Why Its Erica

Canadian Registered Nurse Exam

The Preparation: I had bought Mosby’s Comprehensive Review for the Canadian RN Exam and the Mosby’s Prep Guide for the Canadian RN Examination. I thought there was a very good clinical skill review, pharmacology and pathology in the comprehensive review, but the prep guide helped consolidate all the knowledge and really helped prepare me for the style of questions on the exam. I spent a total of a month studying. I suggest you work at your own pace; some need more time than others, while some people begin working full time before the exam.

The Exam: I had registered to write my exam in the Vancouver location because I thought it would be the closest location to where I currently live. Wrong. The exam location was right by Vancouver International Airport, which the last time I checked was in Richmond.

I arrived early to the small testing facility, which was a banquet hall dressed up for a wedding. I waited quite a long time in a sea of new graduate nurses. Having gone to school in Surrey, there was not a familiar face in the room. It made me a bit nervous not knowing anyone there, but I think it helped not having anyone to work myself up with. We waited quite a long time before we were let into the hall.

When the exam finally started, I didn’t feel nervous at all. I felt like I had a pretty good chance. The exam was long, and I could feel my mind starting to wander about half way into the exam. I can’t say for sure, but I think I did alright.

The Results: Pending. The results are supposed to be mailed us in about 6 weeks time. I’ve heard that if you receive a thin package, it means you’ve passed. A thick package means it’s full of information about when to write the next exam, and what learning supports systems are out there for the next exam.

I’m going to be out of the country when the results arrive; hopefully I have good news waiting upon my arrival.