Before the Morning (Failed CRNE three times. what now?)

[yahy]

I just received a bad news. My nursing career is over. Yes, I am no longer one of you, but I feel a need to share my story. I have failed the CRNE for the third time and honestly, I don't know what is there left for me. I know things happen for a reason. sometimes, i just think that GOD is being so unfair. Throughout my nursing school, all i did was to do my best both theory and clinical. I have received praises being a "very good" Graduate Nurse. But then again, all has to end with an examination that I can't seem to pass even though I have put my thoughts and heart on preparing for it. At some point, I think of myself as a dumb individual, up for no good. If nursing was not meant for me, why did HE made it possible for me to even complete my Degree Program? I have so many questions to GOD right now. I have prayed hard for that moment of finally receiving a letter with the word "PASS" on it, but instead a phone call saying I have failed on my third attempt and had to wait for a letter containing my options.

Nursing Has always been my dream and I can't see myself pursuing other career in life. I don't think I can handle another 4 years of schooling or even the strength to even try to put my life back on track. I know that God has a reason for why I'm going through this test right now (one I consider the hardest test in my life, so far), and probably there is more to come. I have so much faith in him that in spite it all, I still look forward to that one morning of waking up from my sleep and the pain, the sadness, the sufferings are over. I know that HE works in ways unimaginable. I know that he hears my prayer and in his own time he'll grant those prayers. But for now, all I needed is some sort of encouragement from you, whoever you are reading this post right now.

I still thank GOD because I have my life, I am breathing, I can still appreciate all the good things he had created. As long as there is tomorrow, I will continue to fight a good fight!

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

I am well aware of the Code of Ethics, but thanks for the reminder. Just so you know, that applies to nurse-client relationships. Also, part of the Code stipulates safe care. Safety for patients is the major reason why the RN exam has a limit to the amount of times a candidate is permitted to write.

[Cojute2011]

Hi Canadian Girl 79 and Joanna73:

You totally have misinterpreted my message.

The message that I sent in my two previous postings is based on code of ethics #1( provide compassionate care to individuals) In my personal life I apply it to all situations that I encounter, this is centre to responsibility in nursing profession. An individual can use this code as well with colleagues, etc. That was the based of my argument, I did not discuss the code ethic of Justice at all. Please politely read my posting carefully. I copy and paste the complete two parts of the code of ethics, paste it and also referenced but this doesn't mean I will talk about all of the core values of this document. And you both went the other way around with this discussion.

I used this code of ethic because for the purpose of this discussion board, there are individuals that failed the exam a few times and I observed how some comments may have been hurtful, judgemental and uncompassionate to these individuals who obviously are going through a very difficult time. These individuals are looking for two things: support from other nurses, a bit of respect what they are going through, motivation to keep going.

There is nothing wrong with positive thinking.

This is the last I will say about this discussion, have a great career both.

[Fiona59]

Wow. I passed my national exam when my husband was deployed in a war zone. I had no family support system in the city where we live because we live where my husband is posted. My father, father in law, and best friend had all died unexpectedly within 16 months. I even wrote final exams on the afternoon before catching a flight out of town to go to a deathbed rather than face them the next month.

My logic was if I was going to be a nurse I had to pass the exam. My instructors applauded my decision and told me that I'd made the correct but difficult choices.

The job wasn't going to go away because of a disaster or two in my life. Patients have to be looked after regardless of what is going on in my life OUTSIDE of the hospital. I wasn't going to be able to take prolonged stress leaves every time the going got tough.

I guess by some peoples standards I suck as a human being. I just learnt to compartmentalize. School, family, relationships all had to be in separate boxes to make it through the last two semesters of school and my national exam.

Oh, and I passed first time.

[loriangel14, RN]

Well said Fiona.

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

Here's another story for you, and one that I don't often share. When I was in my first year of school, my mother and my aunt died from lung cancer, within 5 months of each other. I cried almost every day for at least 18 months. Did I ask for special favours or feel sorry for myself? No. That's life. When I was sitting there writing my RN exam, the 4th anniversary of my mother's death had passed less than a week prior to the exam.

I passed the first time. Life is hard, and we all have our issues. Everyone handles stress differently. However, the responsibility still remains. If you want to be a nurse, you have to pass their exam. No use complaining about how unfair life is, or how unfair nurses are. We do understand, but you still have to move forward and do what needs to be done.

[brianna105]

I am a recent graduate of the PN program and was successful during my fist attempt at the CPRNE. I have read all your feedbacks on the CRNE and the CPRNE. I think the CNO let the students who completed their BSCN program write the PN exam because they believe they have the knowlege after four years of school. In my opinion, I believe the CPRNE requires almost the same level of knowledge as the CRNE to pass. My friend wrote the CRNE and we studied together for our exams. The CPRNE exam still require us to prioritize our patient care. Yes, I also did critical thinking in our course. RPNs now work in surgery, maternity etc. We do have to know what is most important or first priority for the patients on the exams. Previously I did three years of the RN program and was unable to pass the second year, because they said I needed more knowledge. I was out of school for quite a while and I am an adult, so I was not surprised. When I came over to the PN program I realized it was much harder than the RN program. The program was very intense and we still have to learn so much in 2 years, because we are actually doing the RN program condensed into 2 years. I am proud to say doing the PN program has opened my knowledge immensly. I was totally lost doing the RN program, but I was able to connected the nursing knowledge, which include the biology, anotomy, pathophysiology and pharmacology. I am not proud to say If I attempt the RN program I will be more than ready to do so. I do believe if you study for four years and failed three times it is best to do the refresher's course. RPNs now do all the skills that the RNs do. I did everything IVs, IM, suctioning, maternity etc. During my consolidation placement I did everything, because they expect us to know. It would be good if the CNO give RPNs a shot at the CRNE, since we are almost doing the same things.I know the first two years of the degree program you get the hands on and the last two years are mostly community nursing and placement. If the student failed it means that during their first two years of their program they didn't grasp some of the concept. That is the reason after two years RPN we can bridge to RN, because we are fully equipped with the knowledge to practise as a nurse. I dont think the CNO should just have the BSCN student write the RPN exam and not give RPNs a chance too to write their exam, especially RPNs who are experienced and practising for a number of years. All the best with the exams they are both challenging nd require extensive preparations.

