lpn!!

Nurses LPN/LVN

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I just completed a four year BSN program but because I can't pass Hesi, I was told by my proffesors that I could either get my LPN or go to accelerated program. I'm very dissapointed but I'm trusting that God has a better plan for me and it doesn't stop here. I'm interested in taking the LPN test because I have spent so much time studying for my Hesi Exam, that I feel like that knowledge shouldn't just go down the drain. However, I'm from MD and I've been told by several people that LPN are very limited in their work and mostly just work in nursing homes. I really would like to work in a hospital setting if possible. I'm also interested in knowing what the LPN test is like, because this is all new to me. Please share your thoughts and any advice, I would greatly appreciate it.

Specializes in LTC.

I agree this is crazy! The hesi does not always determine nclex success. I did terrible with the hesi but passed boards first time. I'm a lpn in md and the pay isn't bad. I'm a new grad working in ALF and make 22.50 an hr!

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I know the NCLEX, what is the hesi? I thought if you pass NCLEX you're an RN. Is that not the case? Thanks.

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Specializes in Developmental and Peds with disabilities.

First of all, what is hesi? All I have ever heard of is the NCLEX, but maybe the hesi is just not a requirement in my state. Also, I know you are disapointed about all that time yet not being able to be an RN, but LPN are a wonderful group of men and women who contribute a lot to the medical field. I started doing clinicals in a nursing home and while I was afraid I would hate it at first, I love touching those people's lives. My first patient was a real dear, so sweet and kind and patient, and these people are usually lonely and touch deprived and seeing their nurses the following day keeps them going. i had another patient who was nearly comatose, didn't talk or move a whole lot, but I went in there and talked to him and held his hand and when I went to leave he squeezed my hand and seemed upset to let go. it really touched me, his roommate said he'd never had a visitor and I'm willing to bet it had been a very long time since someone talked to him and touched him in a way that was not medically related. Can you not take it again after a period of time? Is the Hesi a requirement to take the NCLEX? I would try to find out a little more before I gave up.

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To the OP:

I find it disgusting - in fact absolutely outrageous - that this is happening to you. What is your University's motivation for requiring completing HESI's exit exam to qualify a student for NCLEX? It's inane - a pathetic attempt to preserve their NCLEX pass rates - by an unreliable measure. You spent 4 years in theory and clinical practicum! For them to defer you from taking the NCLEX-RN is a complete violation of a privilege you EARNED and DESERVE. Shame on them! None of the nursing schools in my region use HESI - so I can't speak to it from personal experience - but the huge movement to implementing their exams has come under much controversy nationwide.

Not to discourage you further from sitting for the NCLEX-PN, but the scope of practice and therefore - the material on the NCLEX may be different enough that you could (potentially) be unsuccessful. In theory, LPNs do not assess and they do not teach. Is that true in practice? Absolutely not! However, on NCLEX - you have to be able to delegate and prioritize practice using those standards, as well as others which RNs are taught. The standards of prioritization and delegation for LPNs (which I can not speak to) are going to be entirely different. I have the utmost respect for LPNs - some of the most phenomenal nurses who I have ever worked with had chosen not to pursue another license. Saying essentially, "Well, you aren't going to cut it as an RN - go be an LPN," to me insults the LPN and their license as though LPNs are simply less competent RNs.

It sounds like you have explored all your possibilities with the university you attended, it may be time to pursue other avenues. Exploring this from a legal standpoint as your mother and you are, and perhaps sending a letter of appeal (drafted with the opinion of these legally-trained nurses) directly to your state's BON are phenomenal starting points. This is purely illogical and absolutely unjust. The real irony is, if you are so "unprepared" to take NCLEX based on your HESI results, but have a BSN from their program .... What does that say about the program? This really makes my blood boil, I hope you resolve this, and I hope the uproar it creates causes them to rethink their ridiculous process.

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yes i would definitely talk to a lawyer,really HESI does not determine whether you will pass your boards or not,i share your frustration,Good luck

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Specializes in LTC, Home Health.

You should do a search and see how many threads their are on people who did not pass the Hesi. You will see you are not the only one. Go ahead and sue. I wish you the best of luck in that.

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I was required to take the HESI as an entrance exam once, but I've never heard of it being a prereq for the NCLEX. Have you asked the BON if you have to pass the HESI to sit for the NCLEX?

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I was required to take the HESI as an entrance exam once, but I've never heard of it being a prereq for the NCLEX. Have you asked the BON if you have to pass the HESI to sit for the NCLEX?

From my understanding of previous posts, passing HESI or ATI is a school by school requirement for graduation, not a requirement of any state Board to take NCLEX. If the school won't sign off on the student as completing the program, generally they can not successfully apply to take the NCLEX.

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so i guess their not going to give you your bsn, ouch. if you get your bsn you can take the nclex. as other's have stated, it's just a way for them to try and keep their nclex pass rate up.

did you know (when you started the program) you'd have to pass this before you could graduate, get your bsn?

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Specializes in NICU Level III.
From my understanding of previous posts, passing HESI or ATI is a school by school requirement for graduation, not a requirement of any state Board to take NCLEX. If the school won't sign off on the student as completing the program, generally they can not successfully apply to take the NCLEX.

My uni would graduate the people that didn't pass HESI, but would not turn in their paperworkso they can get their Authorization to Test for the NCLEX.

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Specializes in -.

As a lowly LPN, this thread makes me depressed as hell. Glad to see us LPNs are appreciated :crying2:

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Specializes in Clinicals.
As a lowly LPN, this thread makes me depressed as hell. Glad to see us LPNs are appreciated :crying2:

I'm sure no one intends to insult LPNs in this thread. It is a known fact that LPNs make less money and have different responsibilities. I agree that the OP could have used a more tactful way to compare the two. Nonetheless, no one attends a BSN program to become a LPN. :rolleyes:

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