Canadian NCLEX-RN Failures...

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Hi everyone,

I am a recent graduate and have taken the NCLEX-RN for the 1st time a month ago and received the devastating news that I failed! It hit me really hard because I had top grades during school, received multiple academic awards, did a lot of extracurricular activities (like attending Canadian Nursing Student's Association conferences and Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario workshops) and was known as the "smart girl" amongst professors and friends. It hit me extra hard because so many of my friends who had lower grades than me during school passed and basically everyone I went to school with were bragging about their official RN status all over social media! (of course, it may seem like "everyone" to me since no one really posts the fact that they failed, only that they passed).

I have devised a new study plan and am planning on retaking my exam for the 2nd time in early September. But I keep FREAKING OUT every time I study thinking that I'll fail again and then again for the 3rd time!!!! I can't get the scary thought of failing all 3 times (Canadian NCLEX-RN takers only get a MAX. of 3 tries) in which I get crazy anxiety feelings thinking about how the past 4 years of my life was a waste, how I'm so stupid, etc.)

SO... for all my Canadian knowledgeable nursing friends:

(1) Is it possible to fail the NCLEX-RN 3 times but still apply to become an RPN with the Bachelor of Nursing degree knowledge by taking the NCLEX-PN?? Or because they're both NCLEX exams, am I just screwed for the rest of my life if I fail the NCLEX-RN 3x?

(2) Am I allowed to take the NCLEX in the U.S. unlimited amount of times after my 3rd NCLEX-RN failure in Canada?? Or will I not be allowed since I am a Canadian citizen with a Canadian nursing degree and knowledge?

SOS-ing to all my guardian angels out there :dead:

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Specializes in Public Health.

(1) Is it possible to fail the NCLEX-RN 3 times but still apply to become an RPN with the Bachelor of Nursing degree knowledge by taking the NCLEX-PN?? Or because they're both NCLEX exams, am I just screwed for the rest of my life if I fail the NCLEX-RN 3x?

No, you can't become an RPN. If you are Canadian educated, you must actually have a PN diploma in order to sit for the CPNRE (RPNs do not write an NCLEX), BScN is not accepted as a substitute.

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Hi Canadian RN

Dont think that far, just study hard and pray. Same happened to me too. Student who never payed attention towards studies in class and been on facebook at the back seat have passed nclex and I failed nclex. I dont think every state in US offers unlimited nclex intakes. In regards to LPN in canada, You need to speak to College of LPN's in your province, they will assess your credentials. If LPN can be RN after doing 2 years accelerated programme why cannt you be a LPN. I dont see any problem but again they are the one who will make decision. If you want to apply for LPN exam then start the paperwork asap as from january next year even LPN's will have to pass nclex in canada

All the best :)

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I heard rumors (not sure if true or false) that RPNs are changing their exams over to the NCLEX-PN in January of 2016 (apparently they weren't ready in time to change to the NCLEX like the RNs for January of 2015 so it has been delayed to next year) . Would you happen to be able to verify this?

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Thank you so much for the kind words!! I will definitely verify with the college of LPNs.

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Specializes in Public Health.
I heard rumors (not sure if true or false) that RPNs are changing their exams over to the NCLEX-PN in January of 2016 (apparently they weren't ready in time to change to the NCLEX like the RNs for January of 2015 so it has been delayed to next year) . Would you happen to be able to verify this?

The CPNRE is going computer based next year, but no date for switching to the NCLEX. This information is located on the college website.

Also, there is no college of LPNs. There is a CNO which governs both RNs and RPNs. I verified with them over the phone approximately 6 months ago that BScN grads from Canada with 3 failures are unable to sit the PN exam, but things may have changed.

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Hi,

How did you prepare for the exam ?

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Hey, study materials did you use the first time? I used hurst, NCSBN and NCLEX Mastery app and I found them to be really helpful. It aided in me passing the first time and my school didn't prepare us at all. The NCLEX doesn't really reflect how well you did in nursing school per say. I mean some may argue that but I mean honour students have failed and passed and average students like myself have failed and pass. The exam is so new in Canada that I don't think anyone was really prepared.

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I am a Canadian RN. I recently passed and used Lippincott's Q A Review for NCLEX RN. It is basically just a whole book full of questions and it is divided into sections. I found these questions to be harder than the actually NCLEX questions. I also used UWorld, I was lucky to get the 1 month free trial back in May I think they only have the one week trial now. The rationales to these questions are so detailed and amazing! I used Mosby's Comprehensive Review book to look up anything I didn't know. I used the NCLEX Mastery app (Canadian Version) app on my phone and finished all questions. Anything i didn't know I would youtube ( Michael Linares, Remar Review, allnursingnotes) I am a visual learner so anytime I had a hard time understanding concepts I would utilize those youtube pages.

Best of luck to you

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Thank you so much for the kind words!! I will definitely verify with the college of LPNs.

Here in BC, its called CLPNBC (College of licensed practical nurses of BC), so depend upon which province you live in, you can contact them. I know many foreign trained nurses who worked as LPN's and now they work as RN ( because CRNBC takes longer to process everything)

There is nothing wrong in contacting them as worst they can say is ''no'' to you. But at the same time study hard and pray for your nclex

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I am a bit late to the thread. I am sorry to hear that you failed on your first attempt. I was fortunate enough to pass, but I credit that to forces beyond me. I don't know if I have the right words to give you "generic" advice.

This is a cliche, but focus on the next step. When you begin thinking about the PN exam, then you will lose focus and confidence for the exam at hand, which is the 2nd try. You say that you were a "smart" girl....that should give you a shot of confidence. I cant Imagine how much anxiety I would be going through had I not made it it the first time. But the dust should settle enough for you to focus on the second attempt. Don't try to bury yourself in preparation. Get some rest too.

I used the Lippincott questions and answers nclex prep, and I found that it was very difficult, and very helpful. I made sure to read all the rationales, even when I knew the right answer. I find that it helped me to gain a broader knowledge and open up my reasoning. Of course I didnt get through the whole book. it is too much! But I did all 6 of the comprehensive tests.

Good luck. Don't think about the PN exams. And may God bless you.

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