[brianna105]

I have so typos. I meant do and not

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

I agree that RPNs who have gained experience should be given the opportunity to write the CRNE. They deserve it. However, a recent RPN grad should do the bridge program. RNs study for 4 years, so there are differences in the education.

[Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN]

Hi Canadian Girl 79 and Joanna73:

You totally have misinterpreted my message.

The message that I sent in my two previous postings is based on code of ethics #1( provide compassionate care to individuals) In my personal life I apply it to all situations that I encounter, this is centre to responsibility in nursing profession. An individual can use this code as well with colleagues, etc. That was the based of my argument, I did not discuss the code ethic of Justice at all. Please politely read my posting carefully. I copy and paste the complete two parts of the code of ethics, paste it and also referenced but this doesn't mean I will talk about all of the core values of this document. And you both went the other way around with this discussion.

I used this code of ethic because for the purpose of this discussion board, there are individuals that failed the exam a few times and I observed how some comments may have been hurtful, judgemental and uncompassionate to these individuals who obviously are going through a very difficult time. These individuals are looking for two things: support from other nurses, a bit of respect what they are going through, motivation to keep going.

There is nothing wrong with positive thinking.

This is the last I will say about this discussion, have a great career both.

As an experienced nurse ( although not Canadian) well prepared graduates do not need to study endlessly for a standardized exam. A short review shortly after graduation has insured all that I have advised a successful outcome. It has been my experience, Students who fail usually is a result of a program that did not prepare the student well for graduation or was marginal student who graduated and was not ready to practice as a professional nurse.

As others have mentioned, if you have a solid background, you will be able to pass the test despite family adversity, I have counseled students who life crisis ( such as a death of child weeks before the exam ) to take the NCLEX test and they passed. The reason is that in school they were able to comprehend the concepts and apply them to the exam. If you have command of the material no extensive studying is required. A person who has to keep studying hours and hours for the exam did not understand the concepts presented in nursing school.

Students who fail the test three times, in my ethical opinion should not be allowed to care for patients. I am basing this on the fact two times they did not deal with this issues that caused the failure of the exam. If a nurse is not able to do a personal assessment ( learning disability, anxiety, or personal issues) and formulate an effective plan of correction TWICE, it is my opinion and seems to be the policy of the Canadian Colleges that this person is not safe to practice nursing. I find it unethical to give false hope to the person that nursing is the

profession for them since they have failed three times to meet minimal standards. To have them invest more time and money from them when using evidence based stats they are going to fail , in my opinion is unethical and cruel.

[Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN]

Hi Survivor0007:

How is everything??? I don't know what are you doing now because your last posting was on March 2011. I hope everything is well with you and you were able to pass the exam.

My grandmother always taught me to listen to positive thinking and optimist people and get away from negative because somehow it will get to you.

I do not agree with the comments that the individual with ID Ginger Mom states in this discussion board regarding the crne exam and the number of attempts that someone should have., his/her comments are very judgemental and uncompassionate. There are a variety of factors that may affect an individual to perform a task whether is mentally or physically and as nurses we should all be aware of that. Think outside the box, not every one individual is the same!!!.

His/Her comments tell me that as a nurse he/she failed to exercise one of the CNA code of ethics and is to provide compassionate support and care to an individual who is you going to a very difficult time. Providing compassionate care is is number 1 ethic in Canadian Standards.

I wish you all the best Survivor 0007 and take care. Keep us informed.

As a nurse the primary concern is the "patient" not the failing graduate nurse. Once again to show compassion to a student who failed a test three times is not encouraging them to try for a fourth attempt, it is to redirect them to a career where they do not have to struggle to pass a very basic test. Nursing is not for everyone.

[sherjul2010]

sorry to hear also. I am new to this site ,but i an writing my canadian practical nurse exam in 2 weeks , and am at a loss as to what to study exactly. I have been going over the grey spiral book and did the online mandatory test (predictor). but not sure if i should be studying more plz. help, i am desperate to do this only one time.LOL

[27400]

sorry to hear also. I am new to this site ,but i an writing my canadian practical nurse exam in 2 weeks , and am at a loss as to what to study exactly. I have been going over the grey spiral book and did the online mandatory test (predictor). but not sure if i should be studying more plz. help, i am desperate to do this only one time.LOL

If CPNE is anything similar to CRNE then there should be competencies listed on the back of the CNA prepguide to help you guide your studying. Read the prepguide front to back at least 2-3 times. Read all questions and all the answers (whether they're right or wrong) and understand what they're trying to ask you. What is the main problem that you as a nurse need to "fix" or intervene?