HESI Results

I went into the HESI exam last Friday feeling like I was completely unprepared and nauseated. I spent two hours taking the tests, having to sit on my hands at times, because I am an extremely fast test-taker, and I really wanted to slow down and read the questions carefully. I took one break when I was halfway through, but I just wanted to get it over with and put it behind me. There were a few questions that had terminology that I was unsure of, and there were many questions that had me staring at the screen, trying to decide between two answer choices.

I was shocked when I submitted my final question, and saw my score of 804. I kept my composure as I reviewed the rationales for the questions that I missed, then went to the room where the score analysis sheets were printing. I talked briefly with our program director, who was monitoring the printing room, and left as quickly as I could. My goal was to not talk to anyone before I reached my car, and I managed to hold it together until I reached the parking lot.

That afternoon, Facebook was all abuzz with celebration, and I didn't have good news to share, so I kept quiet. I had a long talk with my husband, and he realized that I need more time without the kids to study. I researched online test review programs, as well as more books on Amazon, trying to decide what my plan of action is going to be in order to be better prepared when I retake the test on May 10th.

So, here's my plan: I met with my clinical instructor to analyze my results, and she has suggested rereading the chapters in my med/surg book relating to assessment (that was my weakest category), and rereading my psych book. I know I can't possibly make it through all of my review books in the next month, but I took a diagnostic test on the CD that came with my Saunders book, and it gave me a 6-week plan for chapters to tackle each day. Since I only have 4 weeks, I do have to condense that a bit. I am going to continue with Hesistudy, and I've registered for the online Kaplan review. BTW, if your school subscribes to the Kaplan program, you can take the class for $300 if you call them to register.

So, basically I am going to try to live and breathe HESI for the next month. The dishes will have to wait, the kids might watch a little too much TV, but I am determined to graduate in May. I have three more clinical days, one more unit exam, and a comprehensive final standing between me and graduation. I can't wait to get my life back!