Any nurses from Finland working in US?

suzanne4, RN · Jun 18, 2004

Can't help with those exact answers, but you will have the easiest time if you

do get your equivalent to a BSN. Not sure if they use the exact title there or not. The trend is towards A BSN as entry level for new grads, and by the time you finish, who knows? You will also have the most chances for advancement with this type of degree.

It all will come down to if you will be getting a visa in the end on your own, or because you are married. Much easier restrictions if you are married, as far as a visa.

And let me extend a big welcome to you................. :balloons:

LonelyMoon · Jun 18, 2004

Hi Suzanne!

Thanks for your reply.

Actually, I plan to enroll in Bachelor Degree in Nursing Program in Finland.

However, I am not sure whether it will be evaluated as US BSN..

Thats's why I am interested in experience of those who hold finnish degrees.

We might move to States even earlier my graduation, so I am also interested in transfering to the US nursing school.

Also, do you know of any comprehensive web-resourse where I can find equvalencies between US Nursing degrees and the foreign ones?

Thanks

suzanne4, RN · Jun 18, 2004

Your degree will be fine. The US requires that you be a generalist, not a specialist. The UK as well as Australia now trains nurses as specialists and they have to complete the required hours before they can be licensed.

Your credentials will need to be evaluated by CGFNS depending on where you wish to work and get your license from. As long as you are getting a your bachelor's degree in nursing, you will have no problem. You will be responsible for completing a full set of the English exams if you need to have a Visa Screen Certificate. Currently, if you are married or engaged to an American when you get petitioned, you do not need to do that.

All CGFNS will tell you if you contact them is that they review each candidate on a case by case basis. I do not know of one nurse that has been turned down with a Bachelor's degree due to transcripts, it would have to be something of a criminal problem.

Don't worry and just enjoy your schooling............. :balloons:

suzanne4, RN · Jun 18, 2004

Hi Suzanne!
Thanks for your reply.
Actually, I plan to enroll in Bachelor Degree in Nursing Program in Finland.
However, I am not sure whether it will be evaluated as US BSN..
Thats's why I am interested in experience of those who hold finnish degrees.
We might move to States even earlier my graduation, so I am also interested in transfering to the US nursing school.
Also, do you know of any comprehensive web-resourse where I can find equvalencies between US Nursing degrees and the foreign ones?
Thanks

The only US requirement is that you are a "professional" nurse in your country. The Bachelor's degree meets that requirement.

Susapet · Jun 23, 2004

I am from Sweden and are getting my certification in the USA, hopefully in a soon future. I have during this time met a finnish lady who had no problem getting her certification in the USA. She has now moved to North Carolina.

I think we have a good education in our countries that covers the whole area we need to be certified in the USA.

I wish you good luck and think it is a different way of thinking in the USA compared to Sweden and Norway..........

Think of that you can make it even if it seems to be a big mountain to climb.......just hang in there........

Bye Susanne

Great Scott · Aug 3, 2004

Well I graduated in May from a Polytechnic with a Bachelors in Nursing and right now am going through all the lengthy paperwork that will allow me to work in the US as a nurse. I will let you know how easy it is after all is said and done.

LonelyMoon · Aug 3, 2004

Great Scott,

Thanks for the reply! Good luck to you in paperwork process!

I will appreciate very much if you share your experience with me!