Abstract
AIM To evaluate the current utilization of the Health Education Systems, Inc. (HESI) examinations in nursing education.
BACKGROUND HESI exam results are frequently predictive of NCLEX-RN results in nursing education.
METHOD The integrative review method of Whittemore and Knafl was used to search and evaluate the existing evidence to answer the following research questions: a) What is the current utilization of the HESI examinations in baccalaureate nursing education? b) What is the evidence supporting or contraindicating their use in nursing education? c) What is known regarding outcomes related to their use?
RESULTS There is a wide variation in the use and outcomes of HESI exams in baccalaureate nursing education.
CONCLUSION Despite validity and reliability, there are many gaps in evidence regarding use of these exams in nursing education.