SAC nursing program fall 2011

SolaireSolstice, BSN, RN · Apr 4, 2011

The HESI exam is a way for a nursing school to bump their odds for NClex pass rates. I guess somehwre along the way people must have done studies stating if a student makes a certain HESI score, they are more likely to pass NClex on the first try, which is what the board of nursing uses for pass rates.

The HESI exam is an exam administered by Evolve/Elsevier that measures readiness for NClex. When I was at SAC they administered an HESI at the end of the 1st year, testing on the information from the 1st year and it was recommended to make a certain score (950?), but not required. However, those that didn't make the score had some remediation they needed to complete (no idea what). In the second year, many of the lecture courses had a split final exam. One half of the final was scored based on a test created by the instructor, the other half of the score was a HESI exam for that particular course. Then, after completion of the second year, a final HESI was administered over everything from the past 2 years. In order for the school to submit your information to the board of nursing that a student had completed nursing school, you were required to make the recommended score (950). If you didn't make it the first time, you took it a second time and were required to take a remediation course (a 3 day NClex preparedness course, like Kaplan) to take the second HESI final. I have no idea what would happen if they didn't make the grade on the second exam, but a few of the people who didn't pass the first missed out on internships they were hired for because the internships required a Graduate Nurse license which the board of nursing gives once they have the information the student graduated from an accredited nursing school. Those that didn't pass had to wait a couple of weeks after the first exam before being allowed to take the second, which held up the board's notification by that much longer.

I personally didn't have any problem with the HESI, I just treated it as just another exam, and did just fine, (in fact better on the ones which were used for final exams). However, once I had taken the NClex, I can tell you the HESI questions seemed much more indepth than the ones I encountered on the NClex.

Don't make a big deal over the HESI, it's just another exam.

I know some nursing schools require an entrance exam and it may by they use a HESI, but at the time I was there, SAC didn't.

SolaireSolstice, BSN, RN · Apr 4, 2011

And on the notifications for acceptance, I simply got an e-mail, nothing came by mail. Did you guys apply online?

kbaines09 · Apr 4, 2011

Hi SolairSolstice, yes, I applied online. Will that change how I receive notification?

SolaireSolstice, BSN, RN · Apr 5, 2011

Well, that's how I applied, and all I got was an e-mail.

noelle0910 · Apr 7, 2011

Hey all. I'm just checking to see how everyone is holding up and making sure that no one has been declared legally insane due to this wait!:rotfl: I am almost certifiable lol. Luckily I have schoolwork and kids to keep me somewhat sane!

kbaines09 · Apr 7, 2011

Hi, Noelle0910!! Oh, I believe I'm about there myself...it's like ENOUGH ALREADY!!! I just want to know...Lol, but I have classes too that are keeping me occupied (yet, I still find time to worry) It'll all be over soon....and all the fretting and bad nerves will be worth it! Until then, lets stay busy!!!

daisyis · Apr 7, 2011

I have a question for everyone while we are all waiting to hear back from SAC...why did you guys choose SAC instead of UTHSC (UTSA)? Was the main reason the cost and if so, do you know how much more UTHSC is for tuition and fees? I ask only because I still have this little voice in the back of my head saying I should go apply and finish my BSN instead of getting my ADN. I'm back in school a second time and I have about 60 hours already from my first time in college several years back - so really it would take me about the same time to get my BSN as it would my ADN! My main concern I guess is cost and also schedule/ demand - I will still need to work while in school.

Any thoughts??

kbaines09 · Apr 7, 2011

Hi Daisyis! I must say, I have that same nagging voice in the back of my mind as well telling me to go for my BSN...only difference with me is, I'm still about 7 classes short of being eligible to apply. I'm currently in school while I'm awaiting a response from SAC because I figured I might as well prepare myself for both. Cost really isn't a factor for me because of my G.I. Bill (ex-Military) but it is about to run out (I have about 18 months left) so I figured why not do the LVN-RN transition become an RN, start working and gaining experience, then go back for my BSN...but that seems like a good plan for me...I know different people have different reasons for pursuing either/or. I will say this...if you already have about 60 hrs and it'll take you the same amount of time to finish either way...I say go for your BSN, but only you know what's best for you. No matter what you choose to do, I wish you nothing but the best, and rest assured that if you don't know what to do right now, it'll come to you in due time :)

noelle0910 · Apr 7, 2011

I also have the nagging voice to go BSN, but like kbaines, I am still short a few classes to be eligible, so I figured apply to SAC then go RN to BSN, now if I don't get in I will finish up what I need for my BSN and just go that route. But I think if it will take you the same amount of time either way, I would go BSN

sacnstudent · Apr 11, 2011

Thank you for sharing Jortiz26! Truely appreciate it..

sacnstudent · Apr 11, 2011

Hi Daisyis, I am only two classes shy away from a BSN. I need CHEM 2 and College Algebra. I am so bad at math that I am afraid to take these two classes. I have an average GPA and I dont want to bring it down even more with those classes. I have read that UTHSC is so strict with GPA and its difficult to get accepted. Another reason, is I am able to pay SAC tuition out of pocket VS UTHSC. Hopefully If I ever work as a Nurse, I will be able to pay UTHSC out of pocket. I dont want to get stuck on paying loans, not yet...lol..Those are my silly reasons. Good luck to everyone...

sacnstudent · Apr 11, 2011

Kbaines09, I think thats awesome...take advantage of your GI BIll. LVN to RN sounds like a good idea too. I am actually thinking of that route if I dont get accepted to RN this time around. I salute you too for being in the Military...BIG HI 5!!