CRNE October 2010

juujubez · Nov 18, 2010

Hello everyone! I have been reading this forum ever since the June 2010 CRNE, I failed by 5 marks the first time. I came home today and saw a letter waiting for me, I swear I was going to have an MI...needless to say, I PASSED!!! I was preparing myself for the *worst*. I live in Ontario, most people I know have received theirs. To those who have passed this time around, congrats! For those who were unsuccessful, please DO NOT give up!

I went in with a different view on the exam after I failed the first time.I used the 4th and 5th editions of the CRNE prep guide as well as all my lectures from all of my science courses from university. Yes, that's right. For me, this worked because I am not very good at sciences. I needed to grasp the basics again even though the CRNE is very subjective by nature! I also reviewed skills I was not familiar with as well as some medications. I studied a few hours a day, for 3 weeks.

Last time I wrote, it was down to the last hour and I still had 70 questions left! This time, I knew what to expect and paced myself. I was done within 2.5hours which gave me ample time to review. I read the question once, then again to pick out the key words (you know how it is). I then used this to pick the BEST option there was. Don't think too hard into the question, the answers are based in an ideal setting (i.e. if everything was perfect and went that way).

I'm not saying that the above method will work for you, I am saying that I reflected on what I did wrong the first time and hoped to fix it for the second. As others have mentioned, 200 questions is NOT indicative of how good of a nurse you are, how smart you are or how much knowledge you possess! Think to yourself, you will make it!

I wish everyone luck for their futures, whatever you choose you do!

joanna73, BSN, RN · Nov 18, 2010

As the previous poster mentioned, if patho/ sciences are weak for you, spend the time reviewing main diseases. This helps for sure. 50 percent of that exam is alterations in health. This includes med surg, meds, calculations, diseases, patho. I devoted half my study time to this area, and used med surg texts in addition to the guides. This is where your nursing process and abcs come in for sure.

For professional practise, reading CN0 documents like consent, ethics, documentation, and conflict helped me answer those questions. Don't only rely on the CNA and mosbys. Cover all the bases thoroughly. Good luck to everyone. I am thinking positive for you.

ladydodo · Nov 18, 2010

can anyone recommend a course that you took for this exam? and also which prep guide did you use?

For those who live in Hamilton area if you were not successfull Mohawk College offers Enhanced RN Exam Preparation that is designed specifically for individuals who have made at least one/two attempts on the CRNE, this Enhanced RN Examination Preparation will assess the results of your CRNE to develop an individual learning and study plans. Self-directed interactive online case studies with faculty support and 5 group tutorial sessions focused on critical thinking techniques are included. Key topics include strategies to approach critical thinking questions, review nursing content and practice testing taking skills online prior to attending interactive tutorial sessions . I found it very useful and the price is reasonable.

zowe · Nov 18, 2010

I failed by one mark and it was my second attempt. I felt as though the world was coming to its end, I cried, felt angry and belittled myself like anybody else who failed. After 4 days of receiving the results I seem to be having little strength and hope but at times have moments of depression. There are long distance CRNE tutors in BC but don't have much information about them. Is there anyone from Vancouver BC with the idea?

Steyntjie · Nov 19, 2010

Dear Zowe

I feel for you and wish you all the best, do not give up!! you have come this far!!

I found a company called PRIMED Educational Associates on the net and attended one of their 2 day workshops. As far as I know they are from Vancouver and you should have no problem enrolling in one of their workshops. I really feel that that the workshop helped me a lot.

Good Luck:heartbeat

lovelivelearn · Nov 19, 2010

Why don't you consider taking a break from getting in and studying again? You are probably feeling exhausted from this. Study smart...with a fresh perspective? And yes, the exam isn't about your knowledge. Its about choosing the answer they want, according to those competencies. And finishing in time. If you got through 4 yrs of school, you do have the knowledge. The other point is to not second guess. Usually your first intuition is correct. In order to manage the time, I actually laid my watch on the table. If you want some pointers livelovelearn email me sometime.

what is your email? I probably will be in need of some pointers for the exam as it is my last chance:( Thank you.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Nov 19, 2010

Hi lovelivelearn, I sent you an email.

zowe · Nov 19, 2010

Dear Zowe
I feel for you and wish you all the best, do not give up!! you have come this far!!
I found a company called PRIMED Educational Associates on the net and attended one of their 2 day workshops. As far as I know they are from Vancouver and you should have no problem enrolling in one of their workshops. I really feel that that the workshop helped me a lot.
Good Luck:heartbeat

Thanx for the info. I checked with the PRIMED Educational Associates, as you mentioned that its a 2 day workshop which means I have to be there physically. What I'm thinkng is Long distance turoring whereby skyping is involved. I'm in the Northern Eastern Ontario. I saw another website of tutorindex in Bc Vancouver with some tutors who can do one on one through long distance but I wasn't sure of their reputation. So far it seems as if BC is the only province with these resources except of course Toronto whereby its a class thing.

