5 Best Practices to Ace Your Inspire Global SLA (Simulation Lab Assessment) as an IEN
If you’re an Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN) preparing for the Inspire Global Assessment SLA (Simulation Lab Assessment), you might be feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. I want to tell you that’s completely normal—this assessment is a major milestone in your journey toward nursing practice in Canada. As a former nursing instructor and mentor to many IENs, I want to share five powerful strategies that will help you feel confident and prepared when you step into your SLA.
1. Master the Physical Nursing Assessment—Efficiently and Thoroughly
One of the most commonly tested stations is the physical nursing assessment, and it’s where many IENs feel the most pressure. Here's how to stand out:
Practice in real-time: Set a 10–15-minute timer and rehearse as if you’re in a real scenario.
Prioritize a systematic approach (Inspection, Palpation, Auscultation).
Say what you’re doing and why—this shows critical thinking.
Don’t skip safety checks like bed brakes, hand hygiene, and patient identity.
💡 Pro tip: Use a checklist to self-grade after each practice.
2. Apply the CJMM Model—Show Your Clinical Judgment
The Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (CJMM) is at the core of your SLA. It’s not just about skills—it’s about how you think.
To demonstrate strong clinical judgment:
Recognize cues (What are the abnormal findings?)
Analyze cues (What do these signs mean?)
Prioritize actions (What is urgent? What can wait?)
Respond (How will you intervene and communicate?)
Reflect (Did it work? What will you do next time?)
💬 Practice with case studies and use this model to break down your decisions out loud during simulation prep.
3. Practice I-SBAR Communication—Confidently and Clearly
Clear, concise, and focused communication is essential. The I-SBAR framework (Introduction, Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) is often assessed directly or indirectly.
Here’s how to practice:
Simulate calling a physician using I-SBAR with a partner or in front of a mirror.
Record yourself and listen back—Are you concise and confident?
Avoid rambling—be direct, professional, and factual.
🗣️ Example:
"Dr. Smith, this is RN Maria from Unit B. I’m calling about Mr. Chan who is short of breath with a new oxygen saturation of 88%..."
4. Prioritize Infection Control—It’s Non-Negotiable
Hand hygiene, PPE use, and aseptic technique can make or break your performance.
Key reminders:
Always perform hand hygiene before and after every patient encounter—even if it's just a simulation.
Don and doff PPE correctly if indicated (e.g., wounds, droplet precautions).
Maintain aseptic technique during dressing changes or medication administration.
🚩 Hand hygiene might be something simple but it is something that can also be easily forgotten. Don’t overlook this as this is part of what they are evaluating.
5. Take Care of Your Mental Health—Stay Calm and Focused
Even the most prepared nurses can underperform due to anxiety or fatigue. Set yourself up for success by:
Getting enough sleep the night before.
Practicing breathing exercises or meditation (even 5 minutes helps).
Reframing your mindset: “I’ve trained for this. I am ready.”
Avoid comparing yourself to others on the same day. Focus on your own path.
🧘♀️ As a yoga teacher and nurse educator, I always remind IENs: A calm mind = a sharp mind.
Final Words of Encouragement
Remember, the SLA is not meant to trick you—it’s meant to assess your readiness to practice safely. You already have the foundation—you just need to demonstrate it in a Canadian context.
If you’re looking for structured preparation, I offer a dedicated course for IENs focused on mastering the SLA and CBA, with case scenario lecture videos, over 300 CBA practice questions, I-SBAR scripts, and mock scenarios that mirror the Inspire Global format.
You’ve come so far—keep going. Your nursing license in Canada is within reach.
👉 Click below to learn more about the course
