FAQ – How to Use CoursePark’s Online Learning Network
How do I access the online nursing courses offered through CARE Centre?
You can look through the CoursePark topics in the pdf calendar document, and if you find subjects of interest, pay for your annual subscription through the convenient PayPal system. You have unlimited access to over 181 courses to take on your own timetable.
Is there any extra cost per course?
There is no additional charge for each course. You can take as many as you want over the course of your annual subscription.
When does my subscription expire?
It will expire one year from the time it is paid and processed.
Do I have a certain amount of time to complete each course?
No, you can complete the course at your own pace. There will be a listing for the number of hours it generally takes to complete the different courses, but you are under no obligation to complete any of them within that time frame.
How will the courses help my nursing career?
All courses are recognized by the Canadian Nurses Association (as well as l’OIIQ in Quebec and the American Nurses Credentialing Center) for elective and mandatory Continuing Education requirements. And employers are always very positive about professional development!
Do I get a certificate when I complete a course?
Yes, you can print out a certificate which will be sent to you electronically on completion, and it will also be added to your own Lifelong Learning Portfolio, a central repository on the CoursePark website for all of the courses you complete
What if I want to ask for advice or share a comment?
You can access shared expertise and resources on the CoursePark Community Board. CARE Centre would also like to receive feedback on your experience with the Online Nursing Network. Email Tina Novotny at tnovotny@care4nurses.org.
OSCE Now Delivered at Touchstone Institute (Information and FAQs)
Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) FAQs
What is IENCAP?
The IENCAP (IEN Competency Assessment Program) is a standardized examination designed to test the knowledge, skills and communication abilities of an Internationally Educated Registered Nurse. It consists of:
- MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions): a short, written multiple-choice exam that tests general nursing knowledge.
- OSCE (Objective Structures Clinical Examination): a series of mock client examinations in a clinical setting. Candidates taking part in this exercise will play the part of a registered nurse and apply their knowledge, skill and judgment in a number of client/caregiver situations.
For more details: http://www.touchstoneinstitute.ca
Why have I been asked to complete an OSCE?
After assessing your academic credentials the College has determined that your nursing program does not meet the program equivalency requirement for Ontario registration. You have been be asked to complete an Objective Structured Clinical Examination to demonstrate your nursing knowledge, skills and judgement before the College can proceed with your application. Administered at the Touchstone Institute (formerly known as the Centre for the Evaluation of Health Professionals Educated Abroad) in Toronto, the OSCE gives applicants the opportunity to demonstrate their nursing knowledge, judgment and skills.
How does the OSCE work?
- Following application to register as an RN in Ontario, the College of Nurses (CNO) assesses the application to determine if the applicant’s educational background meets program requirements.
- If the applicant does not meet program requirements, the College will instruct the applicant to undergo an OSCE evaluation. Applicants who wish to appeal the College’s decision and continue with their applications without completing the OSCE will be referred to the College’s Registration Committee.
- Once the College has confirmed that you consent to an OSCE evaluation, Touchstone Institute will provide you with information about how to apply online and schedule your appointment.
- The OSCE and the MCQ are both completed on the same day at Touchstone Institute’s offices in Toronto.
- Candidates should expect to be at Touchstone Institute between five and six hours.
How many times can I do the OSCE?
One time only!
It is critical that you prepare in all 3 areas:
- Knowledge
- Skills
- Communication
How can CARE Centre help me prepare for the OSCE?
Workshops:
- CARE Centre offers an Enhanced Communication Skills Workshop. Client interviews are an important part of the IENCAP (Competency Assessment Program)/OSCE. It is important to know what questions to ask; however, it is equally important to ask those questions in a clear and culturally appropriate manner. Members who have completed the OSCE all report the importance of good communication. Before confirming your OSCE appointment date consult with your case manager regarding your preparation.
- Health Force Ontario offers frequent OSCE Preparation Sessions for Internationally Educated Nurses. These sessions include an overview of an OSCE, review of common questions and problems associated with an OSCE and practice with stems. Check the website for details regarding dates, locations, eligibility criteria and registration information: http://www.healthforceontario.ca/en/M4/Access_Centre/Information_Sessions/Nurses
- Many Community Colleges will be offering OSCE preparation workshops. Check websites for details regarding dates, eligibility criteria and registration information.