I would like to thank everyone who has posted on this website because without you people life is meaningless and hopeless. In your postings I found strength, hope, energy and the sense that I'm not alone. Thank you once again. I need you to complete my journey.

pweety · Nov 19, 2010

hi everyone, i just want to ask if anyone knows any online tutoring services, as i live up north in Manitoba. Thanks

joanna73, BSN, RN · Nov 19, 2010

To Zowe and others feeling discouraged, please know that you are special. Passing or failing the exam should not define you. Look at it like a challenge that you can overcome. After giving this some consideration, I realize that there are many variables at work. First, decide on your own strategy for passing, and stick to it. Before you study, make a schedule. Don't cram or try to memorize. Cramming is useless.

Do as many practice questions as you can and time yourself. Read all the rationales and try to understand what they are looking for. And very important... The bulk of the exam is reasoning and critical thinking. You know this going in, so it is crucial that you can mentally prepare yourself, and remain calm throughout the exam. Critical thinking is key. Otherwise, all the studying and prep is not going to do it.

Think of it like a very important game that you are going to win. But in order to win, you must be able to reason through it.

can't wait RN · Nov 20, 2010

Hello everyone, I just failed on my second attempt. I have never felt so sad and helpless in my life.....this licencing exam has mad my life hell. However, I come to met so many people here in Toronto who has failed three times and now working in the supper market some are depressed and very un happy.

I want us all New grads to e-mail to CNO saying that we deserve at least a total of 5 or 6 attempt to write the CRNE exam. We all finished 4 years of school and have over 30, 000 student loan to pay. It is not fair to have only three attempt. We must demand for more attempt .

Waiting 6 weeks not stressed and worried is more than enough. WE DESERVE BETTER. THIS IS NOT HOW WE SHOULD BE TREATED. WE ALL SHOULD GET TO GETTER AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

IF WE CAN'T ADVOCATE FOR OUR RIGHTS WHO WOULD? THERE IS SO MANY OF US OUT THERE WHO HAD FAILED TWICE AND THREE TIMES. WE MUST SPEAK UP AND MAKE THE CHANGE HAPPEN. THIS IS OUT LIFE AND WE WORK HAD FOR 4 AND MORE YEARS TO EARN OUT BACHELOR DEGREE.

WE MUST START TODAY. PLEASE EVERYONE E-MAIL AS I HAVE E-MAILED THEN TWICE TO DAY.

I AM VERY MUCH INTERESTED IN WHAT YOU THINK AND FEEL ABOUT THIS ISSUE.

WE MUST SPEAK UP ...THIS LIFE OUR LIFE AND OUR FUTURE.

THANK YOU,

This is for the people who has failed crne-rn exam two and three times. We must advocate for ourself....e-mail cno. We deserve more than three attempt....a few years ago it was a total of 5 or 6 attempt ...... Why do we get only 3 attempts?????? ......haven't we finished 4 years of intense nursing program?????? We all are smart and knowledgeable!!!!

We have to do something ..... When we speak up rules will change!!!

Please post out thoughts.

Silverdragon102, BSN · Nov 20, 2010

This is for the people who has failed crne-rn exam two and three times. We must advocate for ourself....e-mail cno. We deserve more than three attempt....a few years ago it was a total of 5 or 6 attempt ...... Why do we get only 3 attempts?????? ......haven't we finished 4 years of intense nursing program?????? We all are smart and knowledgeable!!!!
We have to do something ..... When we speak up rules will change!!!
Please post out thoughts.

When will the line be drawn? They may increase it to say 6 attempts but then if someone fails it 6 times they demand it goes up to 9. There has to be a limit. I know the UK has used the 3 attempts for a few decades and I know I failed something when I did by bridge to RN and only had 3 attempts but passed after second, so I know it can be frustrating.