Is the NAT really necessary?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 17, 2008

I've heard of the NET test, but not the NAT test.

Patrick57 · Jul 17, 2008

I've heard of the NET test, but not the NAT test.

NET, yeah - that's it!

Sorry about that!

Thanks!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 17, 2008

Although I agree with you that the NET test was rather basic, I'm ashamed to say I had extreme difficulty with the basic algebra portion of the exam when I took it.

So, yes, I personally think it is necessary. Even though an individual might possess a high school diploma (or *GASP,* a previous college degree), he/she might still have weaknesses with the basic concepts that should have been learned in grade school.

My close friend has two previous baccalaureate degrees. She has a BS degree in public health and a BA in social work, but had to retake the NET and HESI tests several times before passing.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Oct 4, 2008

Moved to the LPN/LVN Nursing Student forum for more replies.

MomInTraining · Oct 4, 2008

I I took the NAT today. Is this REALLY necessary? I understand many of the people wanting in the program have only a high school diploma, but the test was so incredibly basic, dare I say sophomoric? I was told I had 2 hours to complete the test, and I did it in a little over an hour.
Please understand, I'm not putting anyone down, but I would think the test would be a bit more difficult considering the career choice of nursing and the responsibilities that go with it.
Your opinion?

While I had no problems with the NET either, many people have strong and weak points. I know one girl prior to myself entering the group had a terrible trouble passing the math part of the test she went on to become a very good nurse and even aced medical math.

Now I am not sure how your school does it but I know my school only takes the highest scores on the NET which means the best possible students (according to the NET) are admitted into the school.

Have you ever heard the old quote... "Use it or lose it"? Many people who take these entrance exams are adults who have been out of school for a very long time. I admit I brushed up on my algebra for almost a month prior to taking the test because I had not touched on algebra in over 10 years. (hence this quote)

What one finds easy another finds hard, and even though it was sophomoric to you many people have not seen a sophomore class in over a decade.

Personally I don't care if my nurses knows algebra as long as understands how to calculate my IV we are good to go. :up: So I do feel there is a need for this test as there has to be some guideline into entering the school. Remember the nursing is taught on the inside and many people who are not that great at the "basic" education stuff may excel when it comes to nursing.