Prophecy Testing

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Travel RN.

I wasn't sure where to post this but here it goes. I have been a nurse for only 4 years and have had the opportunity recently to start traveling. I have already completed one assignment for 13 weeks. I had to take the PBDS test and I was very nervous about it because I heard so many negative opinions on it. It definitely wasn't a fun test, but I did pass it and am very proud of myself.

After my first assignment ended, I decided to just go back to working full time. I have had a really difficult time finding work. I keep calling the nurse recruiter at the hospital and she has not given me any information about if I have gotten the job or not.

I have been working with a local agency to find jobs here and there. So far I have been cancelled 5/9 times. I don't get very many options of where to go because I have only worked med-surg. So I decided that I would give traveling a chance again.

I don't mind taking tests, but I have taken so many it's ridiculous already. So I am asking if there is anyone out there that have taken the Prophecy Exam. I would like to know the test format if possible and any other information about this test. I don't like to take a test without knowing what it's about, and I need to pass it so I can work.

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Specializes in Hospice / Psych / RNAC.

Google it ... very interesting. Find out which test they are going to have you take.

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Specializes in Oncology, Psych, Corrections.

I traveled in California and never took any tests. I have never even heard of the test you mentioned. Good luck!

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Specializes in Hospice / Psych / RNAC.

OMG isn't it enough that we've passed the boards ... now we have a Big Brother to the companies guarantying that if potential employees take these test all will be fine, the stupid ones weeded out, lazy ones identified, slackers revealed. When will it stop. It use to be just the company giving a 2 page pre-employment test but this is the science of hiring only the best, most unique applicant. When is enough, enough?

Tell us what happens. I want to know if they have some type of personalty questions related to whatever area of nursing it is. Hmmmmm.

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Which exam?/ If you are talking about the "Core" tests they are basic multiple guess questions, it probably takes 10min each... The "skills checklists" are also easy as you score yourself based on knowledge/experience.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Hey guys, I know that we all hate 'tests' but there is a very valid reason for testing travelers & agency folks. Organizations are paying top dollar for people that are supposed to have top-notch skills .... that's how these types of workers are marketed. The hospital provides a minimal "orientation" (fire & emergency procedures, location of critical equipment, bathroom, etc) but should not have to do any additional training.

FYI, NCLEX is never been an indicator of clinical competency - in any way, shape, or form!!! it is a measure of knowlege only. If you need evidence, just look at the struggles of new grads.

There is just no other way for hospitals to determine the clinical competency of these types of temporary workers - they have to 'hit the ground running'.

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Specializes in Hospice / Psych / RNAC.
HouTx said:
Hey guys, I know that we all hate 'tests' but there is a very valid reason for testing travelers & agency folks. Organizations are paying top dollar for people that are supposed to have top-notch skills .... that's how these types of workers are marketed. The hospital provides a minimal "orientation" (fire & emergency procedures, location of critical equipment, bathroom, etc) but should not have to do any additional training.

FYI, NCLEX is never been an indicator of clinical competency - in any way, shape, or form!!! it is a measure of knowlege only. If you need evidence, just look at the struggles of new grads.

There is just no other way for hospitals to determine the clinical competency of these types of temporary workers - they have to 'hit the ground running'.

I'm all for testing agency and traveling nurses on their knowledge but this "testing center" and the like sprouting up all over the place touting the new science of hiring is for everyone. They are targeting hospitals for pre-employment testing guaranteeing the riff raff will not get through. They have every test imaginable for pre-employment testing to hospitals, LTC facilities, and assisted living.

Also their dialogue concerns me ... that's why I would like to see some of those test. I believe they may delve a little deeper with these new age designer questions that can tell the employer what type of personality you have. I would have no problem taking the tests because I specialize in that type of bull ... but that's what I think of it as well.

I can just see it 10 years from now as being the norm to have to go in and take a full battery of test just to get hired. Can you imagine the study guides that as we speak are probably being written just for this? It can be and is scary. What about certification ... will it even matter pretty soon because after all Prophecy will make sure no one gets through no matter how many initials are after their name. In fact lets just forget about getting any special certification because Prophecy will make sure the nurse is a walking encyclopedia.

Have you ever seen how they design menus for bars and restaurants and how they place tables and adjust milieu etc... there is an exact science to it to insure profit ... that's what this is. RNs are people not sticks of furniture to place to ensure a comfortable ambiance.

I'm almost thankful that I'm nearing the end of my career because all I see is nursing being beaten to the ground with all this extraneous BS. I worry for the young RN just starting out. Every day I read some type of assault on our RNs and it concerns me. Hopefully all of them have plenty of fight because they're going to need it.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Travel RN.

These are the tests I am supposed to take. I was not given any info on the format. I just wanted to be prepared.

Situational Assessments

Interpersonal Competence

Behavioral Assessments

* Personality, Cognitive, Attitude, Engagement

Clinical Assessments

Medical Surgical Exam A.1

RN Pharmacology Exam A.4

After I take these tests I can provide info on what they were like.

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Specializes in Hospice / Psych / RNAC.

Thanks ... please do let us know.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Travel RN.

I found something that will be helpful to anyone else who has to take these exams.

Clinician's Point of View

For the clinician, the nurse competency assessments are easy to complete either in an onsite proctored environment, or from the comfort of their home.

1.Behavioral assessments measure four dimensions of the clinician's behaviors;

cognitive abilities

personality

attitude

engagement

The assessment is in multiple choice format and is not timed. However, on average it takes about 30-40 minutes to complete.

2.Clinical competency exams*are specialty specific, and help to identify professionals with sufficient job knowledge to prove safe and effective patient care. In contrast, these assessments are timed, allowing the clinican one minute for every question on the exam. These are also in multiple choice format, and range from 30-60 questions.

3.Situational assessments*focuses on the "soft skills" of the clinician including

critical thinking

prioritization

handling conflict and change

developing patient relationships...and more!

The format is a series of online video "vignettes" depicting actual nursing situations, with multiple choice questions to follow. This section is also not timed, allowing the nurse to watch and re-watch videos as many times as needed. On average we also see this section taking about 30-40 minutes to complete.

Total test-taking time is typically 2.5 to 3 hours, with instant results sent back to the recruiter/educator!

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Wow, 2.5-3hrs is way above and beyond any agency testing Ive ever seen.. Maybe they are just trying to bombard you with tests so you will go away? that is crazy..

How about-- Give me the job, then I take your tests at orientation?

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Travel RN.
79Tango said:
Wow, 2.5-3hrs is way above and beyond any agency testing Ive ever seen.. Maybe they are just trying to bombard you with tests so you will go away? that is crazy..

How about-- Give me the job, then I take your tests at orientation?

Yeah agree. It took about that long to take the PBDS test as well. I feel like I have taken enough tests in the last year. And what is crazy is that they told me I would get the position only if I pass the PBDS test. Thank goodness I didn't come from another state. It would have been upsetting if I went there, took the test and failed only to go all the way back home with no job. I don't mind taking tests but this is madness. At least this time I take the test in the "comfort of my own home."

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