Failed NCLEX

joanna73, BSN, RN · Dec 25, 2015

Unfortunately, the BON will request your

Canadian licensure and credentials prior to the authorization to test. Candidates who are not successful in Canada cannot automatically write the NCLEX for the US.

Since you were educated in Canada, you are required to first pass the Canadian exam, obtain your registration, and then you can apply to the US. Probably your only option is to take a nursing refresher course. Canada does not allow unlimited attempts for the NCLEX.

BlackBee · Dec 25, 2015

I am aware of that Joanna73 that I can't automatically write the NCLEX. I spoke to Arizona BON and was aware that I was not successful nor able to license in Canada. There are other health care professionals that does not require licensure from their country of origin such as Physical Therapy. I do know that Canada will not accept IERNs with no licensure from their country of origin. They either have to go back to school to get the BSN again or be able to apply to be licensed as an LPN.

After talking to the Az BON, I was still advised to send the application and have my credentials evaluated. Credentials presently evaluated by IERF. I have also heard that there were some people who were not able to pass their local boards from their country of origin and was still granted an ATT and got eligibility to write the exam. I already know one person but that person went to this process 4 years ago. I want to make sure this is still in effect and any person who have recently experienced it.

I also know someone who wrote the NCLEX in Canada 2 times and still failed. Worried of failing again on third attempt, she applied to Texas BON and was granted to write the the NCLEX for Texas application. Fortunately, she passed. I know its a bad example but I am trying to reach out to other people who had the same experience.

I am also aware that Canada does not allow unlimited attempts since day 1 I failed the NCLEX. I can't take any refresher program as this is NOT an option in Canada right now. Maybe in the states. But I appreciate your feedback. Thank you.

NurseStorm, BSN, RN · Dec 25, 2015

Not to be rude, but why would you "wing it" knowing you had limited attempts and had already failed the first test?

I am also Canadian and took the CRNE, prepared and passed . I agree with the limited attempts policy we have here...

I think it's unfortunate for you, but also it seems you sort of brought it on yourself in some ways by blowing one of your attempts with a strange over confidence for someone who just failed.. :/ Sorry..

joanna73, BSN, RN · Dec 25, 2015

I responded to your question OP based on what I understand to be accurate. Unless you are already licensed in the country where you have received your education, you cannot write the NCLEX.

BlackBee · Dec 25, 2015

No offence taken, Nursestorm. I am open for any feedback or criticism.

I know. It was a mistake on my part, lessons learned. There were other factors included back then when I took my first NCLEX. I am only few weeks away until my GN expires and thinking that I can't renew anymore nor extend it and I was so closed from passing the CRNE, I might only need few readings and I am good to go. I got 105 on that first attempt. When I took the second NCLEX (last attempt), I got all the way to 265.

BlackBee · Dec 25, 2015

Thanks Joanna73. I will just wait for the Az BON decisions. If they grant me, thats good and if not then I will figure something else.

Also, sharing my own experience which I hope others will not follow on what I did will serve as guidance to others.

dishes, BSN, RN · Dec 25, 2015

There are others who have posted in AN that they failed three times in Canada and after after being granted eligibility by the NY BON, they passed but they were not eligible to be licensed in Canada, as it was considered their fourth attempt and a fourth attempt is not granted unless the there are extenuating circumstances. If you are granted eligibility to write by Arizona BON and pass what will your plans be?

BlackBee · Dec 25, 2015

There are others who have posted in AN that they failed three times in Canada and after after being granted eligibility by the NY BON, they passed but they were not eligible to be licensed in Canada, as it was considered their fourth attempt and a fourth attempt is not granted unless the there are extenuating circumstances. If you are granted eligibility to write by Arizona BON and pass what will your plans be?

Thanks Dishes. I appreciate your info.

Right now my main goal is to get that eligibility first and if I indeed got the chance then pass, I am planning to work in the states for few years. Once I built good reference and able to show I am safe to practice nursing, I would make an appeal to the Canadian Board to be granted transfer practice.

I am not sure if that will work or someone have done that. This idea came from one of the person I talked to which she said " it's a possibility that you can do that and no one have challenged us to this point but one day it will come though". There are lots of possibilities as Canada just started using NCLEX this year.

I.C.UNurse · Dec 25, 2015

I hate to be the critic here but you went through your first three attempts and did one "winging" it and you think you still want to be a nurse? If you can't take a refresher course then take some time off and reevaluate what you want to do. If you can't pass it on three tries then either you don't know the material or you can't put it together which is neither good.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Dec 25, 2015

I'm wondering how you plan to compete in the current job market, assuming that AZ grants you a license?

There are thousands of local new grads across the US who are struggling to find employment. For argument's sake, suppose you relocate and get an interview. The employer will likely be unimpressed and move on to another candidate.

As you move through this process, take some time to reflect on your goals and an action plan for how you intend to succeed as a nurse.

dishes, BSN, RN · Dec 25, 2015

@blackBee, Even if your chances of working as a nurse are small, at least there is a chance. It will be interesting to hear how your plans work out, hopefully you will return to this thread and provide updates as you tackle each hurdle.