2024-02-02 23:10:14
Candidates for the practice of the nursing profession (CEPI) will have more time to complete the examination of the Order of Nurses of Quebec (OIIQ) which will take place on March 26. As last September, the OIIQ is implementing relaxation measures in anticipation of the event. It offers those who fail an additional attempt, “even if this has the effect of exceeding the maximum number of attempts planned”. It also removes the obligation for CEPIs to register for the March exam.
The OIIQ, however, recommends that they do not wait for the arrival of the NCLEX-RN, a test used in the United States and elsewhere in Canada, to take the professional exam. On its website, it indicates that its implementation is suspended “for an indefinite period” due to “work to improve the current admissions exam”.
The professional order is also putting “on ice” its plan to make a baccalaureate in nursing science compulsory to enter the profession, information revealed by Radio-Canada and confirmed by Le Devoir. “We are devoting all our efforts to improving the professional exam,” explains Marine Detraz, senior public relations advisor for the OIIQ.
The OIIQ has been under surveillance since the unveiling of the results of the September 2022 exam: the success rate then rose to 51.4% among candidates taking it for the first time (19.5% among graduates outside Canada). Following this large number of failures, the commissioner for admission to professions, André Gariépy, carried out an investigation; he had reported last May the “flaws and [les] fragilities” of the ordeal.
Since then, the Office des professions du Québec has appointed a “supporter to the OIIQ”, the former Ombudsman Marie Rinfret. Last September, the pass rate for the exam reached 69% among candidates who took it for the first time.
According to Minister Sonia LeBel’s office, the OIIQ is collaborating “at the present time”. “Efforts must continue to rectify the situation regarding admission to the Order and to modernize the college nursing training program,” it is declared. The important thing is to ensure that all qualified nurses can join the network and come to lend a hand. »
Measures well received
The National Federation of Teachers of Quebec (FNEEQ–CSN) says it is satisfied with the relaxation measures announced.
The vice-president responsible for the CEGEP group, Yves de Repentigny, believes that these will help calm anxiety among CEPIs who are preparing for the exam. “There is a glaring shortage of nursing staff in the health network and obviously anything that can contribute to the entry into the profession of as many candidates as possible, we see that in a very positive light,” he adds.
Yves de Repentigny also welcomes the “sidelining” of the NCLEX-RN. “The American exam is not adapted to the reality of the Quebec health network. Even more so for French speakers. The example of New Brunswick clearly demonstrated this: the rates were catastrophic among Francophones following the adoption of this exam,” he asserts.
The FNEEQ-CSN hopes that the OIIQ will “definitely stop its senseless and irresponsible crusade” once morest the college diploma (DEC) in nursing in favor of the baccalaureate as the entry standard into the profession. “There may be more skills [à acquérir] than before,” recognizes Yves de Repentigny. “Does that mean they are university level? Not necessarily. »
Her union has been calling for a review of the DEC in nursing for years. “We think that the DEC in nursing, once revised, will make it possible to train nurses who have everything it takes to meet the needs of the Quebec health network. » Forty-six of the 48 CEGEPs in Quebec offer this training.
The Fédération des cégeps is also delighted that the OIIQ has waived, for an indefinite period, requiring a baccalaureate to issue its practice permits to future nurses.
“After two somewhat chaotic years, particularly with the high failure rates for its exam, the OIIQ finally listens to reason and no longer demands that only people with university degrees be able to practice the nursing profession,” declares the president and director of the nursing profession. the Federation, Bernard Tremblay, in a press release. A very encouraging retraction, especially in the context of the labor shortage that we are currently experiencing. »
Believing that college training in nursing has been “denigrated” for years, the Fédération des cégeps is asking the Minister of Health Christian Dubé to set up a campaign to promote this DEC.
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