Case Western Reserve University

A.

Qualify for the “Certificate of Professional Nursing” by:

a.

Earning grades of C or higher in all courses in the pre-licensure curriculum (see FPB Bulletin).

b.

Earning an overall GPA of 2.5 in the pre-licensure curriculum.

B.

Demonstrate readiness to take the NCLEX-RN Examination by:

a.

Achieving at least a minimum score (pre-determined and announced in advance) on a faculty-selected nationally, normed NCLEX-RN predictor exam.

b.

All Grad Entry DNP II students will take the exam at least once prior to the end of the pre-licensure program.

c.

Refer to separate Procedure for Demonstrating Readiness to take the NCLEX Exam for details on this process.

1.

Prior to completion of the pre-licensure program, all Grad Entry DNP II students will take a nationally normed, NCLEX-RN predictor exam. For Fall, 2006, the exam will be the HESI Exit Exam, a 150 question, computer-based exam.

a.

Students are encouraged to prepare for the exam.

b.

Strategies for preparing for the NCLEX are noted below.

c.

Testing Sessions:

Friday, Nov 17: 8 am - 12 pm

Friday, Nov 17: 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Saturday, Nov 18: 8:30 am - 12:30 pm

2.

Students who wish to request testing accommodations should contact Dr. Lindell to meet to discuss their request.

3.

Students who achieve a grade of at least 900 on the HESI Exit Exam have met the “readiness” requirement.

4.

Students who do not achieve at least 900 will:

a.

Meet with an assigned faculty advisor to review their score report and develop a plan for success on the NCLEX.

b.

Take HESI Retest #1, or additional versions if necessary, until a score of at least 900 is recorded.

First score of 750-899: Student may take the exam after 4-5 weeks and implement their plan for success on the NCLEX-RN exam.

Score of 749 or less: Student will wait 4-5 weeks, implement their plan for success on the NCELX and provide evidence of having taken a live NCLEX review course before taking the HESI for the second time.

c.

Students who do not achieve a score of at least 900 on the first retest will meet with the Program Director to develop a revised plan for success on the NCLEX.

5.

The Grad Entry DNP Program Director will determine frequency and date/times of administration of the HESI Exit Exam and Retests.

6.

Optional means to meet the HESI requirement (after taking the HESI Exit Exam).

a.

The student may enroll in an acceptable live NCLEX Review Course.

b.

As of January 2006, the review course accepted as an alternate to the HESI requirement is that by Dr. Caroline Buszta.

c.

Other courses will be considered per request of the student.

Strategies for Success on the NCLEX

1.

Strive for as high a score on the HESI as possible.

a.

950+: outstanding probability of passing the NCLEX

b.

900-949: excellent probability of passing the NCLEX

c.

850-899: average probability of passing the NCLEX

d.

800-849: below average probability of passing

e.

750-799: Additional prep needed

f.

700-749: Serious prep needed

g.

650-699: Grade danger of failing

h.

< 649: Poor performance expected

2.

Review your HESI report and do targeted review of content.

3.

Complete at least 1000 NCLEX review questions (paper/pencil and/or computer based) geared to weak areas as identified on the HESI and then integrated final exam.

4.

Resources:

a.

Refer to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (www.ncsbn.org) for information on the test blueprint and sample questions.

b.

Remember: any prep resource you use is approximate to the NCLEX but is not the actual exam.

c.

Many companies make NCLEX review books that include content and/or questions (paper/pencil and on line or computer based).

d.

Be sure to use resources that reflect the NCLEX-RN test blueprint and question types as revised in 2004.

e.

A CD with NLCLEX-review questions and a content review book may be ordered from their website (www.hesitest.com). (also available through Amazon).

5.

All students are strongly urged to take a review course (live course preferred) regardless of the first HESI score. The cost may seem prohibitive; however, balance the cost of a review course against the financial investment in the pre-licensure program, the cost of taking the NCLEX, the increased cost of a course such as the Buszta course after failing the NCLEX, and lost RN wages should one fail the NCLEX (candidates for licensure in Ohio who do not pass the NCLEX-RN must wait at least 45 days to retake the NCLEX and must pay the full fee each time).

a.

Caroline Buszta

b.

Kaplan

c.

Others

6.

Prior to taking any standardized exam, be sure you:

a.

Are well rested

b.

Have eaten a good meal

c.

Are prepared

d.

Are not acutely ill

e.

Are focused and present