for those settled RNs.... i need your assistance.. i'm a restless voyager.

[yousev]

Hi guys! I’m a Filipino nurse with a multiple tourist visa but haven’t taken any foreign nor english exams. I just arrived from the US for vacation and filed my application for my NCLEX in the State of California. I preferred to be back home here in the Philippines to do self-review coz I don’t want to spoil my days living there ( considering that I can’t review well in the place I used to live in there because the brat kids keep on disturbing me every time and I can’t find any conducive place for my review) and also, my visa might expire before getting my ATT. So I decided to just go back in the US or either way take my NCLEX in Saipan or Guam or if the California Board of Registered Nursing would allow me to take it in Hawaii as soon as I get my ATT. Would you think my decision is okay and justifiable? I’ve already talked to a facility who’s willing to petition me even without my English exam. And I do have lists of agencies willing to petition. I just have to pass the NCLEX right now to have a better future in the US. But when I was there, I’ve seen how life goes. And being tough is not just the only mean to surpass the pressures, confidence has to do something… it adds up. And I know now how hard and crazy living there. If you don’t have car + driver’s license (and doesn’t even know how to drive), house/apartment/townhouse and job ------- you suck! I’m now also finding any means to find someone willing to petition in New Zealand, Australia and London coz I don’t feel like working and practicing my profession in California. Do I need to take any nursing exams if ever I’d like to work in another state of America or can I just take an endorsement even without taking my CGFNS and any English exams? But at this point in time as I’m waiting for my ATT, I’m really confused where I’d like to begin my career. I have a restless mind right now. Please help me clear my mind.

[leeh]

Dear Kabayan,

I myself am confused of what you really want for yourself. If you still intend to work in the US, I think you did the right thing. You take the Nclex and english exam first before coming back. Having a multiple visa is an advantage on your part. You can come back anytime after you pass the exams and it would be easier for you to look for a sponsor. If you want to work in a US state other than california, you can request for an endorsement of license (once you pass the nclex) from CA-BON to the state where you want to work. Cgfns is a requirement in some of the other states though (it's not required in cali). Since you're already waiting for your ATT, I suggest you focus your mind on your nclex preparation. So that when your ATT comes, you'll be prepared to face the nclex!

Rest your mind and think of what you really want...YOU are the only person who knows what will make you happy. Good luck! I'll be praying for you.