First
things first: Finish nursing school.
Easy peasy, right? Great, on to the next
step, then.
Step
two: Apply for eligibility
It’s now time to apply to the Association
of Nursing in the province you wish to practice in, who will determine if
you’re eligible to sit the NCLEX-RN. If you’re an Internationally Educated
Nurse (IEN), then make sure you get assessed by the National Nursing
Assessment Service first.
Step
three: Register for the NCLEX-RN
Next, register for the NCLEX-RN either
online or by phone with Pearson VUE, who
administer the entry-to-practice exam in Canada.
You’ll receive an Authorization to Test
(ATT) email, which will tell you within which dates you must sit your exam.
It’ll also tell you your authorization number and candidate identification
number. Important!
Step
four: Make an exam appointment
Ideally, if you’re a student nurse, choose
an exam date that’s not too long after your degree graduation. Remember, testing
appointments can fill up quickly, so don’t leave it until the last minute.
Step
five: Study, study, study
Begin studying between two and three months
before your NCLEX-RN appointment. Sign up for a prep course, like PRIMED’s intensive two-day NCLEX-RN Prep course, to help structure your study plan and
make sure you’ve got all your concepts covered.
A solid study plan is key to passing the
NCLEX-RN, which can be as short as 75 questions or as long as 265, depending on
how many correct answers you get.
Step
six: Chill out the day before
Although it may be tempting to get in one
last cram session the day before, your brain, and body, need a chance to relax.
Spend the day drinking plenty of water, and
fill yourself with high-energy and vitamin-rich foods, like these ones recommended by BBC Good Food.
Mediate, if that’s your thing.
Step
seven: Own the NCLEX-RN
This one is pretty self-explanatory, but
it’s not a step to forget!
