CELBAN Practice Tests

Listening Task 1 — Questions 1-2

You will hear a laboratory technologist phoning a nurse on a surgical unit. Choose the best answer to each question. You will hear the recording once only.

1. What is the patient's potassium result? (A) 5.8 mmol/L (B) 6.2 mmol/L (C) 6.8 mmol/L (D) 6.4 mmol/L
2. Why does the technologist mention that the sample was not hemolyzed? (A) To explain why the result took longer (B) To show that the result is probably accurate (C) To suggest drawing a new sample (D) To warn that the analyzer may need checking

Listening Task 2 — Questions 3-4

You will hear a nurse answering a patient's call bell on a surgical unit. Choose the best answer to each question. You will hear the recording once only.

1. How does the patient rate his pain when he moves? (A) 5 out of 10 (B) 7 out of 10 (C) 10 out of 10 (D) 9 out of 10
2. What will the nurse do before giving the medication? (A) Help him turn onto his side (B) Check his dressing and blood pressure (C) Bring him another glass of ginger ale (D) Phone the physician to request a new order

Listening Task 3 — Questions 5-6

You will hear a hospital pharmacist phoning a nurse about a medication order. Choose the best answer to each question. You will hear the recording once only.

1. What is the pharmacist's main concern about the order? (A) The dose is too high for her kidney function (B) The drug may interact with another medication (C) The first dose was given later than ordered (D) The patient may be allergic to the medication
2. What does the pharmacist ask the nurse to do? (A) Give 30 mg at 1800 as usual (B) Send another blood sample to check her creatinine (C) Hold the dose until the order is clarified (D) Ask the evening nurse to phone pharmacy

Listening Task 4 — Questions 7-8

You will hear a surgical clinic receptionist phoning a patient who was recently discharged after surgery. Choose the best answer to each question. You will hear the recording once only.

1. When is the patient's new appointment? (A) Wednesday at 10:45 (B) Thursday at 2:15 (C) Tuesday at 9:30 (D) Thursday at 10:45
2. What must the patient bring to the appointment? (A) His health card and a medication list (B) His discharge papers and his health card (C) A referral letter from his family doctor (D) All of his medication bottles

Listening Task 5 — Questions 9-10

You will hear a newly graduated nurse asking a colleague to cover her patients during her break. Choose the best answer to each question. You will hear the recording once only.

1. What must the covering nurse do at 1325? (A) Start the blood transfusion (B) Take Mrs. Dubois's vital signs (C) Check Mr. Leblanc's temperature (D) Take Mr. Leblanc for his CT scan
2. Why must Mr. Leblanc not eat? (A) He is having surgery this afternoon (B) He has been feeling nauseated (C) He is having a CT scan at three (D) He is receiving a blood transfusion

Listening Task 6 — Questions 11-14

You will see a nurse admitting a patient with abdominal pain to the surgical unit. Choose the best answer to each question. You will hear the recording once only.

1. Where did the patient first feel the pain? (A) In his lower right abdomen (B) Around his belly button (C) In his upper stomach (D) In his lower back
2. When did the patient last have something to eat? (A) Around one this morning (B) At breakfast this morning (C) Around seven o'clock last night (D) On Sunday night
3. Which medication is the patient allergic to? (A) Codeine (B) Morphine (C) Ramipril (D) Penicillin
4. What does the nurse tell the patient to do until the surgeon arrives? (A) Take only small sips of water (B) Take his usual morning ramipril (C) Have nothing at all by mouth (D) Walk in the hallway to ease the pain

Listening Task 7 — Questions 15-18

You will hear a nurse phoning the on-call surgical resident about a patient who had surgery earlier in the day. Choose the best answer to each question. You will hear the recording once only.

1. Why is the nurse calling the resident? (A) The patient's wound dressing is soaked with fresh blood (B) The patient's blood pressure and urine output are low (C) The patient has developed a high fever (D) The patient's oxygen saturation has dropped
2. How much urine has the patient produced in the last two hours? (A) 30 mL (B) 50 mL (C) 80 mL (D) 100 mL
3. What does the nurse recommend? (A) Transferring the patient to intensive care (B) Taking the patient back to the operating room (C) Increasing the patient's oxygen to 4 litres (D) Giving a fluid bolus and ordering bloodwork
4. When must the nurse call the resident back immediately? (A) If the drain output is more than 80 mL (B) If the systolic pressure falls below 90 (C) If the heart rate stays above 110 (D) If the bloodwork is not back within an hour

Listening Task 8 — Questions 19-22

You will see a nurse talking with the daughter of an older patient who is confused after surgery. Choose the best answer to each question. You will hear the recording once only.

