Applying for Nursing license without taking Philippines NLE. Regardless of what State

[thegratefulone]

Hi, I'm new here and I just wanna say thank you to the people who made this site and those who participated in it. I bet there are a lot of people who is lost and found the answers they were looking for here.

I did a lot of searching and found some close answers to my questions here however some are outdated and policies may have changed. Or maybe the answer is posted and I just didn't know where to look for it.

I want to be a registered nurse here in the US. I have a student visa studying something else to buy some time. I came here about 3 years ago. I graduated BSN in the Philippines but I didn't take the NLE there. I'm wondering is there a way to take the NCLEX without going back to the Philippines to take the NLE?

I did a little reaserch and I heard California, Vermont and New mexico could do that but recent posts say that its too late for that because their policies have changed. I confirmed that because I called the BON of Vermont this morning and they said I needed a license in the Philipppines before I could apply to their NCLEX.

Any advice would be much appreciated...

By the way, I'm from Washington state. People here say a lot that its better to work on a state where you want to live in. Lets say, what if I'm open in living in any State...

[steppybay]

You are most certainly correct. I am residing in CA however as stated above I applied for TEXAS. It is true that you have limitations as to where you can endorse. But one has got to start somewhere if they are already in that situation. Many of us tend to just go ahead and enter a BSN program without thinking ahead of what will happen. When the time comes that you want to be licensed you are dumb founded of the policies that you had no idea of and these policies change without us knowing.

So if your in a situation like mine in which the Board of Nursing in the country you were educated in did not allow you to sit for their licensure exam. Seek states that does not require a license from your country. Have faith and eventually you will get there. You studied to be a nurse so you gotta at least start somewhere.

As for these frauds from the Philippines, they just made it hard for their fellow Filipinos who did actually study and buried themselves in books.

Yes agree!

The thing that gets me the most is that the CHED, PRC and PNA all knew of the issues years ago and never bothered to address them and simply thought that the CA BRN (the most popular state for the majority of the PH applicants and for whatever reasons) would always never ever enforce any of the rules and regulations since there was such a high demand of PH nurses.

We know that's not true any more as even those graduating from 2004-2005 onwards will most likely not become quickly eligible to meet the old 1987 rules of the concurrency policy as there's been other posters who are flatly denied the ATT or the endorsement.

While I used to fault the three primary Phils nursing agencies in the past, I've also come to realize they do NOT have to follow any other rules and regulations of any other country and especially where over 33% of all PH grads either want to go to in CA alone (stats are from the CHED themselves) meaning they don't have to comply with any of the CA BRN requirements.

As there's the other 67% that are either stuck in the PH and wish to come over or prefer to stay in the Phils and really wish to live and work and die in the PH, therefore, it's more what's good for the (PH) country is best for them and not be overly concerned about those wanting to go back home after studying or still wishes to immigrate over. There are plenty of sick patients and people needing nurses in the Phils too.

Had the CHED, PRC and PNA all got together so rather than grab all the money they can from tuitions and various fees, pack the schools beyond the maximum and pack the hospitals to hammer down the poor patients with 30-40 students asking the same questions instead of limiting the class sizes and student population like they do in the States and offer the right kind of critical thinking so that the average PH nursing student can pass the NCLEX-RN the first-time in the high 80% range vs the low 30% of the PH grads.

It's no longer a demand of any kind for PH nurses (and other international nurses as well) and with the numbers I read and see about the US hiring more due to the aging of the current older US nurses, I truly don't see that happening in the future since the US alone is graduating even higher numbers of nurses.

This I also based on the abandonment of those PH nurses who have waited so long in line to get that needed hospital job, the lack of any good and on-going sponsorship programs that calls for more bedside nursing vs clinical research nurses, the no longer existing H1-C visa (since 2009, I think), with more and more hospital jobs going to the local and US educated student nurses. While it's not impossible, it's just much tougher in today's competitive job market place.

[thegratefulone]

Yes, thank you for a bit more clarification, yes, it's correct that the PH (or your country of BSN origin) local nursing license requirement is "state-specific".

