Perspectives on the Need for a Nursing Entry-to-Practice Examination in Canada

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Health Policy
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Policy revision requires understanding mental models and path dependency.
• Nursing entry-to-practice (ETP) examinations may represent an entrenched mental model.
• Path dependency can limit the consideration of alternative policy options.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the objectives and purpose of nursing ETP examinations.
• To examine the historical context of nursing ETP examinations in Canada.
• To consider jurisdictional comparisons and inform a national discussion on the need for nursing ETP examinations.

Main Methods:

• Commentary and critical analysis.
• Historical review of nursing licensure in Canada.
• Comparative analysis of nursing examination policies across jurisdictions.

Main Results:

• Nursing ETP examinations are a product of historical policy decisions.
• Path dependency and entrenched mental models influence the debate on ETP exams.
• Jurisdictional differences highlight varied approaches to nursing regulation.

Conclusions:

• The necessity of nursing ETP examinations in Canada warrants critical re-evaluation.
• Understanding mental models and path dependency is crucial for effective policy development.
• A national dialogue is needed to determine the future of nursing pre-licensure assessments.