I am on of the first New Graduates to take the NCLEX in Canada. The NCLEX replaced our existing national boards (CRNE) as of January 5th, 2015. Today was my test date and I have a few questions and tips for everyone. Since this test is very recent, theres a few kinks that will be discovered.
Pearson Vue Trick: Unfortunately that doesn't work in Canada. Is there any other way to find out my results sooner ? Waiting 4-6 weeks for my results almost seems torturous!!! Especially when you've been anticipating for the exam months in advance.
ID: The Pearson Vue website is not very clear regarding what types of ID are acceptable. If you are a Canadian Citizen, any form of government ID is acceptable. But if you are a permanent resident, you will need to show your passport or permanent resident card. In my case, since I am an American born permanent resident, I came to the testing office only with a British Columbia License. Apparently, this is not acceptable. Luckily I was able to rush back home and grab my passport just in the knick of time to take the test
Computer shut off at 110: Now I understand that the minimum questions to pass/fail is at 75. Kaplan implied that most American NCLEX candidates completed their exam at around 120. I'm just curious to figure out how candidates did in Canada. This concept is new and very different from the CRNE. Because of the unfamiliarity, I am not sure if 110 is good or not.
Lab Values: I was very relieved to see that questions were provided in both SI and U.S.A values. I used Kaplan Prep to study which gave rationales and lab values in American values. Don't stress too much about this!.
Take your time: I found 6 hours to be sufficient amount of time. I finished mine in 2.5hrs. Don't rush, and think through everything. No need to worry about the clock.
Don't Stress Out: I realized that questions kept getting harder as I went through. Feeling like you have no idea whats going on is pretty normal. It's suppose to test your limits and question yourself.
Take Breaks: Take advantage of the breaks! I found that after I took a break it was a lot easier to concentrate. Also bring something to snack on, gives good brain fuel to continue the exam.
Don't bring anything you don't need: They're very strict at the testing centre. You will only be allowed to bring your ID and your locker key to the testing. They give you everything else that you'll need
Study: I used both Mosby's NCLEX-RN text and the Kaplan Prep. I found both to be useful, but I feel that Kaplan has helped me prepare better. It's a bit pricey, but it taught me how to analyze questions and prioritize better. Their decision tree is useful when taking the NCLEX exam. I highly recommend it.
It's great to see Canada adopting to NCLEX; Khan University and the Jonas Center for Nursing Excellence have a program online to prepare for NCLEX that is online, interactive, free. I would like to know if any have seen it, used it, or if it's helpful.
When you get your results, let us know as it will be good to know how "the system" works. I took the very first NCLEX in the USA in 1982 paper/pencil, then moved to Canada and took Canadian boards (paper/pencil) in Ontario 1986 (no reciprocity). Good luck and I will put all bets, coming from school in Vancouver, you passed.
What are allowed to bring with us into the exam room?
Just your ID. They give you a locker where you can leave a snack and your jacket. They'll require you to leave your phone inside a sealed plastic bag. If you don't need your phone, theres no need to bring it
Just your ID. They give you a locker where you can leave a snack and your jacket. They'll require you to leave your phone inside a sealed plastic bag. If you don't need your phone, theres no need to bring it
So no water or food in front of the computer. Thanks for your clarification:)
For the Canadian Exam are we required to know the American prioritization and delegation and regulations/laws or have those questions been removed from test bank?
Would you recommended studying solely from American prep materials or is their some content that we should exclude as it does not apply to our practice?
For the Canadian Exam are we required to know the American prioritization and delegation and regulations/laws or have those questions been removed from test bank?
Would you recommended studying solely from American prep materials or is their some content that we should exclude as it does not apply to our practice?
When I took the exam I found that information such as lab values were offered in both SI and American values. During my Kaplan Prep course, there were some American Law content. The delegation aspect is primarily the same in Canada, with a few differences province to province. During my exam, I did have a few delegation questions, but they are based on the RN scope of practice and complexity of the patients. I wouldn't worry too much about this, but just focus on the basics.
I found the Kaplan Prep and Mosby's NCLEX-RN to be useful. Both of these sources are American with some focus on healthcare regulations in the US, but nearly all of material we can apply to nursing here in Canada. Prioritization, critical thinking, pathophysiology, pharmacology, etc...
you will get soon. Cno sent the mail the mail to me on 6th, just ne xt day of my exam and I received it today on 8th. Cno did their work so great and fast!
zxjchristina
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I passed really passed!!!! I just received mail from cno - I passed!!!!!!!!! Sososooo happy now