1. What is the daughter's main worry? (A) Her father has had a reaction to the anesthetic (B) Her father has fallen again in the hospital (C) Her father's hip surgery was not successful (D) Her father's confusion will be permanent
2. According to the nurse, how is delirium different from dementia? (A) It develops suddenly and comes and goes (B) It affects only people who live alone (C) It is always caused by pain medication (D) It develops slowly over a period of several months
3. What does the nurse say is most important for the daughter to bring? (A) Photos of the family (B) His glasses and hearing aids (C) His own pillow and blanket (D) A list of his medications
4. What will happen this afternoon? (A) The father will have a urine test (B) The nurse will reduce his pain medication (C) The physician will phone the daughter (D) The father will be moved to a quieter room

Listening Task 9 — Questions 23-30

You will hear a night nurse giving a verbal shift report to the day nurse on a surgical unit. Complete the patient chart. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer. You will hear the recording once only.

1. Listen and write: 23. Room 12A, Mr. Osei — post-op day: ___
2. Listen and write: 24. Mr. Osei — must void by: ___
3. Listen and write: 25. Room 12B, Mrs. Delgado — NG drainage overnight: ___ mL
4. Listen and write: 26. Mrs. Delgado — test at 1000: ___
5. Listen and write: 27. Room 14, Mr. Fischer — highest temperature overnight: ___ °C
6. Listen and write: 28. Mr. Fischer — tests sent at 0330: ___
7. Listen and write: 29. Room 15, Mrs. Chen — time of surgery: ___
8. Listen and write: 30. Mrs. Chen — falls prevention equipment in place: ___

Listening Task 10 — Questions 31-35

You will hear the shift report again. This time, answer different questions. Choose the best answer to each question.

1. What signs of recovery does the night nurse report for Mr. Osei? (A) He no longer needs his PCA pump (B) He is passing gas and walking (C) He has started eating solid food (D) He was able to void on his own
2. Why is the IV team coming to see Mrs. Delgado? (A) Her IV in the left hand has stopped working (B) She needs a potassium replacement started (C) She needs a larger IV for the CT contrast (D) Her IV site is red and swollen
3. What is Mrs. Chen allergic to? (A) Penicillin (B) Sulfa (C) Contrast dye (D) Latex
4. What happened to Mrs. Chen at about 0200? (A) She fell while getting out of bed (B) She refused to sign her consent form (C) She removed her oxygen and her saturation dropped (D) She developed a fever and a fast heart rate
5. Which patient does the night nurse suggest the day nurse see first, and why? (A) Mr. Fischer, because his incision looks red (B) Mrs. Delgado, because the IV team arrives at eight (C) Mr. Osei, because he may not be able to void (D) Mrs. Chen, because her pre-op preparation is incomplete

Listening Task 11 — Questions 36-40

You will see a care conference about the discharge plan for a patient who has had a stroke. The people at the meeting are the patient's nurse, a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist and the patient's son. Choose the best answer to each question. You will hear the recording once only.

1. What is the main purpose of the meeting? (A) To discuss the patient's new medications (B) To plan the patient's care after discharge (C) To explain the cause of the patient's stroke (D) To arrange a home safety assessment for this week
2. According to the physiotherapist, what is the biggest barrier to going straight home? (A) She cannot manage the stairs safely (B) She needs two people to help her stand (C) She is unable to use a walker (D) She has fallen twice on the therapy stairs
3. What is the occupational therapist's main concern? (A) The patient cannot dress her upper body without help from staff (B) The patient is not eating enough at meals (C) The patient does not notice things on her left side (D) The patient has lost strength in her right arm
4. What does the son say about helping his mother? (A) His sister will move in to help her (B) He can visit only on weekends (C) He plans to move her into his home (D) He cannot be with her during the day
5. What does the team recommend? (A) Discharge home with daily home care (B) Admission to a long-term care home (C) Transfer to inpatient stroke rehabilitation (D) Discharge to the son's house after next Thursday

Listening Task 12 — Questions 41-45

You will hear a clinical nurse educator giving an in-service education session to the nurses on a surgical unit. Choose the best answer to each question. You will hear the recording once only.

