Jersey College - Failed Exit exam !

[Pk1999]

Hello, I have attended Jersey College Teterboro NJ location and in the LPN program. I have made it all the way to the end last term in this vicious, tiring, and extremely hard program. I got to the last term to face two exit exams one being ATI and one HESI. I did not pass both the first time and made me pay extra tuition to repeat the last course. So I repeat it and I get to the first exit exam ATI which I passed ! Then HESI……… AND apparently I didn't pass it. BS! I've been working so hard and utilizing so many resources I felt so confident on this exam. They don't even use the HESI remediation packets like they are intended and suppose to. They tell me you can't retake the HESI but I know students used to take it up to 4 times ! What am I suppose to do now?…. Can't even obtain my diploma and move on. If I knew this from the start I would have NEVER EVER WASTED all this time and money ! They claim they don't use the exit exams to determine our graduation but to put it in our syllabus to count towards measurg 2 weighing 35% of your average any dummy can read that yes they do use this and they aren't suppose to! How is it that these comprehensive exams can even be included in med surg 2 grade when it's not even just med surg content it's EVERYTHING! They don't even prepare you right for these exams either. They are so worried about making their syllabus worded to *** us students over and set you up to fail indirectly using the words exit exams rather than trying to focus on preparing their students for success. SUCH A SHAME! IM PISSED AND don't KNOW WHAT TO DO. 

tomorrow I have a meeting with the director and dean about this all and honestly tips anyone?… what's my next move? What do I do? I will not settle for less and that's I want my diploma , remediate the HESI exam like students used to be to take 4 times, or lawsuit coming their way ! 

[lifelearningrn, BSN, RN]

Maybe hire a lawyer to sit in the room with you at the meeting. It sure sounds like they're holding your diploma because of the exit exam. 

[Pk1999]

lifelearningrn said:

Maybe hire a lawyer to sit in the room with you at the meeting. It sure sounds like they're holding your diploma because of the exit exam. 

Do you have any references or maybe even you ? Im looking for some tips and advice. I however, wrote a complaint letter to my college grievance committee, they have schedule on 10/12 a informal hearing. Now I know as you stated "have a lawyer sit in" I don't find it very much worth paying a large sum for an attorney or experienced lawyer in this area because its going to have to come from my mouth in the meeting. 
 

I will say I have a very exhausting list of wrong doings and my school being in bad faith, as they asked to provide factual evidence as im revising my list im making sure I do have the proof- in hand- copies- black and white ink. 
 

Whats extremely disappointing, and my hairs stood up and this is GOD WORKING WITH ME.!- the day I got my transcripts I saw my average ending at a 69 so with the exams scores I knew off the top of my head I entered into my calculator weighing all of them to a 69.. Now I took two clinical judgement exams that I was at the end totaled awarded 4 ADDITIONAL points to my average 4th  grade math... ( 69+4 = 73(THE PASSING AVERAGE!)) oh my lord I was ready to break my computer and then I said let me quickly go get my scores so I can prove I need my points awarded, I came across my second exam that by the way we sign off our grades and they do not post these on examplify til the end when the term is over I saw I signed off a failing exam #2 of a 64% to actually see a score of 88%. I thought I was going crazy I quickly screenshot my grades and printed them I just couldnt believe this. I have not mentioned this part of the grades to the committee yet I already had the meeting scheduled , what would they do in this situation? Automatically grant me that grade and then do a full investigation on the administrations? Because I personally know way too many people that got failed out by 1 or 2 points sometimes even half a point and its so heart breaking to see that truth light as me being an example they will indeed adjust scores to their likings and not. 
 

