What is your school's HESI policy?

CNM2B · May 10, 2008

I graduated from Columbus State 2 years ago and we were required to pass HESI in order to graduate. We had 2 tries at the exam. The first try was at the beginning of our final quarter of school. I honestly don't think it is a big deal--the test wasn't very hard and almost everyone in my class passed the test. The few people who didn't pass on the first try took a remediation class throughout our final quarter and then retook the test. I think everyone passed after the 2nd try. I don't know what the minimum pass grade was, but they used whatever score was recommended by HESI.

If you are nervous about the exam, I would buy the HESI study guide (you can get it from their website) and review from that. I had one and actually also used it as my study guide for NCLEX. I found it to be a very helpful resource.

Good lucki!

Marysjrfan · May 11, 2008

I am a senior nursing student at Wright State University in Ohio. I am set to graduate in November. Throughout my education at Wright State, the policy on the HESI has been that you have to take it the quarter before you graduate, but you don't have to have any sort of minimum pass rate. It was more of a tool to see where we needed to study for the NCLEX.
Well, this week Wright State College of Nursing announced that starting with MY class, you have to pass the HESI in order to graduate. From past statistics, there has been a 20-25% first time pass rate at WSU for the HESI. It is now part of one of our 400lvl classes, and is worth 10% of our grade. We have two attemps at the test and then we have to take the class over again, which is not offered for 6 months, and if we don't pass it the 3rd time, thats it. No pass, No degree.
My whole class is distraught over this announcement. We have had no prior warning, and in 3 months we will be taking a test that could possibly ruin our careers. We do not take an NCLEX review class until AFTER we take the first shot at the HESI. Starting with the new nursing classes below us they will be implementing a HESI/NCLEX review portion in their core nursing classes. But my class has to just have a go at it and see how it works. We feel like the lab rats, I just don't understand how my school is willing to do this to us as we are soo soo close to graduating.
I am wondering what other nursing schools policy on the HESI is? And are we over-reacting or does in one else think that this is crap??

I'm doing my pre-reqs at Marion Tech (also in Ohio) ad I've never heard of the HESI. None of the nursing students on our campus has ever mentioned it. It does sound like a rotten deal for you guys though, the way they're doing it. I realize that changes have to be implemented somehow, but you would think they could be fair about it and cut you all some kind of break, like giving you all some kind of review or something before you have to take it.

KBoo · May 11, 2008

I graduated from Columbus State 2 years ago and we were required to pass HESI in order to graduate. We had 2 tries at the exam. The first try was at the beginning of our final quarter of school. I honestly don't think it is a big deal--the test wasn't very hard and almost everyone in my class passed the test. The few people who didn't pass on the first try took a remediation class throughout our final quarter and then retook the test. I think everyone passed after the 2nd try. I don't know what the minimum pass grade was, but they used whatever score was recommended by HESI.
If you are nervous about the exam, I would buy the HESI study guide (you can get it from their website) and review from that. I had one and actually also used it as my study guide for NCLEX. I found it to be a very helpful resource.
Good lucki!

Thanks! I didn't know they had a HESI review book...I'll pass that on to the rest of my class. It good to know that your class didn't have too much of a problem passing, lets hope we have the same results!

matt101710 · May 27, 2008

I went to Case and we had to pass the HESI before we were released to take the NCLEX. We were able get a HESI review course together and I forget if it was just a regular instructor or someone from HESI. There are review books our there.

schroedie · May 27, 2008

at xavier we have to take it 4 times. its a part of our grade, and if you dont pass you have to do online remediation (aka case studies) before they release your grade in the class.

personally, i think it was great practice for nclex and i know exactly where my strenghts and weaknesses lie now.

MadMike · Jun 15, 2008

Marion Tech is one of the premier schools (self-proclaimed or actual is to be debated) for 2 year programs in Ohio, and nobody there has heard of the HESI? Interesting.

CrufflerJJ, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Jun 15, 2008

We just took our HESI down at the University of Cincinnati last week. We're required to get a 900 score (85th percentile) on the test, or we're not eligible to sit for the NCLEX exam. If you fail, you retake it in a couple months (first try is "free", later tries cost you $35).

Marysjrfan · Jun 16, 2008

Marion Tech is one of the premier schools (self-proclaimed or actual is to be debated) for 2 year programs in Ohio, and nobody there has heard of the HESI? Interesting.

I didn't say nobody heard of it...I said I had not heard of it and I hadn't heard anyone mention it. An explanation would have been nice instead of the put down.

MadMike · Jun 17, 2008

My apologies. I suppose that did come across as harsh, and it wasn't meant as a personal afront to you. :bowingpur

Marion Tech has historically operated a quality program. My mother-in-law graduated from there...as have many friends, and they all (yes all of them) feel the same way.

My contention is this...Marion Tech (the entity) has created the persona which pervades their program. I do not hold you nor anyone else responsible or accountable. I just find it funny that they push their program to be elite, but yet, they do nothing to try to maintain or elevate it...aside from "eating their own" and making the program very inaccessible to others who may not have 2 years to wait to get in.

I made the decision, from my knowledge of the program, that I didn't want to go there, so I just want to point that out. Thus, you'll know that I'm not some jaded former student who flunked out or couldn't get in.

I'm sure you'll get a good education...that's never been the issue. Sorry to be so harsh.

fitcardiogirlRN · Oct 9, 2008

kboo,

I'm a year behind you, and we are freaking out about the HESI too. We were supposed to take the HESI last quarter in 321, but it was cancelled. That time it wasn't supposed to count toward our grade. Now, in 324, we have to take it (for the first time), and it counts 10% toward our grade. We are all upset that we don't get the chance to preview what it is like before we take it for a grade. I've done fine on all those other online tests we've done (I forget the name right now), and I am doing well in my classes, but I am still scared. Dr. Holdcraft came to our 324 class this past Monday to talk about HESI and I heard it was interesting (I was sick). This is so frustrating!

KBoo · Oct 12, 2008

Yeah I feel your pain! About 40% of my class passed it the first time.

I was one of the lucky few that was able to pass, thank goodness.

I studied....ALOT. I used the evolve website, and did as many extra case studies as I could. Evolve makes the HESI, so I figured that was my best bet. I used the NCLEX book some also. Those stupid ERI's that they had us do over the last 2 year were NO help.

I used alot of process of elimination on the questions, ABC's (airway, breathing, circulation), and Maslow. The drug questions were the hardest part (and the part I did worst on of course).

Some ppl in my class are still fighting it, but we graduate in 6 weeks, and they retake the HESI in 3 weeks, so I don't know that our fighting will go anywhere.

I wish the best for your class. The best advice I can give is STUDY!! Study like it was the NCLEX, and be confident in your knowledge.