1. According to the incident reports, when did most falls happen? (A) During the day, while walking in the hallway (B) At night, while going to the bathroom alone (C) In the evening, during visiting hours (D) In the morning, during shift change
2. What is the main purpose of purposeful hourly rounding? (A) To count how many patients are awake (B) To meet patients' needs before they get up alone (C) To complete the Morse Fall Scale for each patient every hour (D) To reduce the number of call bells at night
3. How often should the Morse Fall Scale be completed? (A) Only on admission and at discharge (B) Every hour between 2200 and 0600 (C) Once a day and after every fall (D) On admission, every shift and after any change
4. What should a nurse do first when finding a patient on the floor? (A) Get the mechanical lift to move the patient (B) Help the patient back into bed right away (C) Stay with the patient and assess for injury (D) Complete the incident report before doing anything else
5. Why does the educator mention anticoagulants? (A) Patients on them need neuro vitals after a fall (B) They are the main cause of falls at night (C) They should be stopped after a patient falls (D) Patients on them must wear a yellow wristband

Listening Task 13 — Questions 46-50

You will see a nurse giving discharge instructions to a patient who had his gallbladder removed by laparoscopic surgery. Complete the discharge instruction chart by choosing the best option for each row. You will hear the recording once only.

1. Pain medication: acetaminophen 1000 mg every ___ (A) 4 hours (B) 6 hours (C) 8 hours (D) 12 hours
2. Shoulder pain is caused by: ___ (A) the position on the operating table (B) the gas used during surgery (C) a pulled muscle (D) the breathing tube
3. Showering: allowed ___ after surgery (A) 12 hours (B) 24 hours (C) 48 hours (D) 72 hours
4. Lifting: nothing heavier than ___ for two weeks (A) 2 kg (B) 5 kg (C) 10 kg (D) 15 kg
5. Go to Emergency if: ___ (A) bruising around the incisions (B) loose stools after fatty meals (C) yellowing of the skin or eyes (D) mild pain in the right shoulder

Reading Task 1 — Questions 1-7

Read the fluid balance record for a patient on a surgical unit below. Choose the best answer to each question. Suggested time: 9 minutes.

1. Apart from the fluid bolus, at what rate was the IV running during the night shift? (A) 50 mL/h (B) 75 mL/h (C) 100 mL/h (D) 150 mL/h
2. How much did Mr. Zielinski drink during the night shift? (A) 270 mL (B) 330 mL (C) 810 mL (D) 390 mL
3. What was the total output from the JP drain over 24 hours? (A) 75 mL (B) 100 mL (C) 115 mL (D) 130 mL
4. According to the chart's instructions, at what time should the physician first have been notified about urine output? (A) 2300 (B) 0100 (C) 0300 (D) 0500
5. Why is the IV volume recorded at 0300 higher than the other night entries? (A) The IV rate was increased to 100 mL/h (B) A 250 mL bolus was included in that entry (C) The IV had been stopped earlier in the night (D) Ondansetron was given in the IV fluid
6. What is Mr. Zielinski's 24-hour fluid balance? (A) +1475 mL (B) +1225 mL (C) -1475 mL (D) +1015 mL
7. Based on the chart, which statement is correct? (A) Urine output had improved by 0500, and the weight change requires physician notification (B) Urine output stayed low after the bolus, but the weight change is within the expected range (C) Ileostomy output exceeded 1000 mL during the day shift, so the physician should have been called (D) The patient vomited twice during the night shift and needed a second dose of ondansetron

Reading Task 2 — Questions 8-15

Read the hospital policy below. Choose the best answer to each question. Suggested time: 10 minutes.

1. What is the main purpose of this policy? (A) To explain how to treat patients who have MRSA (B) To reduce the spread of micro-organisms (C) To describe how often units are audited (D) To list the duties of Environmental Services staff
2. When must staff wash their hands with soap and water instead of using alcohol-based hand rub? (A) Before any aseptic procedure (B) After removing gloves in every situation (C) After caring for a patient with C. difficile (D) Before first contact with a new patient
3. Who may start contact precautions for a patient with a draining wound that cannot be contained? (A) Only the attending physician (B) Only the IPAC office (C) The nurse caring for the patient (D) A member of the Environmental Services team
4. What should a nurse do if no single room is available? (A) Keep the patient in the hallway until a room is free (B) Contact the IPAC office before sharing a room (C) Place the patient with any other patient on precautions (D) Ask the physician to cancel the precautions
5. Why must the contact precautions sign not show the organism? (A) To protect the patient's privacy (B) To avoid frightening visitors (C) Because the organism may not be confirmed (D) Because the IPAC office keeps that information
6. In what order should a nurse leave the room of a patient on contact precautions? (A) Perform hand hygiene, remove PPE, leave the room (B) Leave the room, remove PPE, perform hand hygiene (C) Remove PPE, leave the room, then put on new gloves (D) Remove PPE, perform hand hygiene, leave the room
7. A patient with diarrhea has had no symptoms for 24 hours, and a lab test has ruled out an infectious cause. What does the policy allow? (A) Precautions may be discontinued now (B) Precautions must continue for another 24 hours (C) Only the IPAC office can discontinue precautions (D) A terminal clean must be done before any decision
8. The word "dedicated" in section 3.5 is closest in meaning to (A) committed to a cause (B) reserved for one patient (C) recently purchased (D) specially cleaned