I wasnt in their favor in the last final weeks of term 4 because I got physically assaulted and a lot of things went on in my life that brought my mental health (depression) back that it was hard to snap out if it but I did... they violate the disability act while knowing reDing my entrance exam how vulnerable I was talking about my disabilities even the day I went in to have my meeting with the director and dean about my academic withdrawl I said this had put me in a depression im trying to stay afloat right now and they did not even care (that meeting I voice recorded too btw!) I've been harassed by the program chair, humiliated in front of the class by my teachers and obviously the students inew who they talking about. They have robbed my mental health and healing process the last 6 months and I do feel much better honestly. Knowing that there isn't anything else I could imagine being worse taken away from me, I've lost my twin brother to suicide, loved ones, and now (I like to say temporarily) my chance at my career and who I want to become, there would never be another feeling this bad that theres nothing to lose but point out postives and the bads. 
 

ultimately I want to sound very professional, direct to the point when im there in the meeting. If im going to provide the good, the bad and why I truly feel I deserve to be a nurse with making a difference everyday counts. 
 

You see people post these blogs about their situation they are in like mine, but never hear the outcome. Why is that?

[Pk1999]

Pk1999 said:

Do you have any references or maybe even you ? Im looking for some tips and advice. I however, wrote a complaint letter to my college grievance committee, they have schedule on 10/12 a informal hearing. Now I know as you stated "have a lawyer sit in" I don't find it very much worth paying a large sum for an attorney or experienced lawyer in this area because its going to have to come from my mouth in the meeting. 
 

I will say I have a very exhausting list of wrong doings and my school being in bad faith, as they asked to provide factual evidence as im revising my list im making sure I do have the proof- in hand- copies- black and white ink. 
 

Whats extremely disappointing, and my hairs stood up and this is GOD WORKING WITH ME.!- the day I got my transcripts I saw my average ending at a 69 so with the exams scores I knew off the top of my head I entered into my calculator weighing all of them to a 69.. Now I took two clinical judgement exams that I was at the end totaled awarded 4 ADDITIONAL points to my average 4th  grade math... ( 69+4 = 73(THE PASSING AVERAGE!)) oh my lord I was ready to break my computer and then I said let me quickly go get my scores so I can prove I need my points awarded, I came across my second exam that by the way we sign off our grades (then take a picture of the signed copy which I have!) and they do not post these on examplify til the end when the term is over I saw I signed off a failing exam #2 of a 64% to actually see a score of 88%. I thought I was going crazy I quickly screenshot my grades and printed them I just couldnt believe this. I have not mentioned this part of the grades to the committee yet I already had the meeting scheduled , what would they do in this situation? Automatically grant me that grade and then do a full investigation on the administrations? Because I personally know way too many people that got failed out by 1 or 2 points sometimes even half a point and its so heart breaking to see that truth light as me being an example they will indeed adjust scores to their likings and not. 
 

I wasnt in their favor in the last final weeks of term 4 because I got physically assaulted and a lot of things went on in my life that brought my mental health (depression) back that it was hard to snap out if it but I did... they violate the disability act while knowing reDing my entrance exam how vulnerable I was talking about my disabilities even the day I went in to have my meeting with the director and dean about my academic withdrawl I said this had put me in a depression im trying to stay afloat right now and they did not even care (that meeting I voice recorded too btw!) I've been harassed by the program chair, humiliated in front of the class by my teachers and obviously the students inew who they talking about. They have robbed my mental health and healing process the last 6 months and I do feel much better honestly. Knowing that there isn't anything else I could imagine being worse taken away from me, I've lost my twin brother to suicide, loved ones, and now (I like to say temporarily) my chance at my career and who I want to become, there would never be another feeling this bad that theres nothing to lose but point out postives and the bads. 
 

ultimately I want to sound very professional, direct to the point when im there in the meeting. If im going to provide the good, the bad and why I truly feel I deserve to be a nurse with making a difference everyday counts. 
 

You see people post these blogs about their situation they are in like mine, but never hear the outcome. Why is that?

 

[londonflo]

I would like to help but have a lot of questions about what you have posted.

