Writing NCLEX in Jan

Editorial Team / Admin · Dec 21, 2005

Hey anyone have any tips for writing the test in jan... i've been outta school for 2 months. I have a book called the Canadian PN EXam Prep guide. Is the NCLEX test the same in teh USA as it is in Canada?? I've heard alot of people on here saying it's on a computer, but we were told to bring pencils and erasers and that it's an 8 hour test.... thanks

Hi, Chicklet2,

I moved your thread to the Canadian forum for a better response.

shining armani · Dec 21, 2005

I just wrote the NCLEX -RN exam in november (passed). It was at pearson-vue testing centre. It was on computer and all multiple choice. I have been out of school for 5 years doing bone marrow transplant and I did not study other areas. I bought a book caled Kaplan NCLEX solutions. It teaches you how to read the questions so you know what it is they are asking. I found it was all I needed. I recommend doing the NCLEX to all nurses fresh out of school because the knowledge is fresh. Good luck. I'll check this post again incase you have any questions.

joey1967 · Dec 21, 2005

Hi,

I'm in Alberta...I was wondering where you are writing the NCLEX i.e. which city in the States. I'm not originally from here and am not sure where the closest location is for me? You can PM if you want with the info...

Thanks!

shining armani · Dec 21, 2005

You should look at www.pearsonvue.com they have a listing of all the centres and the address.

Chicklet2 · Dec 21, 2005

Hey, I live in Edmonton, AB and I am writing at Fantasy Land hotel. I got a letter telling me where I write and the id card.

Fiona59 · Dec 21, 2005

It's not called the NCLEX in Canada. Something like CPNRE (think its short for Cdn Practical Nurse Registration Exam but someone will correct me if I'm off)

Fantasy Land beats the Teachers Union Hall where I wrote!

Yes, bring pencils and erasers. It's booklets and you mark those scantron forms, so you might want to bring a ruler along for place marking, if its allowed.

There is one set of booklets in the am and then you have a lunch break and write a second booklet.

You should be finished around 3:45 (well I was finished by then but some stayed til the end).

Alot of what is on the test you'll have done at work.

Brush up on IV solutions, etc.

There were a lot of peds questions when I wrote it but someone who wrote earlier this year said she had a lot on maternity. There are alot of questions that require you to prioritize your reactions, or question your moral choices.

It's common sense and very basic drug knowledge. (Digoxin, Coumadin, were the only ones I remember) When do you withhold digoxin and a choice of four responses.

It's basically a big multiple choice exam. It's not that scary. Just relax, if you are doing your job well at work, you should have no difficulty.

Just review what you feel you are weak at. Bring lunch money, 3 or 4 pencils, an eraser, a pocket pencil sharpener or extra lead (if you use mechanical), gum, mints, and remember you know your stuff.

They will also let you go to the bathroom if needed.

GOOD LUCK

joey1967 · Dec 22, 2005

Really??? Here I was thinking I'd have to go to Billings, Montana, I'm in Calgary! I'll have to call them ASAP and find out what my options are...Thanks for this, maybe I'll be off to the states quicker than I thought :) Good luck!

Hey, I live in Edmonton, AB and I am writing at Fantasy Land hotel. I got a letter telling me where I write and the id card.

joey1967 · Dec 22, 2005

Hi,

I just called P.Vue - Can't write NCLEX in Canada have to go to US (. Oh well....

nursemomruns · Dec 22, 2005

It's not called the NCLEX in Canada. Something like CPNRE (think its short for Cdn Practical Nurse Registration Exam but someone will correct me if I'm off)
Fantasy Land beats the Teachers Union Hall where I wrote!
Yes, bring pencils and erasers. It's booklets and you mark those scantron forms, so you might want to bring a ruler along for place marking, if its allowed.
There is one set of booklets in the am and then you have a lunch break and write a second booklet.
You should be finished around 3:45 (well I was finished by then but some stayed til the end).
Alot of what is on the test you'll have done at work.
Brush up on IV solutions, etc.
There were a lot of peds questions when I wrote it but someone who wrote earlier this year said she had a lot on maternity. There are alot of questions that require you to prioritize your reactions, or question your moral choices.
It's common sense and very basic drug knowledge. (Digoxin, Coumadin, were the only ones I remember) When do you withhold digoxin and a choice of four responses.
It's basically a big multiple choice exam. It's not that scary. Just relax, if you are doing your job well at work, you should have no difficulty.
Just review what you feel you are weak at. Bring lunch money, 3 or 4 pencils, an eraser, a pocket pencil sharpener or extra lead (if you use mechanical), gum, mints, and remember you know your stuff.
They will also let you go to the bathroom if needed.
GOOD LUCK

Hang on. It sounds like you may be talking about two different tests. To practice in the U.S. you have to pass the NCLEX exam. The NCLEX exam is taken on a computer.

Chicklet2 · Dec 22, 2005

Hey sorry, I ment the canadian test, had no clue what itw as called and all i had heard about was the NCLEX. Do u think working long term care was not a good choice to start with towards writing the test. for like the skills i use and so on.

Fiona59 · Dec 22, 2005

I was working in Continuing Care when I wrote the test and passed first time.

That's why I suggest working on things that you may not have done since school (ie IV monitoring, infiltration, types of fluids, etc.).

The questions are the same in every province and so they are not exactly rocket science, as they cover the basics (the scope of practice and training differs greatly across the country).

So, all I can stress is know the basics. If you have the exam book for the CPRNE, you'll do fine, I remember seeing questions straight from it on the exam. If it has the cd-rom in the back, use it to practice and you'll be fine.

It bites though not getting your score. But P means back pay and a permanent license!