Reading Task 3 — Questions 16-24

Read the article below. The title is followed by seven paragraphs. Choose the best answer to each question. Suggested time: 12 minutes.

1. What is the main idea of the article? (A) Hospitals across Canada should return to 8-hour shifts as soon as possible (B) Twelve-hour shifts can be safe if they are well designed and supported (C) Nurses who work 12-hour shifts are less skilled than other nurses (D) Most nurses dislike working 12-hour shifts
2. According to paragraph 2, why did managers originally support 12-hour shifts? (A) They required fewer nurses on each unit (B) They reduced the number of handovers (C) They gave nurses more overtime pay (D) They improved nurses' sleep
3. According to paragraph 3, being awake for 17 hours (A) affects performance like a blood alcohol level of 0.05% (B) is illegal for nurses in most provinces (C) has no effect on experienced nurses (D) causes most medication errors in hospitals
4. What can be inferred from Dr. Beaulieu's comments in paragraph 4? (A) He believes 12-hour shifts should be banned (B) He thinks extra demands added to long shifts are the main danger (C) He blames nurses for not taking their breaks (D) He thinks night shifts are generally safer for patients than day shifts
5. The word "villain" in paragraph 4 is closest in meaning to (A) solution (B) cause of the problem (C) unusual event (D) victim
6. Which change is NOT mentioned in paragraph 5 as a way hospitals are addressing fatigue? (A) Limiting consecutive night shifts to three (B) Having a nurse cover patients during breaks (C) Allowing short naps during night shifts (D) Paying nurses a bonus for working nights
7. The word "controversial" in paragraph 5 is closest in meaning to (A) causing disagreement (B) expensive to introduce (C) against the law (D) widely accepted
8. What can be inferred about personal strategies for managing fatigue (paragraph 6)? (A) They are more effective than safe staffing (B) They are required by most employers (C) They help, but cannot replace adequate staffing (D) They are useful only for nurses who regularly work night shifts
9. What is the writer's overall attitude toward 12-hour shifts? (A) Strongly opposed to them in all situations (B) Balanced, presenting both benefits and risks (C) Enthusiastic, ignoring the research on fatigue (D) Uninterested, focusing mainly on hospital budgets

Reading Task 4 — Questions 25-34

Read the patient-safety information sheet below. For each numbered blank, choose the word that best completes the sentence. Suggested time: 9 minutes.

1. 10 questions heard only: use the interactive player to listen and choose the best answer.

Writing Task 1 — Incident report narrative

Suggested time: 20 minutes. Recommended length: 150–200 words. Write in complete sentences and paragraphs — do not use point form. This task is scored by CLB criteria; compare your answer with the CLB 6, 8 and 10 samples, or (Pro) get AI examiner feedback.

Writing Task 2 — Opinion

Suggested time: 20 minutes. Recommended length: 200–250 words. Write in complete sentences and paragraphs. State your opinion clearly and support it with reasons and examples. This task is scored by CLB criteria; compare your answer with the CLB 6, 8 and 10 samples, or (Pro) get AI examiner feedback.

Part 1 — Speaking Stage 1 — Introductions

Stage 1 (about 2–3 minutes). The examiner greets you, checks your identification and asks a few simple questions about yourself and your nursing background. This stage is not a test of nursing knowledge; it helps you settle in. Answer in full sentences, give a little detail, and speak naturally — do not recite memorized answers.

1. Good morning, and welcome to the CELBAN speaking assessment. My name is Karen, and I'll be your examiner today. This interview is recorded for scoring purposes. Could you please tell me your full name and where you're from? Example: Good morning, Karen. Thank you. My name is Maricel Dela Cruz, and I'm originally from Iloilo City in the Philippines. I moved to Canada about a year and a half ago, and I'm living in Edmonton now with my husband and our two children.
2. Thank you. Can you tell me a little about your nursing background? Example: Sure. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2013, and I've worked as a registered nurse for about ten years. I spent six years on a medical-surgical ward in a large public hospital in Iloilo, and then four years in Saudi Arabia on a post-surgical unit. So I'm very comfortable with post-operative care, wound management, and looking after patients with multiple chronic conditions. Right now, while I complete my registration, I'm working as a health-care aide in a long-term care home.
3. And why did you decide to continue your nursing career in Canada? Example: There were a few reasons. My sister has lived in Alberta for years, so we had family support here. Professionally, I was really attracted by the Canadian approach to nursing, the way nurses are expected to use their own judgment and work as equal partners with physicians and other team members. I'm also interested in continuing my education; eventually I'd like to specialize in wound care. And, honestly, I wanted my children to grow up in a safe and diverse country.

