Can a American educated RN with an ADN work in the United Kingdom

[Gerry1888RN]

I have been accepted to a ADN Nursing program at a community college in AZ that starts next week. I am a British citizen, here in the USA, on a F1 student visa. At present, I will be unable to further my education after I graduate from the associates degree program at the community college that I am attending. I know that I will be able to apply for OPT after I graduate from the school so that I will have some work experience, but I am not sure if having a two year degree, and one year of OPT, will be enough for me to be registered as a nurse in the UK, or even Ireland, as I do not need a visa to work in either country. Also, if I do not qualify to work in either country in 3 years time, would I be able to work in any other English speaking country as a United States trained nurse with an ADN. I have heard that many countries will only hire RN's with a bachelors degree. I prefer to remain in the USA and work for a few years after I graduate and eventually return to a state university to acheive a BSN, but that is not possible for me as I will not have enough money to do so. Any positive information on this subject will be very helpful to me as I am having second thoughts about completing my nurse training in the United States.

[nightmare, RN]

Moved to International forum for more informed input.

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

It is hard to say as it is all worked out on hours. Check out the overseas NMC section and read the handbook as it mentions desired hours NMC overseas

[suzanne4, RN]

The two year ADN is not accepted for licensure by the NMC. They require that you be enrolled in a full three year program at the minimum.

Unfortunately, most other countries will not accept the two year training either.

Canada currently has only one province that is not requiring the BSN and we expect that they will require it by the time that you are done with your program.

Best of luck to you.