Assessing Executive Nurse Leaders' Financial Literacy Level: A Mixed-Methods Study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the reliability and validity of the Financial Management Competency Self-assessment (FMCA) in executive nurse leaders (ENLs) and to determine how ENLs develop and apply financial knowledge. BACKGROUND: Financial literacy (FL) helps in planning, implementing, and evaluating fiscal decisions, but many ENLs report weaknesses in this core competency. METHODS: An explanatory-sequential mixed-methods study was conducted to psychometrically test the FMCA and explore how ENLs with different levels of FL develop and apply financial knowledge. Eligible participants (n = 178) were recruited from a population of ENLs across the United States. RESULTS: The test-retest reliability of the FMCA was good (mean difference, 6.80; 95% confidence interval). Correlations between domain scores (P < .01) and the overall score (Cronbach's α = .99) demonstrated the reliability and validity of the instrument. The cutoff scores were fair indicators of different levels of FL in ENLs (P < .001). Self-awareness, gaps in hospital and graduate nursing education, application of financial knowledge, and a micro versus macro view emerged as important themes in the qualitative analysis. CONCLUSION: FMCA reliability and validity were established. FMCA cutoff scores were established to determine FL level, and the ENL lived experience described in financial knowledge development and application.

A third study on predicting NCLEX success with the HESI exit exam.

This was the third annual validity study designed to assess the accuracy of the HESI Exit Exam (E) in predicting NCLEX success for graduating registered and practical nursing students. As in year I (N = 2,725) and year II (N = 3,752), in year III (N = 6,277), the E was highly predictive of NCLEX success for associate degree nursing, bachelor of science nursing, diploma, and practical nursing students. Unlike previous years, in year III, monitoring was not a significant factor in the predictive accuracy of the E. NCLEX success of low-scoring E students, first examined in year II, was also examined in year III. As in year II, low-scoring E students were significantly more (P = .001) likely to fail the licensure examination than high-scoring E students. In year III, unlike year II, there was no significant difference in the pass rate of low-scoring E students who participated in a remediation program and those who did not. The authors recommended that a more definitive definition of remediation be used in future studies and that such studies focus on E implementation strategies and their relationship to NCLEX success.

Predicting NCLEX success with the HESI Exit Exam: fourth annual validity study.

The fourth annual validity study of the Health Education Systems, Inc. (HESI) Exit Exam was designed to examine not only the accuracy of the examination in predicting NCLEX success but also the degree of risk for failure of the licensure examination associated with specific scoring intervals. A descriptive comparative design was used to examine the data provided by schools of nursing regarding students' NCLEX outcomes in the 1999-2000 academic year. As in the 3 previous studies, the examination was found to be a highly accurate predictor of NCLEX success (98.46%). Each scoring interval was significantly different from each of the other scoring intervals (P = .001). In fact, for the combined group of registered nurse and practical nurse students, the percentage of students who failed the NCLEX more than doubled with each successively lower scoring interval. These findings provide the information faculties needed to make evidence-based decisions regarding students' risks for NCLEX failure. Additionally, frequency data were obtained from this survey regarding the use of the examination as a benchmark for progression and remediation, and these findings may also be useful to faculties that are considering establishing such programs.

The HESI Exit Exam: progression benchmark and remediation guide.

Evidence exists indicating that remediation positively affects NCLEX success of students with known academic deficits. However, specific benchmarks that identify students who are at risk of NCLEX failure and in need of remediation have not been identified. Following publication of research findings that established the reliability and validity of the HESI Exit Exam (E) as an accurate measure of students' NCLEX preparedness, nurse educators increasingly chose administer the E to their senior students. This study investigated using the E as a benchmark for progression and as a guide for remediation.

HESI Exams: an overview of reliability and validity.

Schools of nursing are increasingly administering computerized exams developed by Health Education Systems, Inc (HESI) to evaluate student and program outcomes and provide evidence-based rationale for curriculum development and modification. This article describes the methods used to establish the reliability and validity of HESI specialty exams and HESI exit exams. Discussion of current reliability and validity findings and recommendations for future research to enhance the quantification of validity data for HESI exams are presented.

Choosing a theoretical framework to guide HESI exit examination research.

This article responds to issues raised in 2004 by Spurlock and Hanks, who interpreted data that were presented in four published studies describing the validity of the Health Education Systems, Inc. (HESI) Exit Examination. The argument for using classical testing theory as the preferred theoretical framework to a clinical disease detection model is advanced. While the Spurlock and Hanks article promotes a philosophical bias against the establishment of progression policies within schools of nursing, this article offers another assessment of the merits of detecting at-risk students so timely remediation can occur prior to administration of the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). From data presented in the four validity studies, the HESI Exit Examination was reported to be 96.36% to 98.30% accurate in predicting NCLEX-RN success, and those original findings are reaffirmed.