Part 2 — Speaking Stage 2 — Small talk

Stage 2 (about 3–4 minutes). The examiner chats with you about familiar, everyday topics. There are no right or wrong answers. Show that you can keep a conversation going: give reasons and examples, describe experiences, and ask or answer follow-up questions naturally.

1. Let's chat a little before we start the role plays. How are you finding the weather here compared with home? Example: It's been a big adjustment! In the Philippines it's hot and humid almost all year, so my first winter here was a real shock. I remember the first time it went down to minus thirty. I didn't understand why everyone kept talking about the wind chill until I walked to the bus stop. But I've learned to dress in layers, and now I actually enjoy the sunny winter days. The long summer evenings are my favourite, though. It's still light at ten o'clock at night.
2. What do you like to do on your days off? Example: On my days off I try to spend time outdoors with my family. There's a big river valley park near our apartment, so we go walking or cycling there when the weather's nice. My kids have also started skating lessons this year, so on Saturday mornings I'm at the rink with a coffee. And when I have a quiet evening, I like cooking Filipino food, especially adobo, and inviting friends over. It helps me feel connected to home.
3. How do you usually get around the city? Do you drive? Example: At the moment I mostly take the bus and the LRT, the light rail. It's quite convenient because there's a station about ten minutes from our home. I'm working on my Alberta driver's licence, though. I had a licence in the Philippines, but I have to take the road test again here. I think I'll need a car once I start working shifts as a nurse, because the buses don't run very often late at night.
4. Is there anything about life in Canada that surprised you when you first arrived? Example: Yes, a few things. One was how polite people are in everyday life. People hold doors and say sorry even when you bump into them! Another surprise was how much people value personal space and privacy. Back home, neighbours would drop by without calling first, but here you usually arrange visits in advance. In health care, I was surprised by how much patients are involved in decisions about their own care. I think that's a very positive thing, and it's something I want to practise well as a nurse here.

Part 3 — Speaking Stage 3 — Role play 1

Stage 3 (about 15 minutes in total) has three nursing role plays. Role play 1 — Information gathering (assessment). You have 60 seconds to read this card and plan. The examiner will then begin the conversation in character. Stay in role, use plain language, ask questions, listen to the answers and check understanding.ROLE CARD Setting: Surgical unit of a community hospital. A patient has just been transferred from the Emergency Department with abdominal pain. Your role: You are the registered nurse admitting the patient to the unit. Examiner's role: The examiner is Mr. Daniel Hughes, a 46-year-old patient with abdominal pain. He is uncomfortable and a little worried. Your tasks: • Greet the patient, introduce yourself and confirm his identity using two identifiers • Ask about the pain: onset, location, character, severity and what makes it better or worse • Ask about related symptoms, allergies, medications and when he last ate or drank • Explain what will happen next and give him clear safety instructions • Check his understanding and respond to his concernsThe role play lasts about 5 minutes.

