Most nursing schools make students take the HESI (mid-curricular) or ATI exam. You have to score a certain score on it in order to stay in the program. The test covers everything you have learned up to that point….so your whole nursing career is pretty much riding on the dreadful test.
Best Study Guide for HESI, ATI, and NCLEX Exam
I think what made it so bad for me was that I had a full load a classes on top of preparing for the test. Luckily, I passed that thing the first try and didn’t have to waste my summer taking a repeat. So, here is my advice for you on how to pass it the first time.
First what you need to do is get the best NCLEX study guide online. I STRONGLY suggest getting this book…..Saunder’s Comprehensive NCLEX Review.
Here is a picture of it:
This book is awesome! It contains a wonderful CD that contain over 2,500 question on it in many subjects. However, my HESI test only tested us on OB, Mental Health, Pediatrics, Fundamentals of Nursing, Dosage and Calculation, and Pharmacology. The CD lets you pick what area you want to test on. If you get an answer wrong it gives you the rational for it. Also this book breaks down everything to a dummies level. I also used this book to help me prepare for my lecture exams.
Where to Buy HESI, ATI, and NCLEX Study Guide
So where can you buy it? I bought mine on Amazon.com (disclaimer: I’m also an affiliate for Amazon, but I genuinely recommend this book). I paid only like $45.00 for it, and you know that is a bargain considering the costs of our nursing books. I think my Medical Surgical book was like $110 (crazy, I know).
This is how I studied for it. I found out I had to take the test in January but I would not have to actually take it until April. So what I did was by this book immediately and everyday during the week (not the weekends because that is relaxing time). I did 50 questions on day that was on the CD.
My professors suggested in order to pass it the first time you need to take at least 1,500 question before the test. I think I only did about 800 questions, and I passed it.
Also, they say the best way to study for this thing is by doing questions on the CD. Seriously if you do that you should have no problem passing it! You will be a registered nurse RN in no time!
My tips to you: Study hard months before the test. Don’t take it easy the week before, hoping to cram at the last minute. Get lots of sleep the night before, eat a good breakfast, get the book above, and say a prayer. This always helps me! If you have any certain questions about it, ask me. I am more than willing to help another nursing student in need.
Until next time……..