Some states do need proof and verification of such a license and other don't (but they can change that to a minimum requirement at any time, any day if they so wish, I use NV as an example, which never did before, but as of 2013, they do now).

Yes I wished I applied before they changed it..

[thegratefulone]

Hi just to clear things up. Here is my experience, I think a lot of people are confusing it... First of all, it all depends in which state your applying if you need to have a "LOCAL LICENSE" in which country you were educated.

I am a FOREIGN EDUCATED NURSE from the Philippines. I DID NOT take the PNLE, therefore I am not licensed in the Philippines. I live in California, ofcourse there's the infamous concurrency issue. Set that aside I applied for Texas. Below is the status of my application.

[TABLE=width: 593]

[TR=bgcolor: #fff5ee]

[TD]DATE COMPLETED[/TD]

[TD]ITEM REQUIRED[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]07/23/2014 [/TD]

[TD]CREDENTIAL EVALUATION RECEIVED[/TD]

[TD][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]08/12/2014 [/TD]

[TD]CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK RESULTS[/TD]

[TD][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]08/03/2014 [/TD]

[TD]NURSING JURISPRUDENCE EXAMINATION[/TD]

[TD][/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]08/01/2014 [/TD]

[TD]REGISTERED WITH PEARSON VUE[/TD]

[/TR]

[/TABLE]

All I did was avail CREDENTIAL EVALUATION SERVICE from CGFNS. Once my report was issued I then registered with TX-BON. Submitted my FINGERPRINT card to Morphotrust, registered with Pearson VUE and took the NURSING JURISPRUDENCE EXAM.

I DO NOT HAVE TO TAKE THE REFRESHER COURSE.

Those that need to take the refresher courses are the ones that have been a graduate of OVER 4 YEARS who did not complete 2 years of working experience. But if you are not a graduate of more than 4 years you are still legible to take the NCLEX.

Please note that this is based on my experience. Other states have different requirements, but do not lose hope!

Thank you so much for posting your status. I could say it's very helpful. I'm applying in WA state and I think they're the same as TX. I already sent my transcripts so hopefully it's all credited..

I also admire your optimism.. I can't imagine how many others out there are feeling a lot of stress finding a way to get a job by following the rules. I agre with Steppybay that there are inconsiderate people doing it the wrong way and jeopardizing those who are doing it truthfully..

Again thank you for your comments.. They really do help..

[kawaiibows]

:) Thank you. To be honest with you I was one of those who went home for college in the Philippines knowing that I won't be able to work in the state (CA) where I spent childhood and teenage years in. I was devastated, I knew that when it's time to go back to the U.S. that I won't even be able to pursue my dreams of being an RN. I cried.. Then I cried more.. Then I cried even more. It took me 1 year after graduation to finally seek another option and being an LVN in CA was not an option for me. I thought I wasted years of my life when I could have pursued something different, but my passion was really nursing. So I did some searching, I gathered all the states in which I have options for. Not minding the family and friends I'm gonna leave behind one day I just said okay I'm gonna do it. I consulted my family first of course. They were hesitant at first but I talked them into it eventually. Then 5 months ago I started the process, I had a lot of issues with CGFNS in which fellow AN MEMBERS helped me with, thank goodness. After 4 months of dealing with CGFNS they we're able to release my report from then on it went smoothly and quite fast! Lesson I've learned throughout this process is to not give up and never turn down opportunities. It's better to try and do it than to sit around waiting for a miracle. PERSEVERANCE AND PERSISTENCE!

Wow that was lengthy, I wish you the best of luck future RN! Keep us updated!

[PinayUSA]

Sorry, I beg to differ. There are other states that have similar minimum requirements below for those educated from outside the US borders, since you're in the state of TX, here's their rules and regulations per the link attached:

Texas Board of Nursing - Examination

See section #6-c:

All international applicants must provide proof of working in nursing for a period totaling two (2) years (i.e. 24 months) at any time after graduation from a nursing program. If you have not worked at least two (2) years as a first level, general nurse within the four (4) years preceding the filing of the application, you will not be licensed until you complete a Foreign Educated Nurse (FENS) refresher course consisting of 120 hours of classroom instruction and 120 hours of clinical practice under direct supervision of a Registered Nurse. If you are required to take the FENS refresher, you will be given a six (6) month permit to complete the refresher course.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

So one does need to pass the PNLE so that they can get "paid working experience" before one can receive the TX license. There are other provisions to still get licensed if you can pass their own course.

