The Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux des Laurentides (CISSS des Laurentides) is reporting an exceptional result in the latest provincial nursing licensing examination, with all 94 candidates to the nursing profession (CEPI) successfully passing the exam administered by the Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec (OIIQ).
The results, released following the November 2025 examination session, give the CISSS des Laurentides a 100 percent success rate, well above the national average of 88 percent. According to the health authority, this continues a strong trend, with pass rates over the past two years fluctuating between 96 and 100 percent.
Health officials attribute the achievement to several complementary factors, beginning with the quality of college-level education received by the candidates. A large proportion of the newly certified nurses completed their training at the Cégep de Saint-Jérôme, an institution that has long been a key feeder for the Laurentides health network.
Beyond academic preparation, the CISSS des Laurentides points to the effectiveness of its structured welcome and integration program for CEPI, designed to support new graduates as they transition into clinical practice. This is complemented by a targeted exam preparation program developed internally by CISSS teams. The program focuses specifically on guiding candidates through exam content and study strategies in the final stages before the OIIQ assessment.
Since the introduction of this preparation initiative several years ago, the CISSS reports a marked improvement in exam outcomes, with success rates consistently remaining above the 90 percent threshold.
“These two programs, created by our teams, help CEPI feel well supported as they begin their careers and prepare for the exam,” said Julie Delaney, President and Chief Executive Officer of the CISSS des Laurentides, in a written statement. “Year after year, the results speak for themselves, with success rates that remain above the national average. I thank our teams for their commitment to supporting CEPI and congratulate the candidates on their success. I also thank them for choosing the Laurentides to begin their careers. Welcome to our organization.”
Retention figures further underline the impact of the program. The CISSS reports that 98 percent of CEPI remain within the Laurentides network following certification. Among the newly licensed nurses, some are continuing their university studies while remaining employed by the CISSS, while others have already taken up permanent positions in hospitals, long-term care facilities and outpatient clinics.
Officials note that all sectors across the Laurentides region are benefiting from the arrival of these new nurses, at a time when the healthcare system continues to face staffing pressures across Quebec.
The CISSS des Laurentides says it intends to maintain and further refine its support programs, viewing them as essential tools both for professional success and for strengthening long-term workforce stability in the region.
Caption:
Among the newly certified nurses at the CISSS des Laurentides who successfully passed the OIIQ exam are Mélyna Brière, Annabelle Trottier, Julianne Denis, Mary-Lee Lévesque and Shirine Yasmine Mekerri.
