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.
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...
Goodluck!
First: I want to say CONGRATULATIONS
I just want to ask the kaplan prep course was online? if so which one did you take on Demand...
The Mosby's NCLEX-RN book was for contents? if so how did you prepare.
I just want to ask the kaplan prep course was online? if so which one did you take on Demand...
The Mosby's NCLEX-RN book was for contents? if so how did you prepare.
Thanks,
Kaplan was an online course. You can either do it on demand or attend a live class. It all depends on your learning style. I felt the live classroom was good for me because it gave me a chance to ask questions and to clarify a few things I may not have understood. Kaplan also has Qbank and Qtrainer questions which I felt prepared me for the exam. The most valuable thing I got out of Kaplan, was learning how to use the "decision tree", which helps prioritize your answers. The Mosby NCLEX-RN text was used for content. It's very thorough but gives a good overview of the pathophysiology and the nursing implementations accordingly.
Since the test is computerized, I would recommend doing prep work online. It gives you a feel to what to expect when you take your exam. Best of luck to you
Good luck and believe in yourself. Firstly, I would like to appreciate that you posted for Canadian students or nurses who needs your assistance since this is the first time for all of us. I'm Canadian graduate and preparing for NCLEX. I would like to know-- Did you study the content from the nursing books as we were supposed to do for CRNE?
- Do you think the study guides are sufficient for the content or should I solely depend on Study guides?
Did you study the content from the nursing books as we were supposed to do for CRNE?
- Do you think the study guides are sufficient for the content or should I solely depend on Study guides?
I found using the study guides to be beneficial because it organized everything that I needed to know for the exam in 1 text. It saves a lot of time! If I needed to clarify or review something I didn't understand, I would go back to the texts
congratulations!!!
zxjchristina
52 Posts
​Thanks. Hope you get yours soon