CRNE to NCLEX

World Canada

Published

Hi everyone :) I'm currently in my 2nd semester of my 4 year BScN degree (Canada) and just found out that by the time I graduate they will have changed our registration exam from the CRNE to the NCLEX. I was just curious if anyone knew the difference between these two exams and when everyone started preparing for their exam. I am assuming I'll have to purchase different study guides and prep materials. We also have to write a jurice prudence exam which im not sure if thats specific to canada. Any info or advice would be helpful! Thanks.

By the time you write, educators and students will have a much better idea of what to expect when writing the NCLEX, it is confusing right now because it is still in the early stages of planning.

Specializes in Psychiatry.

Hey donk,

I think that is the route I would take personally. But I think by the time you will be writing your exams, the CRNE prep guide will have changed to accomodate this change in testing.

It is also important to note that the NCLEX is a lot more interactive than the CRNE, you will have to do matching questions and there will be audio and video things that you will have to listen to or watch and then answer. I plan on writing the NCLEX soon actually, so I will see how similar/different it is from the CRNE. I think in general, most BSN nurses who study here in Canada are able to do the NCLEX. So I wouldn't worry too much :)

Specializes in MS, Emergency.

I took both CRNE and NCLEX. Different exams. Although around 20% questions for the CRNE on the 6th seemed similar to the nclex.

Specializes in Psychiatry.

Did you pass your NCLEX?

Specializes in MS, Emergency.

I did. But that was a long time ago. I took it in 2006. I have an active license in Washington state. I'm in BC now and finished a re-entry program and just took the feb 6 crne. Crossing my fingers for the result :D

I myself am really dissapointed by confusing psychosocial questions that really have no relevance in real clinical practice for the most part. Focusing on questions that are more relevant to things like medications, nursing interventions, pathophysiology, assessments, etc., is what I think is more important as determining if a nurse candidate is competently trained as opposed to whether I should call social work or physio first, which will be called anyways, seconds apart if needed?

Now thats entirely my opinion, and I know there may be many CRNE faithfuls in this forum who think differently. I know for sure though, that the regulatory bodies must be thinking the same. Why would they all agree to not go with the CNA and go with the NCLEX? If the computerized testing was all they were after, the CNA could implement such, without any issues. I'm sure there was more too it, which is also why the CNO implemented the Jurisprudence.

Furthermore, all 12 regulatory bodies have incorporated at the national level. I think what were are seeing is the CNA is slowly losing its national influence. Again, this is just my opinion, so please do not send me any hateful comments :yes:

Both exams are very different, as I wrote the NCLEX. I would guess that they will have to account for the differences in health care and medications, but i guess that is obvious. Maybe they will get rid of the three chances and make it so that you have unlimited attempts. Thats how it was in the state that I was in.

Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
Both exams are very different, as I wrote the NCLEX. I would guess that they will have to account for the differences in health care and medications, but i guess that is obvious. Maybe they will get rid of the three chances and make it so that you have unlimited attempts. Thats how it was in the state that I was in.

There are states that limit exam to 3 so I dont think that would change here in Canada all speculation can be discussed but until it starts we don't really know what is going to happen

If these exams are going to be much similar and written by the same compant, does that mean we will not need to write the canadian and american versions to work in both countries and could instead just write one? Or am I thinking too positive about this issue...

Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

So far they are saying you will still have to write separately for both countries.

Specializes in MS, Emergency.
If these exams are going to be much similar and written by the same compant does that mean we will not need to write the canadian and american versions to work in both countries and could instead just write one? Or am I thinking too positive about this issue...[/quote']

There is a post about this. The college's response is to wait and see by January 2015. The college said that its too early to say but its most likely. Regulatory bodies may require additional requirements though.

Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.

Everything that I have read on any of the Colleges' websites on this subject indicate that the exam will not be the same NCLEX that is written in the US. The exam will be developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing in consultation with experts and practicing Canadian nurses to reflect Canadian educational and practice standards, Canadian health care system constructs, Canadian attitudes related to health and those aspects unique to Canadian health care consumers. NCSBN was selected to develop the exam for Canadian candidates over other tenders because they have the ability to adapt the framework of their exam to provide whatever the customer (the regulatory bodies of each province) wants, they have the infrastructure already in place and they could be up and running more quickly than the others. As the CRRNS states, NCBSN meets the Colleges' criteria: "to provide a legally defensible, credible and accessible exam that will reliably test Canadian entry-level nursing competencies, assess candidates’ readiness for practise in Canada, and provide an opportunity for Canadian regulatory bodies to partner in a global vision that recognizes the increased labour mobility of registered nurses. ... NCSBN is committed to ensuring that stakeholder input contributes to the integrity of its exams". (Emphasis is mine.) The website goes on to say that the 10 Canadian regulatory bodies will oversee the development of the exam and will collaborate in its administration. Of prime importance to the Canadian regulators is ensuring RN candidates meet the entry-to-practice competencies and are qualified to provide safe and ethical care in Canada. Before launching the new RN entry exam, in 2015, Canadian regulatory bodies will ensure that: the exam assesses entry-level practice competencies for Canadian nursing practice (e.g., by conducting a thorough review of RN practise and entry-level competencies in Canada); Canadian nurses have the opportunity to participate in all aspects of the exam’s development and Canadian nurses will form expert panels to conduct sensitivity and translation reviews of the exam.

Of course there will be some overlap of the two exams... anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathophysiology and diagnostics are pretty similar on both sides of the border. But there will be two completely separate exams. At some date in the middle-distant future there may be reciprocity but it won't be in 2015.

+ Add a Comment