CNSA speaks out against issues regarding changes to the RN entry-to-practice exam

SASKATOON, SK, Feb. 1, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Nursing Students' Association (CNSA) is alarmed by the decision of Canadian nurse regulators to engage in negotiations with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), an American corporation, to create a new RN entry-to-practice exam.  "As Canadian nursing students, we are worried that an American company will not be in the best interest of Canadian students and will be unable to meet our unique needs that encompass our national competencies, health care values, beliefs, issues, culture, and context" said CNSA president Evan Jolicoeur.

The method of development is currently unclear and messages are being misconstrued. "It is felt that this decision has been made without the proper consultation of relevant stakeholders" said Jolicoeur. "We need to be presented with accountable and transparent decision making to understand what we should expect with this new entry-to-practice exam and what our contributing role can be in this process".

"We want the Canadian nurse regulators to procure a Canadian developed RN entry-to-practice exam that encompasses our needs" said Jolicoeur.  "In addition, we want nursing students to be consulted and registered nurses and advance practice nurses to have a leadership role when discussing issues of high importance that directly affect the requirements to become a member of our professional body".

Canadian nursing education is highly respected worldwide. CNSA encourages Canadian nursing students to continue to practice in Canada. At this point, it is not clear how a new exam will affect the image, standards, and mobility of Canadian nursing students. "Canadian nursing students do not want to pay an American corporation for the privilege of practicing as a Registered Nurse in Canada" said Jolicoeur. "Furthermore, Canadian nursing students fear that their personal information has the potential to be abused by a foreign government as it would be subject to the United States Patriot Act".

"The decision regarding the Canadian RN entry-to-practice exam directly affects the future of quality health care that will be provided to Canadians by effectively changing the testing to entry-to-practice competencies" said Jolicoeur. "Such a drastic change jeopardizes what it means to be a Canadian nurse".

The Canadian Nursing Students' Association (CNSA) is the national voice of nearly 30 000 Canadian nursing students.  We are individuals, chapters, and lifetime/honorary members representing the interests and passions of students studying to be Registered Nurses, Registered Psychiatric Nurses, Practical Nurses, and Advance Practice Nurses across Canada.