What is the HESI exit exam and how can I make sure I pass it?

The HESI exam is an essential step in becoming a nurse. It is a standardized test developed by Health Education Systems, Inc (HESI) and is designed to assess student proficiency and assess achievement of curricular outcomes. The HESI exam also measures each nursing student’s ability to pass the board’s final exam, the NCLEX. You will likely be told that you must pass the HESI exam; otherwise, you will not be able to take the final NCLEX and risk compromising your chances of graduation. Practice exams are the first step and getting a score over 900 is great preparation for your final HESI exam, but how do you make sure you get it right?

There is no secret to passing, but there are some simple tips and tricks you can follow to ensure that you are as prepared as possible before the exam.

  • Create a study group. People tend to be more productive and remember things better when they feel supported by others. Consider making arrangements to meet with a few classmates regularly and see if it helps.
  • Buy a review online. Some organizations will provide review sessions that you can complete online and track your progress this way. Many of these resources will also provide you with helpful tips and advice to ensure that you are fully prepared for the exam.
  • Buy a book. You can buy material directly from HESI and some include a disk with practice tests. By practicing on your computer, you will be preparing to learn how the actual exam will work. Study guides are also a great resource. Look for the ones that say “NCLEX PREP” and make sure they are authentic and up to date. You can complete the questions and then check how you did it by searching for the answers. This is a good practice to know what the questions will look like that day.
  • Focus on your weaknesses. You should have a good idea of ​​what you are good at and what you are not good at in the lead up to the HESI exam. You should study the entire curriculum to be well prepared, but it is a good idea to pay special attention to the areas in which you are not as confident. Review your class notes for help or find resources that specifically focus on this area.
  • Don’t let complicated wording put you off. Many of the HESI exam questions require common sense questions, but complicated wording can sometimes confuse things. Try to translate any jargon and think about what the question is really asking. Practice will help in this area, but most of all, always read the question carefully!
  • Get your family and friends by your side. The people around you must understand that this is a very important moment for you and that if you do not see them for a few days it is because you need to focus your thoughts. Having the support of your loved ones behind you is a huge confidence boost and once they understand how important it is to study for the HESI exam, they should hopefully give you some room to move on.
  • Brain food. On the day of the HESI test, make sure you have had a good breakfast to help you focus. You may even want to bring a snack to move on. Taking a short mental break by going to the bathroom during the exam can help refresh and renew your brain, allowing you to continue the exam effectively.
  • You’re not alone. Finally, keep in mind that many other nurses are taking or have taken the HESI exam and have passed it, so there is no reason why you can’t do the same! Positive thinking can really work wonders.

By following these simple tips, you will enter the HESI exam feeling well prepared, relaxed, and ready to perform at your best.

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