My Cousin failed the RPN exam in Ontario

[GigiHelp]

Hi Everyone,

Recently my cousin received her RPN results & failed by 2 points. She's very upset because she has taken the exam more than once & explained to me that the test is scaled. I told her to ask for a recount if possible & wondering if there's anyone out there that lives in the province of Ontario that has been in a similar position and prevailed. It's holding her back from so many opportunities & she's feeling very depressed. Because I've never taken the exam, I would appreciate some insight and guidance.

Thanks,

Gigi

[Fiona59]

It's a national test, administered to all PN students on the same day.

I've only met one PN graduate who failed the test. After her third fail, she requested a review. It was unsuccessful. She is no longer in nursing.

Was this her third and final attempt? If so, she needs to look to the college that trained her and see if they offer a remedial course.

[GigiHelp]

Thanks so much for the information, but she's on her third time & had it appealed and won an opportunity for a final opportunity. As far as I know, the way the rules are she would have to redo the RPN program. It's a shame because she's only 2 points away! I'm trying to be a source of encouragement for her, because she really want to pursue a nursing career. She enjoyed doing her practicum.

Regards,

Gigi

[Fiona59]

Got to be the devil's advocate here but for some patient those two points could mean life or death.

Sometimes wanting isn't reason enough to keep trying and expecting additonal chances. I wanted to be a ballerina but was told I was too tall and I couldn't keep my weight under 110lbs.

[linzz]

I have heard of some people failing the exam. This is why it is critical to keep up with the reading and class notes.

Perhaps it's an issue with the english language. Most colleges in Ontario offer either a prep course or book that you can use to prepare for the exam.

Either way, she might want to consider going back to her college and speaking to an academic advisor for the program.

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

A classmate of mine back in the Dark Ages failed the CRNE three times. (We weren't really surprised because none of us thought she'd pass in the first place.) Since it's the bare minimum knowledge a new nurse should have when starting out in practice, there has to be a line drawn somewhere in order to protect the public. The colleges have decided that three strikes and you're done. I think that's only fair. If you've taken and failed the exam once, you should have a good idea of what's expected and target your studies to ensure you meet those minimums. As fiona59 said, people's lives are at stake and they have to matter.

[artkmartin]

how can they accurately assess what a student has learned over a course of 2 years in one 6 hour exam - thats 4 months AFTER they completed school. It's EXTREMELY retarded that someone spends thousands of dollars and 2 years of there time, earns a diploma but fails the exam, and therefore can not work as a nurse. HOW does that make any logical sense? OH, this exam saves lives? thats crap cuz 20 years ago - you could walk in off the street and be a nurse, an RN if you wanted .. and nursing was completely fine .. they saved lives .. i really don't get it .. i have argued this with directors of hospitals .. board directors of nursing organizations .. not one has given me a logical explanation .. because there is none .. away with national examination i say ..

[Chinook2]

Hey Art,

While I respect your passion you may want to dial it back a notch or two.

Just so we're clear, you're proposing getting rid of national nursing certification exams? What would you replace them with? How do you set and test for a minimum standard of competency? Shouldn't that standard be consistent across the country? Aren't lives saved when a minimum level of competency is required of health care practitioners?

You obviously have a fairly different take on this, I'd be interested in you articulating it further.

[artkmartin]

To articulate an answer for your questions I need you to articulate an answer for mine. To reiterate, how can they/someone/it/whoever, accurately assess what a student has learned over a course of 2 years in one 6 hour exam - thats 4 months AFTER they completed school? and then wait another 4-6 weeks for registration. I think its ridiculous. The stress itself is demotivating.

[loriangel14, RN]

Are you seriously suggesting that a grad should not be expected to pass an exam for licensure?

[Miller86]

I would most certainly feel uncomfortable if I did not have to write some type of examination to become a nurse. It is frightening to think anyone can just graduate and get to work as a nurse (personally I would be scared). They need to know what level of knowledge you have in order to practice, educate, care for and protect patients. Everyone is stressed writing it and we have all gone through that time period. Three chances is plentiful. Plus if someone really wants it bad enough, then they just have to go through it according to what the college says.

[Fiona59]

To articulate an answer for your questions I need you to articulate an answer for mine. To reiterate, how can they/someone/it/whoever, accurately assess what a student has learned over a course of 2 years in one 6 hour exam - thats 4 months AFTER they completed school? and then wait another 4-6 weeks for registration. I think its ridiculous. The stress itself is demotivating.

Many students have and do find employment upon graduation, working as new grad nurses. They have had time to work on and develop their skills and critical thinking ability.

There is no need to wait 4-6 weeks for their notice to continue working or looking for that first job.

The exam is more of a demonstration that you survived nursing school and learnt enough to be an effective, independent worker.