What are the options available after failing the Canadian RPN exam 3 times?

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I graduated in 2010 and took the exam January 2011 which I failed. Too much was going on in my life and I needed to get out of a terrible relationship. I took this exam a total of 3 times under stress and kept on failing. I really needed to get out of the relationship but I couldn't because I had a child and couldn't support myself. I ended up being pregnant after doing the exam for the 3rd time. The abuse was over the edge when I was 3 months pregnant so I made up my mind to head to a shelter with my son. College of Nurses had mailed me but I didn't get that mail until after I had my baby in the summer. I called them and asked what could be my next step and the lady told me they closed my file. Even though I explained my situation there was no empathy or sympathy. She told me I had redo the RPN program from the beginning. I was thinking after all that money spent and I have to start from scratch??? This obstacle in my life has left me depressed and stressed out, it makes me breakdown and cry sometimes. I didn't see my life being like this at this age (28), I wanted better. I don't know what else to do. I am thinking of doing the RN program but I have been so discouraged, I don't even know if I will be ready to do that. Can someone suggest the next steps or best options available? Is the NCLEX exam available if you had already failed the Canadian exam and is it just to practice in the US? Thank you :)

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

The issues are LPN will not meet work visa (TN or H1b) to allow you to work in the US

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Three failures has always resulted in a return to school.

You graduated nearly five years ago and haven't worked as a nurse. This is something that has to be considered.

Call your provincial college and ask them if a nurse refresher course successfully completed will permit you to write the exam.

NCLEX is for the US only. Unless you hold a green card or are a dual national, there's no hope with that solution.

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Ok thanks for the info. :)

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Thank you Fiona. I will try to do that and see what happens. If not I will just try to apply for the RN program for next year. :)

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But I believe you have to pass the board exam in your province in order to be eligible to sit for the nclex exam, correct? That is how I understood it.

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We're you in Quebec taking this exam?

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.

I doubt the OP is in Québec. The mention of the College of Nurses is a hint. I'd guess Ontario because it's the only province that has one College regulating both RNs and PNs. And you're quite correct that in most states you have to pass your home territory's regulatory exam before you can apply for registration and to write the NCLEX there.

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I would be tempted to work as a health care aid for a while to make sure that health care is right for you. I imagine you'd be able to acquire a job with your PN training?

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