Predictive Accuracy of the HESI Exit Exam

Abstract

This follow-up study compares the accuracy of the HESI Exit Exam (E2) in predicting NCLEX success for the academic years 1996-97 (N = 2,809) and 1997-98 (N = 3,752) and is designed to replicate the study of Lauchner et al. and to implement recommendations suggested by the authors for further research. The E2 was again found to be highly predictive of licensure success, regardless of the type of program tested: associate degree, baccalaureate degree, diploma, or practical nurse programs. The predictive accuracy of the E2 was 98.27% for the RN group and 99.34% for the PN group. The E2 was again found to be significantly more accurate when administration of the exam was monitored than when it was not monitored (P = 0.05). In the 1997-98 academic year, NCLEX success of low-scoring E2 students was examined. Significantly more (P = 0.001) of the low-scoring E2 students failed the licensure exam than high-scoring E2 students. However, significantly fewer (p = 0.05) of these low-scoring E2 students failed the licensing exam when the E2 was used as a benchmark or guide for remediation.