 

Quote

 They claim they don't use the exit exams to determine our graduation but to put it in our syllabus to count towards measurg 2 weighing 35% of your average any dummy can read that yes they do use this and they aren't suppose to! 

1)  Was the HESI grade going to be a test score combined with other test scores/ other course requirements such as papers, etc to calculate your course grade, and then you received your grade for that course.   Specifically  was  the HESI just another unit test added to your other course test scores and then a course pass or fail was determined using all of the test scores?  In this case the HESI is not considered 'an exit exam'.

 

 OR was your course grade determined by the results of teacher-made tests/course assignments  etc and from that it is determined you pass the course? If then a HESI test is given separately (not included in any course grade and failing the HESI alone would prevent graduation) the HESI is functioning as a true exit exam.

Pk1999 said:

they violate the disability act while knowing reDing my entrance exam how vulnerable I was talking about my disabilities even the day I went in to have my meeting with the director and dean about my academic withdrawl

2) Did you have documented disabilities determined by a qualified person to make that judgement and a report was generated to the school of nursing?  Did you receive accommodations for that disability? You cannot self diagnose and expect accommodations, and I am sorry to hear of your physical assault and depression. 

3) It will be in your best interests to have someone proof read any written statements you complete for this. I have had trouble reading all you wrote by your sentence structure and extraneous words.

Pk1999 said:

I've been harassed by the program chair, humiliated in front of the class by my teachers and obviously the students inew who they talking about.

4) This is totally inappropriate and should be reported higher up the chain of command. 

Finally, I empathize with your feelings and disappointment that not graduating has generated in you. Best wishes for a good outcome at your mid October meeting. 

Added after posting:

5) Could you just clear up something I did not understand in your post. Were you informed of each test score (in a reasonable time after the test was graded) and were you able to review the test to see what questions you got wrong/right?

[Pk1999]

londonflo said:

I would like to help but have a lot of questions about what you have posted.

 

1)  Was the HESI grade going to be a test score combined with other test scores/ other course requirements such as papers, etc to calculate your course grade, and then you received your grade for that course.   Specifically  was  the HESI just another unit test added to your other course test scores and then a course pass or fail was determined using all of the test scores?  In this case the HESI is not considered 'an exit exam'.

 

 OR was your course grade determined by the results of teacher-made tests/course assignments  etc and from that it is determined you pass the course? If then a HESI test is given separately (not included in any course grade and failing the HESI alone would prevent graduation) the HESI is functioning as a true exit exam.

2) Did you have documented disabilities determined by a qualified person to make that judgement and a report was generated to the school of nursing?  Did you receive accommodations for that disability? You cannot self diagnose and expect accommodations, and I am sorry to hear of your physical assault and depression. 

3) It will be in your best interests to have someone proof read any written statements you complete for this. I have had trouble reading all you wrote by your sentence structure and extraneous words.

4) This is totally inappropriate and should be reported higher up the chain of command. 

Finally, I empathize with your feelings and disappointment that not graduating has generated in you. Best wishes for a good outcome at your mid October meeting. 

Added after posting:

5) Could you just clear up something I did not understand in your post. Were you informed of each test score (in a reasonable time after the test was graded) and were you able to review the test to see what questions you got wrong/right?

Hello Londonflo, 

1.) the HESI was counted for with 3 other exams to the course but instead of a normal "4" exams 15% each normally, they decided to give two exams for medical surgical nursing 2. Then exam 3 was "exit exam 1 they gave us ATI. Counted for 30%” the 4th exam was the last exit (HESI) 35%. The remaining 5% came from our 2 clinical judgement exams if you want to see the syllabus I can send you it.  But my school is very wishy washy. What I mean by that is if you still gave a 80% or above for the first two exams there were students who failed the HESI exit and graduated the program and others didn't get to graduate. I have a scoring rubric on this too they just love to do what they want. The lowest amount in their syllabus you can get considered "57%” of the HESI is between HESI score of 799-750 we are "required a 900 score".

