Women possess characteristics and experiences unique and different from men. Biological processes such as puberty, menstruation, motherhood and menopause may present challenges to self-management for individuals living with type 1 (T1) diabetes mellitus. In this study, descriptive phenomenology was used to uncover the self-management experiences of nine women aged 22- 30 years living with T1 diabetes. Data collection and analysis occurred simultaneously and followed the methodical structure of van Manen (1997). Study findings revealed five themes: 1) elusiveness of control; 2) dualism of technology; 3) forecasting and maintaining routines; 4) dealing with the “ups and downs”; and, 5) interfacing with the health care team. The essence of the experience for participants revolved around trying to achieve a state of “being in balance.” For these young women, self-management encompassed a desire and need to be in balance with their life and blood sugar levels.
Aims
To examine performance differences among different writers of the National Council Licensure Examination‐Registered Nurse (NCLEX‐RN) examination in Canada; to compare Canadian and U.S. writer pass rate data; and to identify if changes in the Canadian nursing workforce can be related to the introduction of NCLEX‐RN.
Background
In January 2015, the entry‐to‐practice licensing examination changed from the Canadian Registered Nurse Examination to the NCLEX‐RN, and pass rates declined.
Methods
This comparative analytic study examined NCLEX‐RN pass rate data for 2015, 2016 and 2017 using publicly available data. The Canadian data were compared with that from U.S. nurses taking the examination.
Results
Overall year‐end pass rates among Canadian writers appeared to improve significantly in 2016 (95% to 96.3%, p < 0.001, from 2015 to 2016) but declined again from 96.3% to 90.4% in 2017 (p < 0.001). Pass rates remain significantly lower for first attempt Canadian writers compared to first attempt U.S. writers (2015: 69.7% vs. 84.5%, p < 0.001).
Conclusions
The change in licensing examination had a major impact on pass rates for new graduates entering the nursing profession and potentially the number of new nurses entering the profession in Canada immediately after graduation.
Implications for Nursing Management
A loss of entry‐level workers to the nursing profession in Canada affects workforce management strategies, particularly with respect to worker shortages.
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