Comparison of specialty examination scores pre- and post-pandemic

Abstract Objective: To determine if nursing student application of knowledge declined due to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Health Education Systems Incorporated Fundamentals version one (HESI Fundamentals V-1) specialty examination scores of first-semester nursing students in the traditional BSN program were compared with pre- and post-remote course delivery. Methods: The study used a comparative quantitative research design and involved a convenience sample of 200 nursing students in their first semester of a nursing program at a university located in the south-central region of the US. Their HESI Fundamentals V-1 scores in the spring 2020 semester were compared with their scores in the fall 2020 semester. Results: Using statistical analysis of an independent one-tailed t-test, the mean HESI scores in fall 2020 were significantly higher than the mean HESI scores in spring 2020. Conclusion: While remote learning caused concerns for nursing instructors and students, the HESI scores support that student application of knowledge improved even after the delivery of remote learning.