1. Hi. Are you my nurse? This pain is really getting to me. Example: Hello, yes, I'm your nurse. My name is Maricel, and I'm a registered nurse on this unit. I'm sorry you're in so much pain; I'll try to make you more comfortable as quickly as I can. First, for your safety, could you please tell me your full name and your date of birth?
2. Daniel Hughes. February second, nineteen eighty. Example: Thank you, Mr. Hughes. That matches your wristband. I'd like to ask you some questions about your pain so that the team can take the best care of you. Could you tell me when the pain started and show me where it is?
3. It started last night after dinner. Up here, under my ribs on the right side. It kind of goes through to my back, near my shoulder blade. Example: Okay, so it started last night after dinner, in the upper right part of your abdomen, and it spreads to your back near your right shoulder blade. How would you describe the pain? Is it sharp, dull, cramping, burning? And on a scale from zero to ten, with ten being the worst pain you can imagine, how would you rate it right now?
4. It's like a cramp that squeezes and then eases off a bit. Right now, maybe a seven. It was a nine before they gave me something downstairs. Example: Thank you, that's very helpful. So it's a squeezing, cramping pain, seven out of ten now, down from nine. Does anything make it worse or better, for example eating, moving, or changing position? And have you had any nausea, vomiting, fever, or any change in the colour of your urine or stools?
5. Eating makes it worse, definitely. I had a greasy burger last night, and that's when it started. I've thrown up twice. I feel a bit hot, too. I haven't noticed anything about my pee. Example: I see. I'll check your temperature in a moment. I just have a few more important questions. Do you have any allergies to medications, foods, or latex? What medications do you take at home, including vitamins or anything over the counter? And when did you last have anything to eat or drink?
6. No allergies that I know of. I take a pill for cholesterol, atorvastatin, I think. The last thing I had was a glass of water around six this morning. So, what happens now? Am I going to need surgery? Example: Thank you. No known allergies, atorvastatin for cholesterol, and a glass of water at six. That's a good question. It's possible, but the surgeon will make that decision after examining you and reviewing your blood tests and ultrasound. The surgeon should see you this morning. In the meantime, it's very important that you don't eat or drink anything, not even water, in case you do need surgery. Your IV will keep you hydrated. I'll check your vital signs regularly, and I can give you pain medication when you need it. If the pain gets worse, or you feel dizzy or very hot, please press the call bell right away. Don't wait. Could you tell me in your own words what you need to do until the surgeon comes?
7. Nothing to eat or drink, and I ring the bell if the pain gets worse or I feel feverish or dizzy. Example: Exactly right. You've got it. Is there anything else that's worrying you, or anyone you'd like me to call for you? I'll be back in about thirty minutes to check on you, and your call bell is right here beside your hand.

Part 4 — Speaking Stage 3 — Role play 2

Role play 2 — Information giving (patient teaching). You have 60 seconds to read this card and plan. The examiner will then begin the conversation in character. Stay in role, use plain language, ask questions, listen to the answers and check understanding.ROLE CARD Setting: Pre-admission clinic of a hospital. A patient is booked for elective surgery (laparoscopic hernia repair) in two days. Your role: You are the pre-operative nurse preparing the patient for surgery. Examiner's role: The examiner is Mrs. Olga Petrenko, a 58-year-old patient having surgery for the first time. She has questions about fasting and the consent form. Your tasks: • Greet the patient and confirm her identity • Explain the fasting instructions before surgery (solid food and clear fluids) • Explain what she should do about her usual medications and what to bring on the day • Explain the consent process and who will answer her questions about the surgery • Check her understanding using the teach-back methodThe role play lasts about 5 minutes.

1. Hello. I was told to come here before my surgery. I'm a bit nervous. I've never had an operation before. Example: Hello, and welcome. My name is Maricel, and I'm one of the nurses here in the pre-admission clinic. It's completely normal to feel nervous before your first surgery, and my job today is to help you feel prepared. Before we start, could you please tell me your full name and date of birth?
2. Olga Petrenko. The ninth of November, nineteen sixty-seven. Example: Thank you, Mrs. Petrenko. Your surgery is booked for Thursday morning, so let's start with eating and drinking, because that's very important for your safety. When you have an anesthetic, your stomach needs to be empty. Otherwise food or liquid could come back up and go into your lungs. So, please don't eat any solid food after midnight on Wednesday night. That includes gum, candies and mints.
3. Nothing after midnight. But what about my morning tea? I can't function without it. Example: I understand! Here's the good news: you can have clear fluids until two hours before your arrival time on Thursday. Clear fluids are things you can see through, like water, apple juice, or tea or black coffee without milk or cream. So you can have your tea early in the morning, as long as there's no milk in it and you finish it by six o'clock, since you're arriving at eight. After six, nothing at all by mouth.
4. Okay. And my pills? I take something for blood pressure and something for my diabetes, metformin. Example: Good question. Please don't stop or change anything yet, because the anesthesiologist will review your list today and give you specific instructions. Some blood pressure pills are taken on the morning of surgery with a small sip of water and some are held, and metformin is usually held that morning. I'll write down exactly what the anesthesiologist tells you. On Thursday, please bring your provincial health card, all your medications in their original containers, and your glasses and their case if you wear them. Please leave jewellery and valuables at home, and make sure someone can drive you home and stay with you the first night.
5. My neighbour will drive me. Now, the letter says I have to sign a consent form. What exactly am I agreeing to? I'm worried I'll sign something I don't understand. Example: That's a very important concern, and you're right to ask. The consent form is your written agreement to have the surgery, but it's only valid if you understand what you're agreeing to. Before you sign, your surgeon will explain the procedure, why it's recommended, the possible risks and benefits, and any other options. You can ask as many questions as you want. If you don't understand something, you don't have to sign until it's been explained clearly. You can also change your mind at any time before the surgery. My role is to make sure the form is complete and that you've had your questions answered. Would you like me to write down some questions for you to ask the surgeon?
6. Yes, please. That would help. I think I'd forget otherwise. Example: Of course. We'll write them together before you leave. Just so I know I've explained everything clearly, could you tell me in your own words what you can eat and drink before your surgery on Thursday?
7. No food after midnight on Wednesday. Clear fluids like water or tea with no milk until six in the morning, and then nothing. And I bring my health card and my pills. Example: That's exactly right, Mrs. Petrenko. You've understood very well. I'm also going to give you a printed sheet with these instructions and our clinic phone number, so you can call if anything comes up, like if you get a cold or a fever before Thursday. Do you have any other questions for me today?

