Increasing Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing HESI Grade Allocation Percentage in a Psychiatric Nursing Course

Scant evidence is found in the literature regarding the unit-level Health Education Systems, Inc. (HESI) examinations. This study aims to (a) compare student Psych HESI examination scores between cohorts after increasing grade allocation from 5% to 15%, and (b) examine student perceptions of the impact of increasing the percentage of course grade allocation.

An ex post facto research design analyzed differences in Psych HESI examination scores. HESI examination mean score differences between groups were analyzed using ANOVA. Narrative responses were analyzed using content analysis.

Psych HESI examination means increased from 836 in spring 2015 (5% of course grade) to 905 in fall 2015 (15% of course grade). Narrative response themes included (a) Validated Learning; (b) Compelled Participants to Study More; (c) Incongruent With Class Content and Preparation Books; and (d) Stress-Producing.

HESI examination scores improved with increasing course grade percentage allocated to the HESI score. Students indicated positive and negative perceptions of the increased grade allocation. [J Nurs Educ. 2018;57(10):604-608.].