Hello Marian. To answer your question, yes, this has happened to others before you and yes, a large fault does fall at the feet of your recruiter.
I am however torn on this subject because PBDS takes into account the nursing that you are doing on a day to day basis. The test does not present itself in the best way, but it is a tool to assess nursing skill. I have taken it several times (critical care section) and while it does present a challenge, I found it easier than my recollection of nursing boards. But it is also a test for which you like to be prepared. I had already taken it several times, but was still pissed when I learned I would have to take it on an assignment where my recruiter made no mention of it. Sending a first time traveler to a PBDS facility without preparation is a HUGE mistake on the part of your recruiter.
The fact of the matter is that as a traveler you will be tested (in one way or another) on every assignment you work. Some will be in the form of competencies on things like medications or drug calculations and some will be on the job (where preceptors or coworkers are evaluating your skills as a nurse). It's hard to go into a situation where no one knows your skill set, but you've been practicing for years or decades. It's always a challenge in the beginning of an assignment because you are always asked to prove something to someone.
I never like to hear that a traveler will limit themselves to assignment choice based on whether or not they will have to take PBDS. It's far better to gain an understanding of the test and make it one less obstacle. Plus, once you take and pass the test, you can request confirmation of this which you can use on other assignments that use PBDS (I think it is either six months or a year that it enables you to not have to take it again).
In my book I did include a section on PBDS and even included a practice section to help people prepare. However, I wouldn't suggest the need to buy the book solely for a section on PBDS. As was mentioned before, there is a guide on Pan Travelers and Cross Country actually has a power point on the web regarding PBDS (http://www.crosscountryuniversity.com/ccu/resources/images/pdfs/2008-PBDS.pdf)
What I tell people is to kill 'em with information on the test. Write down every intervention you can think of and this is one time where you want to elaborate as much as you can. Even if you do not know the answer, the facility wants to make sure you would at least do something to find the answer. If you draw a total blank, calling the physician or calling a rapid response never hurts as an answer. Also, ask to have a review of your test results (whether you pass or fail). Looking at your answers through the eyes of the evaluators only helps you understand what responses they want.
You can also hit the travel forums on the web to see if you can find experiences others have had with PBDS. Try not to get wrapped up in the hype that many people promote (never taking assignments at PBDS facilities, etc); this only works to make the test harder than it is. But now that you have actually taken it, use that to your advantage in preparing for next time. Sure, you can avoid PBDS facilities, but what happens if your recruiter doesn't know they use PBDS and then you find out on another assignment that you will have to take it? If you continue to build the fear of it, it will certainly affect yor ability to pass it in the future. But if you gain more of an understanding of it, you will be far better prepared to achieve success.
Sorry that your first assignment turned out this way. If you would, could you please let all of us know the reaction from your company and what they did (if anything) to correct the situation? Thanks Marian.
David
http://travelnursesbible.com
