A third study on predicting NCLEX success with the HESI Exit Exam.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Health Professions Assessment

Background:

• The HESI Exam (E2) is a tool used to assess nursing students' readiness for the NCLEX.
• Previous studies have established the E2's predictive validity for NCLEX success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct the third annual validity study assessing the HESI Exam (E2) accuracy in predicting NCLEX success.
• To evaluate factors influencing E2 predictive accuracy and analyze outcomes for low-scoring students.

Main Methods:

• A large-scale, multi-year study involving graduating registered and practical nursing students (N=6,277 in year III).
• Statistical analysis to determine the predictive accuracy of the E2 for NCLEX success across different nursing program types.
• Comparison of NCLEX outcomes for low-scoring E2 students, with and without participation in remediation programs.

Main Results:

• The E2 remained highly predictive of NCLEX success for all nursing student types in year III.
• Monitoring was not a significant factor in E2 predictive accuracy in year III.
• Low-scoring E2 students were significantly more likely to fail the NCLEX than high-scoring students (P = .001).
• No significant difference in pass rates was observed between low-scoring E2 students who participated in remediation and those who did not in year III.

Conclusions:

• The HESI Exam (E2) continues to be a reliable predictor of NCLEX success.
• The effectiveness of current remediation programs for low-scoring students needs further investigation.
• Future research should focus on defining remediation more clearly and exploring E2 implementation strategies related to NCLEX outcomes.