Self-Study:
- National Competencies in the Context of Entry-Level Registered Nurse Practice
- Current nursing textbooks that cover the knowledge and procedures of nursing practice
- Code of Ethics posted on the website of the Canadian Nurses Association
What is the cost of the OSCE evaluation?
At this time, there is no charge to take the OSCE.
However, there is a $200 administrative fee that will be refunded after the College receives confirmation from Touchstone Institute of your completion of the OSCE evaluation.
Can I change my OSCE date?
Yes!
Contact Touchstone Institute. All candidates changing their examination date will be charged an administration fee. Please note all date change requests must be received at least 30 days prior to any scheduled exam. All exam date changes are contingent on availability.
What areas are assessed in the MCQ?
The IEN Objective Written Exam (MCQ) consists of questions based on five RN Entrance to Practice Competency Domains:
- Professional Responsibility & Accountability
- Specialized Body of Knowledge
- Ethical Practice
- Service to the Public
- Professional Self-Regulation
What areas are assessed in the OSCE?
The blueprint for the OSCE is based on the National Competencies in the Context of Entry-Level Registered Nurse Practice. Skills and knowledge assessed may include:
- History and Data Collection
- Physical Examination
- Communication Skills
- Planning
- Competent Professional Practice
- Safe Practice
- Ethical Practice
- Collaboration
- Evaluation
When will I get the results?
In approximately eight weeks, the College will receive the evaluation results. These results will determine whether the applicant has demonstrated entry-to-practice competencies in order to meet the program requirement.
What if I fail the OSCE?
Unsuccessful applicants with identified entry-to-practice competency gaps will be advised of additional training they will need to complete in order to meet the program requirement.
Who do I contact if I have any other questions about the OSCE?
Contact your CARE Centre case manager for questions regarding preparation for the OSCE.
For questions about the examination itself, including upcoming testing dates and directions to the testing centre, contact “Touchstone Institute (www.touchstoneinstitute.ca)” at 416 924-8622 or email info@tsin.ca.
Contact the College of Nurses of Ontario for questions about the registration process, including questions about how to appeal a decision requiring you to take the OSCE.
CAS Workshop
Are you struggling to complete a Competency Assessment Supplement (CAS)?
We recommend enrolling in CARE Centre’s CAS WorkshopThe three-day workshop will be held:
January 13, 20 & 27 and a second session will be offered
March 10, 17 & 24
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
45 Sheppard Avenue East, Suite 510.
Registration fee payable in advance
Members: $150
Non-Members: $300
Deadline for enrollment – January 9 sup> 2015.
Register at: 416-226-2800 Ext 221
CARE reserves the right to cancel courses, change dates/times, or limit enrolment.
However, CARE makes every effort to ensure the workshop is provided as scheduled.
Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
An important part of the CNO application process for all IENs is determining program equivalency, a non-exemptible requirement for registration. The CNO evaluates RN candidates on their educational background to determine if their previous studies have equipped them with the nursing knowledge, skill and judgment equal to that of a recent graduate of an Ontario RN nursing program. If the CNO determines that an applicant does not meet the program requirement, then they will be asked to complete an OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination). There is a $200 administrative fee that will be refunded after providing proof of completion of the OSCE.
Administered at the Centre for the Evaluation of Health Professionals Educated Abroad (CEHPEA) in Toronto, the OSCE gives applicants the opportunity to demonstrate their nursing knowledge and skills. The OSCE is completed over a four-hour period at CEHPEA’s offices in Toronto. After about two months, the applicant will receive their results, which will either allow them to write the registration exam, or direct them to a course of study for identified gaps, or if assessed with significant deficiencies in skills and knowledge, the college will advise them of other options. The OSCE consists of a short, written multiple-choice exam that tests general nursing knowledge, and a series of mock client examinations in a clinical setting. The blueprint for the OSCE is based on the National Competencies in the Context of Entry-Level Registered Nurse Practice.
For questions about the examination itself, including upcoming testing dates and directions to the testing centre, contact CEHPEA at 416 924-8622 or email info@cehpea.ca.
(adapted from the CNO website: cno.org/become-a-nurse/about-registration/entry-to-practice-examinations/observational-structure-clinical-examination-osce/).
