Update for nursing students – NCLEX Exam

In order to respond to student inquiries -- about the NCLEX Exam, access to a Temporary License, and completion of clinical placements -- we have contacted the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). They have advised that the NCLEX exam became available again on March 31st and more centres continue to become available as writing centres are able to open given current requirements for social distancing and cleaning. Students are registering to write the exam. Students with questions about the examination should access the CNO website at  http://www.cno.org/students As we understand it, candidates can schedule their exams for appointments starting May 1st and beyond, if conditions allow.

A further issue is that many students are attempting to obtain a temporary license to enable them to become a part of the nursing and care team, having met all the requirements except that of a job offer. RNAO is working with possible employers and the CNO to expedite this process to enable students to join the workforce.

We have heard from many 4th year students who are concerned that they have been unable to complete their programs because their clinical placements are no longer being honored in the service setting at this time. RNAO is working with various heads of Schools of Nursing to clarify and help resolve the issues involved in facilitating students to meet program requirements through completion of their clinical placements. Again, these students are keen and ready to join their nursing colleagues in the battle against COVID 19.