Nurses have a tremendous amount of responsibility on the job. They may be supporting the care of the critically ill or injured, monitoring their vital signs and reactions to medications. They will make recommendations to other healthcare practitioners, such as doctors and physiotherapists, supporting recovery and informing patient care. Nurses are often the connection between hospitals and families, informing them about the physical and even emotional status of their loved ones. Outside of hospitals, nurses may work providing knowledge and advice to the general public, helping them to understand the importance of practices that will lower your risk of getting dangerously ill or injured. They may work with new mothers to better understand breastfeeding, support doctors in clinics, or do the important work of teaching and researching at universities.
In other words, being a nurse requires a significant amount of background knowledge combined with a solid understanding of how to act in a variety of patient care situations. To be able to start the work of a nurse, it is essential that they be deemed ready to start the job.
Aspiring nurses know that to get started in their career they will need to write the NCLEX, or National Council Licensure Exam. The purpose of the NCLEX is to determine whether or not you are ready to start practicing as an entry-level nurse. Unlike knowledge based exams you may be used to, the NCLEX is focused on assessing your analysis, critical thinking, and application skills in practical situations. In other words, you will be re-framing your knowledge in practical scenarios. Taking this test is essential to seeing if you are ready to start the critical work of nursing: caring for people in their most vulnerable state, dispensing the appropriate amount of medication and connecting patients to sophisticated machinery, performing blood tests, vaccinations, and sometimes even making snap decisions in high-pressure contexts.
If you are considering becoming a nurse and are wondering what the examination and qualification process might look like in Canada, you are reading the right article. We will start by answering the big questions: what is nursing school like, and how you can ensure you will be prepared for your examinations.
Nursing is a highly respected profession where you can use your talents and knowledge to help others and support a constantly evolving healthcare system. Find out more about how to become a nurse in Canada.
Is Learning to Be a Nurse Difficult?
Learning to become a nurse can be difficult because you will need to acquire the knowledge it takes to perform complex work. With a strong understanding of the pathway you will be taking and a disciplined approach to your learning, however, you will find that you are up to the task and ready to take on one of the most rewarding and exciting careers.
Your learning journey as a nurse will likely start in your secondary years, where you must take the right courses to get into the nursing program of your choice. Most programs will require you to have prerequisite courses in chemistry, biology, mathematics and English. Depending on whether you want to attend a college or university, you will need to take courses in either the academic or applied stream.
Those that take the college pathway will be preparing for a 2 year program to become a registered practical nurse. Registered practical nurses work in hospitals, clinics, and in the community usually to care for patients who are stable, predictable, or non severe.
Registered Nurses, on the other hand, complete 4 year university degrees. They use the extensive knowledge they have acquired from a longer period of study in the health sciences to work in hospitals, emergency rooms, critical care, and will often specialize in areas like neonatal or emergency care. Some universities offer accelerated programs for those who want to complete their training in a shorter amount of time.
Studying nursing is a huge undertaking that requires years of study and comprehensive exams. Learn more about what it is like to become a nurse in Canada.
What Will Nurse Lessons Be Like in College and University?
Nursing is a challenging field of study due to the complex nature of healthcare, and you can expect to spend many hours studying, attending classes, and working in labs and clinics. The difficulty of your nursing courses will depend on a variety of factors, including:
- learning skills and habits
- time management
- learner profile
- background knowledge
- mastery of English or the language of instruction
- instructor and curriculum demands
Those that take university courses will find that many of the courses will be broad and theoretical, and aim to establish a solid foundation of knowledge about biology, human anatomy, and chemistry. You may be expected to write labs, essays and take many exams to demonstrate your knowledge, in addition to hands-on experiences that will help you to understand the practical elements of the job. If your goal is to take on the role of a nurse practitioner, you can expect even more challenging courses as you will be in advanced study.
Nursing is an exciting area to study that leads to stable, in-demand careers. Learn the best reasons to study nursing.
Is Becoming a Nurse Worth It?
While it may seem like a lot of work to become a nurse, you will be rewarded by being able to work in a high-demand profession where there is a constant need for your skills and knowledge in Canada and around the world. Front line healthcare works play an essential role in enabling societies to stay healthy and functioning, and you will likely be able to find work in the area of your choice. Moreover, you will be caring for others and watching them progress from illness and injury to recovery, making a lasting impact on the lives of hundreds or thousands.
What skills do you need to become a nurse in Canada? Explore the best strategies for learning nursing in Canada.
Is a Nurse Lesson or Course in Canada Different from Other Countries?
Newcomers with healthcare backgrounds may be wondering if their nursing qualifications and studies are enough to continue nursing in Canada. While much of the core learning will be the same, you will need to get qualified in Canada and also apply for certification in the province you work in. You will need to have your credentials assessed, and meet the requirements set out for nurses in the province of work. Doing your research is important: processes will vary from one province to another. The National Nursing Assessment Service performs the assessment, and there are fees involved in completing the process. Nurses that have trained outside of Canada will also be expected to have a strong command of English, and may need to take language exams to determine proficiency levels.
Once you have completed your assessment, you will also need to take your NCLEX. The NCLEX is valid across North America, so with a passing score you will be eligible to practice throughout the USA and Canada. Depending on your province, you will want to contact the appropriate regulatory body. A list of provincial regulatory bodies for nurses is below.
- College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia
- College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta
- Saskatchewan Registered Nurses’ Association
- College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba
- College of Nurses of Ontario
- Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec
- Nurses Association of New Brunswick
- College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia
- Association of Registered Nurses of Prince Edward Island
- College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador
- Registered Nurses Association of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut
- Yukon Registered Nurses Association
Nursing is one of the most rewarding and challenging professions you can choose. Learn all about what takes to become a registered practical nurse or a registered nurse in Canada.
Where Can I Find NCLEX Help?
Whether you are new to Canada or have just finished your nursing programs, you may want to consider getting help to write your NCLEX. The NCLEX takes hours to write, is comprised of multiple choice questions, and questions where you will need to communicate how you might respond to a given scenario. Writing the NCLEX is no easy task, and you will want to be as prepared as possible so that you can be successful.
To find an NCLEX tutor, look no further than the Superprof site. Superprof site connects students with tutors that have the knowledge and experience to help you succeed. A private tutor can give you a sense of what the test will be like, the best strategies for answering questions, and can do practice questions with you to help you feel confident. You can work with a tutor to determine what your greatest areas of needs are, so you can review the specific content and concepts that you will need to know for the test.
To find a tutor on Superprof, simply type "NCLEX" in the search tool to find tutors that are available to help. Find your NCLEX tutor on Superprof today!
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