PBDS Testing- Are you for real?

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Specializes in ICU, ER, PACU, Administration, Education.

Recently, after being accepted to a new travel contract, I was informed that I had to go through PBDS testing. I thought, well since I have been critical care and ER for the past 14 years this should be quite easy. After taking this test, I felt like I had been tortured. This test was worse that the boards I took 14 years ago. I stress more about passing this thing than any test. I have severe test anxiety, as many of us do. I did pass, that is not the issue. But out of the 7 or 8 of us that had greater than 10 years experience, only 2 of us passed. Out of a total of 17 nurses, 5 passed, myself being the only critical care nurse. So, is this thing all that neccesary? Can we not be judged on our merrit alone and what we have accomplished? This thing is really upsetting.

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Recently, after being accepted to a new travel contract, I was informed that I had to go through PBDS testing. I thought, well since I have been critical care and ER for the past 14 years this should be quite easy. After taking this test, I felt like I had been tortured. This test was worse that the boards I took 14 years ago. I stress more about passing this thing than any test. I have severe test anxiety, as many of us do. I did pass, that is not the issue. But out of the 7 or 8 of us that had greater than 10 years experience, only 2 of us passed. Out of a total of 17 nurses, 5 passed, myself being the only critical care nurse. So, is this thing all that neccesary? Can we not be judged on our merrit alone and what we have accomplished? This thing is really upsetting.

you can do a search, here at AN, there are other threads on this test.....and the suggestion that you make arrangements to take it before you travel, because its scoring can be subjective, thereby allowing the hospital to "get rid of"excess staff.....also this would save you the travel costs, if you genuinely dont pass..

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Specializes in ICU, ER, PACU, Administration, Education.

Thanks for the reply. I will look for those posts. Unfortunately with this assignment, the hospital would not allow the test to be taken until you arrived. So, 1270 miles later I was left stressing over if I was going back home or not. That went on for 2 days before they let me know that I had passed. It was not a good experience. Not really sure if I will ever do it again.

Thanks again,

Terry

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Thanks for the reply. I will look for those posts. Unfortunately with this assignment, the hospital would not allow the test to be taken until you arrived. So, 1270 miles later I was left stressing over if I was going back home or not. That went on for 2 days before they let me know that I had passed. It was not a good experience. Not really sure if I will ever do it again.

Thanks again,

Terry

i am not a travel nurse, but what i have learned here, i would never take an assignment like that.....they are apparently one of those that are using this test as i suggested......or at least giving themselves the appearance of such......

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