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

This was the third annual validity study designed to assess the accuracy of the HESI Exit Exam (E2) in predicting NCLEX success for graduating registered and practical nursing students. As in year I (N = 2,725) and year II (N = 3,752), in year III (N = 6,277), the E2 was highly predictive of NCLEX success for associate degree nursing, bachelor of science nursing, diploma, and practical nursing students. Unlike previous years, in year IIl, monitoring was not a significant factor in the predictive accuracy of the E2. NCLEX success of low-scoring E2 students, first examined in year II, was also examined in year Ill. As in year II, low-scoring E2 students were significantly more (P = .001) likely to fail the licensure examination than high-scoring E2 students, in year Ill, unlike year II, there was no significant difference in the pass rate of low-scoring E2 students who participated in a remediation program and those who did not. The authors recommended that a more definitive definition of remediation be used in future studies and that such studies focus on E2 implementation strategies and their relationship to NCLEX success.

Predicting NCLEX success with the HESI Exit Exam: Fourth annual validity study.

The fourth annual validity study of the Health Education Systems, Inc. (HESI) Exit Exam was designed to examine not only the accuracy of the examination in predicting NCLEX success but also the degree of risk for failure of the licensure examination associated with specific scoring intervals. A descriptive comparative design was used to examine the data provided by schools of nursing regarding students' NCLEX outcomes in the 1999-2000 academic year. As in the 3 previous studies, the examination was found to be a highly accurate predictor of NCLEX success (98.46%). Each scoring interval was significantly different from each of the other scoring intervals (P = .001). In fact, for the combined group of registered nurse and practical nurse students, the percentage of students who failed the NCLEX more than doubled with each successively lower scoring interval. These findings provide the information faculties needed to make evidence-based decisions regarding students' risks for NCLEX failure. Additionally, frequency data were obtained from this survey regarding the use of the examination as a benchmark for progression and remediation, and these findings may also be useful to faculties that are considering establishing such programs.

HESI exams: an overview of reliability and validity.

Schools of nursing are increasingly administering computerized exams developed by Health Education Systems, Inc (HESI) to evaluate student and program outcomes and provide evidence-based rationale for curriculum development and modification. This article describes the methods used to establish the reliability and validity of HESI specialty exams and HESI exit exams. Discussion of current reliability and validity findings and recommendations for future research to enhance the quantification of validity data for HESI exams are presented.

The HESI exit exam: Progression benchmark and remediation guide.

Evidence exists indicating that remediation positively affects NCLEX success of students with known academic deficits. However, specific benchmarks that identify students who are at risk of NCLEX failure and in need of remediation have not been identified. Following publication of research findings that established the reliability and validity of the HESI Exit Exam (E2) as an accurate measure of students' NCLEX preparedness, nurse educators increasingly chose to administer the E2 to their senior students. This study investigated using the E2 as a benchmark for progression and as a guide for remediation.

New graduates a precious critical care resource.

The shortage of nurses is here, and the complexity of the issues involved will take time to resolve. Undoubtedly, this process will be slow and frustrating. Critically ill patients who require intensive, highly skilled nursing care are among those most affected by the shortage of nurses. Nursing service, in partnership with nursing education, should create innovative strategies that will ultimately alleviate the shortage of nurses. What we have to gain is more precious resources, our new graduates filling all the chairs in future summer critical care orientation classes.

HESI testing--a history of evidence-based research.

The Health Education Systems, Inc. (HESI) Exit Exam (E(2)) was originally developed using sound educational principles. In an effort to ensure product quality and to scientifically address the development of new HESI testing products, these principals continue to be practiced today, thereby adding to the evidence-based testing science and significantly contributing to the scholarship of educational practice. This review sequentially presents the evidence related to the E(2) by study details and outcomes and sets the stage for the continued work presented in this supplement to the Journal of Professional Nursing.

Predicting NCLEX success with the HESI Exit Exam: fourth annual validity study.

The fourth annual validity study of the Health Education Systems, Inc. (HESI) Exit Exam was designed to examine not only the accuracy of the examination in predicting NCLEX success but also the degree of risk for failure of the licensure examination associated with specific scoring intervals. A descriptive comparative design was used to examine the data provided by schools of nursing regarding students' NCLEX outcomes in the 1999-2000 academic year. As in the 3 previous studies, the examination was found to be a highly accurate predictor of NCLEX success (98.46%). Each scoring interval was significantly different from each of the other scoring intervals ( =.001). In fact, for the combined group of registered nurse and practical nurse students, the percentage of students who failed the NCLEX more than doubled with each successively lower scoring interval. These findings provide the information faculties needed to make evidence-based decisions regarding students' risks for NCLEX failure. Additionally, frequency data were obtained from this survey regarding the use of the examination as a benchmark for progression and remediation, and these findings may also be useful to faculties that are considering establishing such programs.

HESI exams: an overview of reliability and validity.

Schools of nursing are increasingly administering computerized exams developed by Health Education Systems, Inc (HESI) to evaluate student and program outcomes and provide evidence-based rationale for curriculum development and modification. This article describes the methods used to establish the reliability and validity of HESI specialty exams and HESI exit exams. Discussion of current reliability and validity findings and recommendations for future research to enhance the quantification of validity data for HESI exams are presented.