You just proved my point and funny thing is you think you are correct.

Loving it........

[PinayUSA]

Not really, most new grad programs (must be apply within the first year of the graduation date, NOT the month/year one passes the NCLEX and must have had zero to less than a year of paid nursing experience), then the international applicants are beyond the consideration time frame due to the expired lapse of time to be considered from the graduation date/year, having to take and pass and have evaluated courses to English proficiencies, having to wait for ATT approval and hoping to pass the NCLEX-RN the first time taking it.

Here's a quick read about the new grad situation for most international applicants: https://allnurses.com/nurse-registration/new-grad-status-702252.html

But there have been some that have gotten some kind of "offer", but it's not the new grad program per se rather a transitional program. The "offer' is not usually a job offer but it's to help one get used to some kind of hospital setting and if one does well and the people in charge of the actual hiring like you, then it's all good, but it's not 100% guarantee you'll be employed by them.

There have been a few who did have some volunteer experience in the Phils, some I think nothing and still got in, but the overall number is low compared to how many local and US residents are hired. Some of the ones getting in went to rural areas, some near bordertowns and some do the night shifts in not so desirable areas. To get the experience, true, and usually requires 2 years in to stay.

I'm not sure if these are sponsored spots (I doubt it), but not surprised if they need nurses to get their payments (income) in these nursing homes and the like but not as a true sponsored job rather something under the table.

From reading your post I think you are truly confused.

I am speaking from personal experience, getting BSN in Philippines with no work experience and not sitting for Local Exam in Philippines. Coming to Texas which in case you didn't know is the 2nd largest state in the USA after Alaska. Coming to the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex , no border or rural town and getting 2 job offers about 3 weeks after getting Authorizition To Work Document, and going to work at one the bigger hospitals in the USA a public Hospital Called John Peter Smith (JPS) as a new grad.

My case and my post will only deal with RN imported from Philippines via Family Visas.

[thegratefulone]

:) Thank you. To be honest with you I was one of those who went home for college in the Philippines knowing that I won't be able to work in the state (CA) where I spent childhood and teenage years in. I was devastated, I knew that when it's time to go back to the U.S. that I won't even be able to pursue my dreams of being an RN. I cried.. Then I cried more.. Then I cried even more. It took me 1 year after graduation to finally seek another option and being an LVN in CA was not an option for me. I thought I wasted years of my life when I could have pursued something different, but my passion was really nursing. So I did some searching, I gathered all the states in which I have options for. Not minding the family and friends I'm gonna leave behind one day I just said okay I'm gonna do it. I consulted my family first of course. They were hesitant at first but I talked them into it eventually. Then 5 months ago I started the process, I had a lot of issues with CGFNS in which fellow AN MEMBERS helped me with, thank goodness. After 4 months of dealing with CGFNS they we're able to release my report from then on it went smoothly and quite fast! Lesson I've learned throughout this process is to not give up and never turn down opportunities. It's better to try and do it than to sit around waiting for a miracle. PERSEVERANCE AND PERSISTENCE!

Wow that was lengthy, I wish you the best of luck future RN! Keep us updated!

You have a very inspiring story. I will read back to this post whenever I feel down or stressed up thank you.. I'll definitely keep trying.. Definitely, I'll update here and let you know what's going on and what's happened.. Congratulations by the way! Haha. God bless you .

[kawaiibows]

You have a very inspiring story. I will read back to this post whenever I feel down or stressed up thank you.. I'll definitely keep trying.. Definitely, I'll update here and let you know what's going on and what's happened.. Congratulations by the way! Haha. God bless you .

Thank you! All the hardships we may encounter will eventually lead us to something worth it. So keep your head up and we're here for you!

[Gheen, RN]

So Virginia does not need to have local Rn to be eligible to take nclex at va state? Now i know..