Part 5 — Speaking Stage 3 — Role play 3

Role play 3 — Problem solving (upset family member). You have 60 seconds to read this card and plan. The examiner will then begin the conversation in character. Stay in role, use plain language, ask questions, listen to the answers and check understanding.ROLE CARD Setting: Surgical unit, evening shift. A patient had knee replacement surgery yesterday. His son has come to the nursing station. Your role: You are the registered nurse caring for the patient. The patient asked for pain medication 40 minutes ago. The medication was delayed because you were responding to an emergency in another room. You are about to give it now. Examiner's role: The examiner is Mr. Rafael Ortiz, the patient's son. He is angry that his father has been waiting in pain. Your tasks: • Acknowledge the son's feelings and apologize without blaming others • Explain briefly why the medication was delayed, respecting other patients' privacy • Explain what you will do now for his father's pain • Respond to his request for a plan so this does not happen again • Offer further support and end the conversation positivelyThe role play lasts about 5 minutes.

1. Excuse me! Are you looking after my father in room six? He asked for his pain medication almost an hour ago and nobody has come. He's lying there in agony. This is unacceptable! Example: Yes, I'm your father's nurse. My name is Maricel. You must be his son? I can see how upset you are, and you have every right to be. I'm very sorry that your father has been waiting in pain. I have his medication with me right now, so let's walk to his room together while we talk.
2. Sorry doesn't help him. Where were you? I saw three nurses at the desk laughing a minute ago. Example: I understand why it looked that way, and I'm sorry. I was called to an emergency with another patient, and I couldn't leave until that patient was safe. I can't share details about other patients, just as we would protect your father's privacy. But I want to be clear: that doesn't make it okay for your father to wait this long. I should have asked a colleague to bring his medication while I was busy, and I'll make sure that happens next time.
3. Fine. So what are you going to do now? He's had knee surgery, he shouldn't be suffering like this. Example: You're right. Controlling his pain is very important after knee surgery, not only for comfort, but so he can do his physiotherapy and move safely. I'm going to give him his hydromorphone now, ask him to rate his pain, and check on him again in thirty minutes to see how well it's working. I'll also put an ice pack on his knee and help him get into a more comfortable position. If the medication isn't controlling his pain well enough, I'll call the surgical resident to review his pain orders tonight.
4. And what about tomorrow? I can't be here all the time. How do I know this won't happen again? Example: That's a fair question. First, I'll talk to your father about asking for pain medication before the pain becomes severe. It works much better that way. Second, I'm going to document tonight's delay and discuss it with the charge nurse, so that when one of us is called to an emergency, another nurse covers our patients' medication requests. And I'll mention in my report to the night nurse that your father prefers regular pain checks. Would it help if I also wrote down the times his next doses are due, so he and you know when to expect them?
5. Yes, that would help. He doesn't like to complain, so he waits too long. Example: Thank you for telling me that. It's really useful to know. Many people don't want to bother the nurses, but I'll reassure him that asking for pain medication is never a bother. I'll write the times on the whiteboard in his room as well. If you'd like to speak with the charge nurse about tonight, I'd be happy to arrange that too.
6. No, that's okay. I just want him to be comfortable. Thanks for listening. Example: Of course. Thank you for speaking up for your father. You were right to. Let's go in now. I'll give him his medication, and I'll come back in thirty minutes to see how he's doing. If you need anything before you leave tonight, please just ask for me, Maricel.

