No I didn't prepare for the HESI. No more than I did for any class test. I just considered it another test for each class, not something extra. You can easily get overwhelmed if you act as if it's a seperate course of study, because it's not, it's just a different form of test for the same classes you will be taking. I didn't do any studying before school started. I did buy my books and printed off stuff once it became avilable online for the classes.
I saved that e-mail for a while, but it was on my old computer, so I don't have it anymore. But I remember first opening the e-mail and thinking at first it was that I hadn't filled something out right or they needed more information. I guess I expected it to have something more... substantial to it. The subject line didn't say "You are accepted" or anything memorable. But I do remember clearly the list of stuff it had that I needed to complete in a scant 2 weeks before the date that I had to go to the school to present proof I had done those things and be registered. Maybe I had overlooked the e-mail at first or hadn't checked in a while, but it felt like I wasn't given much time. I had to get my immunization records together which for me included a couple of shots and titers, a TB test, a physical, get CPR certified, make the appointment for and get drug tested, and do the background check. I already had proof of health insurance, so I didn't need to deal with that, but others had to enroll in the school insurance program. Because I was working at the time, I had to take a couple of days off to get it all done, and even then I worried the drug test or background check wouldn't get completed in time.
Just a recommendation if you get accepted. For your clinicals you will have to present proof of having been "oriented" to the hospital stuff on safety, HIPAA, etc. You'll watch a few of videos and receive a little card that is good for a year. For your first one, you'll do it on orientation day. Make a packet with copies of that card, proof of immunizations and TB test, your health insurance, and your CPR card. You will have to present it to your clinical instructors at the beginning of each clinical. Some clinical instructors will just look at them and hand them back once they've checked off that you have them, others will keep them on file, so just make copies for each class and put them in an envelope, and keep the originals someplace safe. You'll also have to sign an indemnification agreement before each clinical, so print it off, sign it, and put it with your packet before each clinical starts. It will save you shuffling through paperwork on that first clinical day, and your instructor will appreciate it.
Send me a PM if you have any other questions. I don't mind at all helping. I enjoyed my time in nursing school much more than I did any other college classes I took in the many other fields I studied, and I have a few other tips that will save you much time and grief from instructors when you get there.
