Sick to my stomach

[2bornot2b]

I'm embarrassed to post this, but need to get it out.....So, I went into the CPNRE yesterday with total confidence and walked out with none.

I studied, did the prep guide x2, read up on my weaknesses and still managed to end up with a good 30 questions that I could not answer with confidence. I did so well in school yet an exam that I found to be easier than some of the school exams blew me away. I know if I fail, I can do it again, but, then my Type A personality shines through and I can't help but want to pass the first time with shining colors. I'm going to sit here for the next 5-6 weeks chewing my nails and losing sleep over this!

So, if I did not pass the exam, would I still be able to practice?? I mean, I'm sure I could but if my future employer knows, they may not have confidence in me unless I prove otherwise, right?

Aaaaahhh! *Breathes*

[Guppy]

...welcome to the world of nursing...so you can't possibly know everything or in a few years you will not remember every single thing you learn't in school...on the positive side it does not mean you got those 30 questions wrong...keep your chin up. GOOD LUCK and welcome to nursing.

[loriangel14, RN]

If you do not pass the exam then you cannot practice. You need a license to work as a nurse.

[linzz]

You may have passed the exam. Many people feel this way after the exam. It is a fairly long exam so it is easy to feel overwhelmed by it.

The above poster is correct in that you must pass the exam to practice as a nurse. Perhaps you can talk to your employer and ask what they do if you don't pass. Some employers may be willing to have you work as an aide until you pass.

Anyway, think positive, you may well have passed. Good luck.

[Fiona59]

I've been through this with a coworker. She failed first time, was allowed to continue working as a gpn. Failed the second time, continued to work as gpn. Failed third time, terminated.

Most employers pay as an NA while working without a full permit. They usually pay a lump sum once the PASS is brought in. BUT it's only since the last exam writing. They won't retro your pay for a full year.

[linzz]

I had no idea one could work without passing the exam. I have learned something new today.

I guess I was thinking of a situation where the student was in a new grad initiative work term, but I guess I was wrong.

Thanks Fiona59.

[Fiona59]

Linzz: it's kind of like the old "three strikes and you're out" rule.

But the exam isn't organized to fail people. It's just covering everything you should have been taught in college.

[linzz]

Yes, I agree, I don't think it is meant to fail people. I found a few questions were challenging but it was pretty fair. I do feel that my program prepared us very well for the exam.

I just read your advice on the post below, which I should have read previously and must say it is great advice. We all had to wait and somehow manage the anxiety.

[OgopogoLPN, LPN, RN]

Try not to worry!! I also did very, very well in school. But walked out of that exam like this:

I honestly thought, well I could have just gotten 95% on that exam or 50%. I have NO IDEA how I did. But I did pass. Of course I'll never know my mark, however much I would love to though!

Try not to stress as hard as that is.

Even the 3 idiots in my class who were *this close* to failing the classroom portion passed the exam.

Let us know when you get your results!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

I wanted to wish the OP good luck with your results but request that you do not post actual test questions as this is copyrighted material.

[2bornot2b]

oops! Thanks traumaRUs, I didn't think about the "copyright" issue.

[dishes, BSN, RN]

oops! Thanks traumaRUs, I didn't think about the "copyright" issue.

On examination day you signed a candidate declaration, here is a replica of what you read (?) and signed before you wrote the exam

http://www.cpnre.ca/abouttheexam_cheating_e.asp

dishes