Part 6 — Speaking Stage 4 — Health-related discussion

Stage 4 (about 8–10 minutes). The examiner asks you to discuss health-related topics: to describe, compare, explain and give your opinion. There are no right or wrong opinions; you are scored on how clearly and fully you express and support your ideas. Organize your answers (main point, reasons, example, conclusion), use appropriate health vocabulary, and speak for about one to two minutes on each question.

1. Now let's talk about some health-related topics. Could you describe a typical day shift on the unit where you last worked as a nurse? Example: Sure. On my last unit, a post-surgical ward, the day shift started at seven with a verbal handover at the bedside, so patients could hear and add information. I usually had five or six patients. After report, I'd do a quick safety check on everyone, then full head-to-toe assessments and vital signs. Around eight I'd give morning medications, which took a lot of concentration because many patients were on anticoagulants, insulin or IV antibiotics. Late morning was busy with dressing changes, drains, mobilizing patients with the physiotherapist, and rounds with the surgeons, where I'd raise any concerns. The afternoon was often about discharges and admissions: teaching patients going home and settling new post-op patients from the recovery room. Throughout the day, documentation was ongoing, and at the end of the shift I'd give report to the evening nurse and make sure nothing was left incomplete.
2. How does nursing in Canada compare with nursing in the country where you trained? Example: There are many similarities. The core clinical skills, like assessment, medication administration and wound care, are basically the same. But there are some important differences. In the Philippines, the nurse-to-patient ratio was much higher; on a night shift I could have twenty patients, so a lot of basic care was done by family members who stayed at the bedside. Here, ratios are lower, and personal support workers and other team members share the care. Another difference is the relationship with physicians. Back home, the hierarchy was stronger and nurses rarely questioned an order. In Canada, nurses are expected to advocate for patients and to use structured communication like SBAR to raise concerns directly. And finally, patient autonomy is much more central here. Patients are fully informed and actively involved in decisions, and informed consent and privacy legislation are taken very seriously.
3. Can you explain why hand hygiene is still such a problem in hospitals, even though everyone knows it's important? Example: I think there are several reasons. The first is workload. When a nurse is rushing between call bells, it's easy to skip a hand hygiene moment, especially the one before touching the patient's environment, like the bed rail or IV pump. The second is habit and perception. Some staff believe that wearing gloves is enough, or that a quick touch doesn't count, when in fact bacteria spread very easily through those small contacts. Third, there can be practical barriers, like hand rub dispensers that are empty or placed in the wrong spot, or skin irritation from frequent washing. And finally, there's the culture: if senior staff or physicians don't model good practice, and people don't feel comfortable reminding each other, compliance drops. That's why the best programs combine education with audits and feedback, convenient dispensers, and a culture where anyone, including patients, can say, 'Did you clean your hands?'
4. Some people say that patients should be discharged from hospital as early as possible and recover at home with home-care support. Others think this puts patients at risk. What's your opinion? Example: I'd say I'm generally in favour of early discharge, with one important condition: it has to be the right patient, with the right support in place. The evidence is fairly clear that many patients do better at home. They sleep better, they mobilize sooner, and they're less likely to pick up a hospital-acquired infection or become delirious, which is a real risk for older adults. And of course, with the pressure on beds in Canadian hospitals, it makes sense not to keep people any longer than they need to be there. That said, 'early' should never mean 'unprepared.' If a frail patient goes home without understanding their medications, or with no one to help them, we often see them back in the emergency department within days, which is worse for them and more costly for the system. So for me, the real question isn't how early, but how well. That means starting discharge planning on admission, using teach-back for self-care, completing medication reconciliation, and making sure home care is actually arranged, not just referred. When those pieces are in place, early discharge is not only safe, it's usually the best option for the patient.

Part 7 — Speaking Stage 5 — Concluding remarks

Stage 5 (about 1–2 minutes). The examiner brings the interview to a close with one or two informal questions. You are still being assessed; answer politely and naturally in full sentences, then thank the examiner. Results are not given at the end of the interview.

1. We're almost finished. What are your plans after you complete your registration? Example: Once I'm registered, I'd like to work on a medical-surgical unit in a hospital here in Edmonton, because that's where most of my experience is and I think I can contribute right away. After a year or two, I'm hoping to take a wound, ostomy and continence nursing course, since wound care is the area I'm most passionate about. In the long term, I'd love to become a resource nurse who supports other internationally educated nurses, because I know how challenging the transition can be.
2. That's all for today. Thank you very much. Is there anything you'd like to add before we finish? Example: No, I think we've covered everything. Thank you very much for your time, Karen, and for making me feel comfortable today. I really enjoyed the conversation, especially the role plays. Have a good rest of your day.