Canadian RN passes the NCLEX RN

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Specializes in surgery, dialysis.

Hi Everyone

this is my first time posting and I just wanted to give a little advise to all of my Canadian nurses out there that are considering writing the NCLEX-RN. after 150 brutal questions and 48 hours of painful waiting I have just found out that I passed the NCLEX-RN.

why I wanted to write this thread is that I have many friends that I worked with in Canada that took the exam and failed it. and since I just took the exam and have it fresh in my memory I wanted to share some advice. (if you want it lol)

1. STUDY!! if anyone tells you that its not a knowledge exam, that it's strategy in answering the questions they are giving you wrong advise. STUDY STUDY STUDY. I studied for 3 months because it was almost like learning a new language for me with the labs and the meds. I recommend Kaplan for test taking strategy and I used lippincott's Q & A review. I did over 5000 questions before the exam and watched countless youtube videos on different diseases and syndromes.

2. get rid of the real world nursing skills you have and think "perfect hospital setting". there are strategies to learn this in Kaplan.

3. understand that American nursing is different enough to make you answer some questions wrong. Lippincott and Kaplan have great chapters and questions on legal issues and patient rights.

other than just studying your butt off I don't see there being a secret formula. you don't have to try and break down a question and get hints on the answer if you know your material inside and out.

I know a few people that failed it because they thought they didn't have to study. they got straight A's in school and they thought american nursing was the same. so STUDY!!

GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL

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Specializes in Geriatrics and Quality Improvement,.

other than just studying your butt off I don't see there being a secret formula.

I know a few people that failed it because they thought they didn't have to study. they got straight A's in school and they thought american nursing was the same. so STUDY!!

You were a little wrong about the secret formula. I have to say, there is one. Its STUDY. Thats the secret.

You can fetter out answers from a few questions, but the easiest way to know the riht answer and pass the boards is to study.

I took mine "on paper with a pencil" and not only did I spend 4 years in college for it, I allso STUDIED when I got out to pass the exam. I feel for any person who was not born & raised with the American language that tries to take the exam. But it can be done, you just have to study.

So many of my colleagues are a testament to that!

Thats the secret.

Phew, glad I dont have to keep that secret anymore.

Thanks SuperVeronica. You have relieved a burden.

Oh, and CONGRATS!! On Passing the boards!!:yeah:

:jester::nurse:

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I feel for any person who was not born & raised with the American language that tries to take the exam. But it can be done, you just have to study.

It actually scares me a little bit, since I am planning to take both Canadian and American exams, and I've heard that you have about 30 seconds per question. English is not my mother tongue.

Super Veronica, congrats on passing the exam, and thanks for advice.:yeah:

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Specializes in surgery, dialysis.

Anastasia

I've written both exams and i can tell you that you have plenty of time to answer questions on both the CRNE and NCLEX

good luck. let me know if you want any tips.

where did you take your nursing?

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Specializes in pediatrics.

Thanks for the advice superveronica! Good to know if I ever feel the urge to write the NCLEX :)

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Anastasia

I've written both exams and i can tell you that you have plenty of time to answer questions on both the CRNE and NCLEX

good luck. let me know if you want any tips.

where did you take your nursing?

Thanks!

I am actually just starting it :) I was in my first year, then had to postpone the studies, because DS was born. Now I am returning to school (it is my second career). I will either continue with York University or will go to Ryerson if they will take me. So far I am on the waiting list. I am planing to stay in Canada, but I just want the freedom to practice in the US as well, so I wanted to have both licenses while it will be all still fresh in my head.

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:ancong!:

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Specializes in Medicine.
Hi Everyone

this is my first time posting and I just wanted to give a little advise to all of my Canadian nurses out there that are considering writing the NCLEX-RN. after 150 brutal questions and 48 hours of painful waiting I have just found out that I passed the NCLEX-RN.

why I wanted to write this thread is that I have many friends that I worked with in Canada that took the exam and failed it. and since I just took the exam and have it fresh in my memory I wanted to share some advice. (if you want it lol)

1. STUDY!! if anyone tells you that its not a knowledge exam, that it's strategy in answering the questions they are giving you wrong advise. STUDY STUDY STUDY. I studied for 3 months because it was almost like learning a new language for me with the labs and the meds. I recommend Kaplan for test taking strategy and I used lippincott's Q & A review. I did over 5000 questions before the exam and watched countless youtube videos on different diseases and syndromes.

2. get rid of the real world nursing skills you have and think "perfect hospital setting". there are strategies to learn this in Kaplan.

3. understand that American nursing is different enough to make you answer some questions wrong. Lippincott and Kaplan have great chapters and questions on legal issues and patient rights.

other than just studying your butt off I don't see there being a secret formula. you don't have to try and break down a question and get hints on the answer if you know your material inside and out.

I know a few people that failed it because they thought they didn't have to study. they got straight A's in school and they thought american nursing was the same. so STUDY!!

GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL

Hey Superveronica!

Thanks for the tips!!

I am in the process of applying to write the NCLEX-RN through Minnesota as I was told it is the shortest route to take. Where did you write yours if I may ask?

I'm hoping to write by July. Not sure if that is enough time but I guess I'll study my butt off.

Thanks again

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Specializes in surgery, dialysis.
Hey Superveronica!

Thanks for the tips!!

I am in the process of applying to write the NCLEX-RN through Minnesota as I was told it is the shortest route to take. Where did you write yours if I may ask?

I'm hoping to write by July. Not sure if that is enough time but I guess I'll study my butt off.

Thanks again

I wrote through Alaska. it is honestly one of the fastest states to get approval. I got approval (once my finger prints were approved) with in 5 days. and after I wrote I was listed as an active RN 48 hours later and got my LIC mailed to me in 3 business days.

I have friends who wrote though Minnesota and they had no problems.

really get yourself the Lippincott Q&A study guide. I am serious when I tell you that I would have failed had I used anything else (my Mosby illustrated study guide barely scratched the surface of what you need to know). Kapalan is great for strategy buy you need to have the knowledge to pass.

good luck, let me know how it goes

V:up:

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How much does the NCLEX cost if you decide to take it in Canada? I want to pay by money order/cashier's check if possible because my credit card is Canadian and I don't want them to charge me conversion rates, etc. I just want to confirm that it's $350 flat because on the NCLEX bulletin it mentions about a possible VAT fee. Anyone know how much it really cost? I reside in Ontario, so I'll be doing the exam somewhere in Toronto.

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Thanks so much, superveronica. I am planning to take the NCLEX few months after graduation. I am so going to study as you suggested, btw. thanks for textbook recommendation.

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can i take the NCLEX and work in the U.S if i don't have my nursing license here in canada?

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