 

2.) I have a doctor who has diagnosed these disabilities at the age 13. I been on so many different medications but been on a good regime for couple years now. I never like to talk about them but they were aware of it by my entrance exam and they briefly touched the surface of that in orientation but im not sure if more of the reason I didn't ask and inquire about having the accommodation because I like to think highly of myself that it doesnt affect me to such degree being indenial. 

3.) yes I will most definitely have multiple proof reading and revision done. A friend is inquiring of someone they may know who can help me word it right but I think having a few opinions and looks into this will be a good idea.

4.) I want to inquire about filing the complaint with the higher education 

5.) they will take so long to give us the grades back they are done on examplify and every other school who uses this product the students see their grades immediately after submitting they block this for us and wait anywhere from 4-7 days and they write the percentage in a worded document stating which exam it is and we sign it. They do not allow any questions to go over or shown as it can distrupt the schools exam "integrity" ?

[londonflo]

• Thank you so much for explaining the grading especially the weight of each test. I can see how the weight of HESI and ATI test results can skew a student's grade. If you did well on the first 2 tests which will be calculated at only a total of 30 % of the course grade, the 65% weight for the HESI and ATI tests can really impact a grade by pulling it down if a student does not do well on these tests. . Unfortunately to my eyes, the HESI and ATI are not being used as a GATEKEEPER to graduation and in your case will not meet the criteria of punative Exit Exams, I believe. However I do not know what the BON in your jurisdiction thinks of this grade weighting.

• Pk1999 said:

  I never like to talk about them but they were aware of it by my entrance exam and they briefly touched the surface of that in orientation but im not sure if more of the reason I didn't ask and inquire about having the accommodation because I like to think highly of myself that it doesnt affect me to such degree being indenial. 

  What does they were aware of it by entrance exam mean? Awareness is one thing but doesn't lead to action. Had you sent in the documentation from your physician? 

• Pk1999 said:

  they were aware of it by my entrance exam and they briefly touched the surface of that in orientation but im not sure if more of the reason I didn't ask and inquire about having the accommodation 

  What accommodations were you seeking?

•  I guess I am not much help here. I hope your meeting goes well. Schools must post the statistic of how many students started and how many actually graduated if they are accredited by programmatic accreditation of ACEN or CCNE. Hopefully they will want to make you a success story of another student who graduated. 

[amberlstinney]

I am going through this same exact thing now !! me and like 7 other people. we successfully completed ALL of our nursing courses and never once failed...til the exit exams- JC exams are ALWAYS incomplete and they never put the attachments that u need to answer the questions and never want to admit their screw ups and give you points back they just expect you to be able to answer half *** questions. 20 mins before our exam, they changed it from HESI to JC. according to ATI I was 88% chance likely to pass NCLEX on the first try...yet JC stopped me from graduating because of their exams!! this school is a joke. they don't support u and they damn sure don't want to see you pass. theyll make you retake leadership and pay thgat money but won't pass you. leadership and most other classes are self taught through the entire program were just paying 44,000 for absolutely nothing.! I wouldnt recommend this school to ANYONE EVER !!!

[Melcito23]

amberlstinney said:

I am going through this same exact thing now !! me and like 7 other people. we successfully completed ALL of our nursing courses and never once failed...til the exit exams- JC exams are ALWAYS incomplete and they never put the attachments that u need to answer the questions and never want to admit their screw ups and give you points back they just expect you to be able to answer half *** questions. 20 mins before our exam, they changed it from HESI to JC. according to ATI I was 88% chance likely to pass NCLEX on the first try...yet JC stopped me from graduating because of their exams!! this school is a joke. they don't support u and they damn sure don't want to see you pass. theyll make you retake leadership and pay thgat money but won't pass you. leadership and most other classes are self taught through the entire program were just paying 44,000 for absolutely nothing.! I wouldnt recommend this school to ANYONE EVER !

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