2024-11-07 23:51:00
The success rate for the examination of the Order of Nurses of Quebec (OIIQ) which took place last September reached 95.9% among those who took it for the first time. This is one of the highest rates since September 2018.
Of the lot, 98.7% of aspiring registered nurses in Quebec passed the test on their first attempt. This rate rises to 85.2% among those who obtained their diploma outside of Canada. Candidates for the practice of nursing are allowed a maximum of three attempts to pass the exam.
Quebec clinical environments will now be able to benefit from 2,760 more nurses, the OIIQ raised on Thursday. “These up-and-coming nurses are in a position to play a real pivotal role in health in all regions of Quebec,” said the president of the professional order, Luc Mathieu, in a press release.
Last March, 91.8% of recruits who took the test for the first time passed it. In the fall of 2023, however, this rate rose to only 69%. In March 2023 and September 2022, it was 53.8% and 51.4%, respectively.
In May 2023, the commissioner for admission to professions, Me André Gariépy, affirmed that the OIIQ examination contained “flaws and weaknesses”. In November 2023, the Office des professions du Québec therefore entrusted the former Ombudsman, Marie Rinfret, with the mandate to support the professional order in revising its exam.
Measures that “bear fruit”
Thursday, the National Federation of Teachers of Quebec (FNEEQ–CSN) was delighted with the success rate in this test. “We welcome the measures put in place by the accompanist appointed by Quebec to work with the Order, Marie Rinfret, which are bearing fruit,” said, among other things, in writing Yves de Repentigny, vice-president responsible for the CEGEP group of this union.
For its part, the office of the Minister of Health, Christian Dubé, congratulated all the recruits who passed the exam. “The expertise of these qualified nurses will help improve services to the population in the public network, in all regions of Quebec,” he stressed.
To watch on video
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**Interview with Marie Rinfret, Former Ombudsman and Current Advisor for Revision of OIIQ Nursing Examination**
**Host:** Welcome, Marie Rinfret. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent revelations regarding the nursing examination administered by the Order of Nurses of Quebec.
**Marie Rinfret:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to address the concerns surrounding this examination, especially with the implications for healthcare in Quebec.
**Host:** There have been reports stating that the OIIQ reportedly failed candidates due to flaws in the exam system. Can you elaborate on what these flaws entail?
**Marie Rinfret:** Certainly. Our findings indicated that the examination had structural issues that compromised its fairness and validity. These include ambiguities in question phrasing, as well as inconsistencies in how the exam was administered. Our goal is to ensure that candidates are evaluated on a level playing field and that all necessary competencies are accurately measured.
**Host:** The success rate has fluctuated significantly over the past few examinations. With a pass rate of 95.9% for first-time test-takers this past September, how do you reconcile this with the previous reports of artificially inflated failure rates?
**Marie Rinfret:** The passing rates can be misleading if we don’t consider the context behind them. While the recent high pass rates suggest improvements, they also raise questions about the integrity of prior exams. Our review aims to make systemic improvements so that the process is reliable and reflective of a candidate’s true abilities.
**Host:** The Quebec healthcare system is currently facing a nurse shortage. How do you think improving the examination process will impact staffing levels?
**Marie Rinfret:** Addressing these examination flaws is vital. By ensuring that qualified candidates can enter the workforce efficiently, we expect to see more nurses available to meet the needs of the population. This is essential in alleviating the pressure on our healthcare system.
**Host:** Looking ahead, what steps do you believe are necessary for the OIIQ to regain the trust of aspiring nurses and the public?
**Marie Rinfret:** Transparency in the examination process is key. We must foster communication with candidates, provide clear criteria for success, and welcome feedback to continually refine our methods. Involving stakeholders—including candidates, educators, and practicing nurses—in this revision process can help ensure our outcomes align with the needs of the profession.
**Host:** Thank you, Marie, for your insights on this critical issue. We appreciate your commitment to improving the nursing examination process in Quebec.
**Marie Rinfret:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this pressing matter. It’s a collective effort to ensure a robust healthcare system.