Media Advisory - Canadian Nurses Association speaks out for a made- and owned-in-Canada RN entry exam

OTTAWA, Jan. 11, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) is deeply concerned about a decision made by 10 of Canada's provincial and territorial registered nurse (RN) regulators to have the American-based National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) develop a new Canadian RN entry exam. If the contract with NCSBN is finalized, the current exam — the Canadian Registered Nurse Examination (CRNE) — likely will no longer exist and the new one will have its origins in the United States by as early as 2015.

As the national professional voice of RNs in Canada, CNA believes it has a responsibility to protect and promote high standards of nursing practice in the public interest. It is for that reason that CNA president Judith Shamian will present a declaration of principles essential to the development of a made- and owned-in Canada RN entry exam, including issues of privacy, mobility and content. Since RN regulators are accountable to provincial and territorial governments, CNA will call upon Canada's governments to guarantee the declared principles are implemented and upheld by RN regulators across the country, and that Canadian ownership of the RN entry exam is maintained.

What:	News conference - Ensuring a Canadian solution for the RN entry exam: A declaration by CNA
Who:	Judith Shamian, President, CNA Rachel Bard, Chief Executive Officer, CNA
When:	Friday, January 13, 2012 10:00-11:00 a.m.
	Highlights include:
	9:30 a.m.	Room available for any technical set-up required. Refreshments will be served.
	10:00 a.m.	Welcome remarks by Rachel Bard, CEO, CNA.
	10:03 a.m.	CNA president Judith Shamian delivers CNA's declaration outlining concerns with the adoption of an American RN entry exam and seven principles that are essential to the development of a made- and owned-in Canada RN entry exam.
	10:10 a.m.	Program concludes.
	10:10-11:00 a.m.	Media availability.
Where:	Fairmont Royal York Confederation 5 room, Main Mezzanine 100 Front Street West, Toronto

 

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