Questions to ask when searching the right nursing school

[2btmanrn]

I would like to give the pre nursing students adviice on how to choose the right nursing program for you.

First, ask what is there NCLEX pass rate? When they tell you, than ask them is that percentage for first time test takers who passed, only? How many students took the NCLEX?

Second, than ask, what is your attrition rate for those students who completed the nursing program. Their answer should come close to the numbers of students who took NCLEX.

Third, Ask them if they have an exit exam usually known as HESI Exit EXam or ATI Exam. If they the answer is yes, than ask them, when do you utilize this type of exam. The correct answer should be... that they utilize the exams at the end of each semester. And the exit exam is given without witholding your degree and be able to take state board after the remedation.. Especially when you have already completed the course.

Fourth, ask the nursing program who they are accrediated with. The best answer would be National League of Nursing (NLN).

Fifth, look around the program, do they have available staffing, like tutors, and nurse coordinators. Are the labs supplies, equipements in good working condition?

Remember this is your money and you will work very hard for it. Make sure things are written and spelled out on paper. Do not ever throw any papers away that they give you.

Date any memos, especially your student handbook policy. Keep everything. Keep a journal of your daily events, you'll have good ones and bad ones. Write them both down.

Why ask all those questions? Well, the NCLEX pass rates of nursing programs, is based on students who took and passed NCLEX the first time. But, according to the State Board they give you up to 12 times to retest the NCLEX exam for up to three years. Also, find it suspicious when schools with inflated pass rates greater than 90%; They usually will will have use a HESI or ATI Exit exam. But... they dont give you those exams until after you have completed the nursing course. And the style of these exit exams is different from NCLEX questions. Most importantly, programs limit how many times you can take the exam, usually two or three times. If unsuccessfu, no degree or take State Board. Yes, NOTHING. The program abandones you. You are left with shame and humilation.

Why do they use these exit exams? First of all, the exam determines by percentange the likehood of whether or not you will pass NCLEX state board the first time. The program wants, basically, a guarantee you will pass the state board the first time, Why? Because if the school can advertise that they have a 90% or greater NCLEX pass rate, than most people will think its a great nursing program and most importantly with such high NCLEX pass rate... the more funding and it will attract more investors. What is not being advertise is that for example. 50 students completed the progam. Out of the 50. for example, 20 students pass HESI. The 30 students who did not pass HESI are left with nothing. Out of the twenty who pass HESI, lets say 18 of them pass NCLEX the first time. Now the school can advertise that they have 98% pass rate. But its not advertise that there are 30 students who completed the program, paid their tuitions, and do not have a degree. Not only that, nursing courses are non transferrable. I had one classmate who took NCLEX for the second time and passed. The school put up a flier and it said once again, 100% pass rate. The school counted her twice, and it wasn't announced that it was her second time taking the exam.

What is the purpose of HESI EXIt exam? According to the company, it is used as a diagnostic tool to determine you and your schools curriculum's areas of weakness. The company also states, that faculty most be held accountable. Well, guess what? Nothing happens to them when a student fails HESI. The students takes all humilation and shame.

What is the purpose of the NCLEX RN exam? According BON, it determines if you will be a safe and competent nurse.

How is HESI Exit Exam Scored? Its scored by certain questions have more points than the other.

How is NCLEX scored? NCLEX is scored via adaptively. Meaning, if you answer a safety question incorrectly, it will give another safety question, but a thougher one. HESI does not adapt to your level of knowledge.

Plus, NCLEX is the one that determines whether or not you deserve your license. Not some third party exam, who had no idea what was on our curriculum. Our instructors looked at some of our HESI printouts and admitted they never heard half of the stuff that HESI was asking. A few of the dieases we could never find it any of our textbooks.

Look for programs that utilize exams such as HESI throughout the program, this will help you get you ready for NCLEX. Not stop you from taking it.

Ask as much questions as you can. Screen the school, believe me they screen you.

Thats as much advice I can give about it. A learned lesson for me.

If anyone else have any, please inform everyone.

PEACE