First steps for foreign educated nurse?

[Natashavp]

I have Russian nursing diploma and Russian nursing license. At the end of July I am moving to the USA and will get a green card after entering USA.

Could you tell me what my first steps should be to evaluate diploma and proceed to NCLEX exam? I see that CGFNS has different programs - which one should I apply - CP or CES?

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

1. Decide which state where you plan to live and work

2. Review the state board of nursing websites for licensing by examination as an internationally educated nurse.

3. Most states require CES from CGFNS, NY requires CVS, WI requires certification/CGFNS. CA does its own assessment.

4. Once assessment complete apply to the BoN. If your credentials are deemed acceptable by BoN standards register with Pearson Vue & pay and an authorization to test (take the nclex will be issued. NCLEX is one step in the licensing process. No one is guaranteed eligibility to take the NCLEX)

[Natashavp]

Thank you, JustBeachyNurse!

I will reside in MA and looking now at MA Nursing License Requirements for international candidates. It says:

1.

RNs are eligible to pursue the CGFNS2 Qualifying Examination Certificate or VisaSceen Certificate. (A CES report is also acceptable if it includes details about science and nursing courses.) - does it applicable to me? Should I proceed with application and paying fee?

2.

International Graduates will submit a Certification of Graduation to PCS.

- should I also submit application to PCS?

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

I have no idea as I'm not from Massachusetts. VSC is for visa entry. Contact MABoN for advice.

[aikausa]

I am not sure how this website works. I am from Kazakhstan and got my nursing diploma evaluated at CGFNS. I can give you couple tips

[Natashavp]

Hello aikausa,

I called to the MABoN and they told that they are fine with either CES, CP or VisaScreening program from CGFNS. If I select CES which is much easier would I still have to take an English proficiency exam and pass CGFNS exam as well? Or I might get an access to NCLEX directly without any additional exams?

Nursing college prepared all Requests to mail to CGFNS: should translated copies of diploma, academic records and certificate be notarized or apostille certified?

Do I have to send a high school record if I graduated high school more than 10 years ago?

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

CES does not require the CGFNS exam.

[Natashavp]

I might have asked the incorrect question, sorry :) Yes, I know that CES does not require CGFNS exam. I'm afraid of the situation when I would be said: no, you chose the wrong procedure, your diploma does not allow you to go directly to NCLEX, you should pass first CGFNS Qualifying exam, TOEFL (in any case cause my education language is not English), therefore you should have applied for CP instead of CES. And all my previous steps will be all waste of time and money.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Only two states require the CGFNS exam. Proof of English competency depends on the state. Were you taught in English with English texts?

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Looks like proof of English competency is required for those who don't have English as a first language or were not taught in English with English texts.

http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/docs/dph/quality/boards/english-proficiency.pdf

https://pcshq.com/?page=MarchCertificateofGrad31515.pdf

If you submit for CES, you won't have to do the certification program. But if you had previously applied to a state that mandated the CP/CGFNS exam they will accept that in lieu of CES.

[Natashavp]

Got it, thanks! And what if my diploma requires additional US education and I will have to take some classes/hours after evaluation? Does it change anything or I may as well apply for CES?