received ATT in California after 13 months from Graduating from PH

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Hello everyone, I know many of you are wondering how I was able to do it. But first lets look back at the events leading to this moment. I Graduated last march 2012 and applied to the board of Nursing within days of coming back to the US. the process was slow at first, receiving letters of more documents that needed to be sent in and then finally after 7 months I have received the letter that told me I needed to take MS and OB again!!! I went online looking for answers on allnurses.com however I didn't know there were so many just like me who were in the same dilemma. I was shocked and a little discourage.

so I began at once to call every nursing school in California and only 3 schools were willing to accommodate with hundreds on the waiting list. I knew this was no good. this wasn't acceptable but I just sent in the requirements to be put on the waiting list. I then decided to continue my search outside of California, I wrote to every nursing school accredited by CCNE starting from the west coast working my way to the east coast. I was already in Arizona when I received a reply that gave me some hope but it wasn't meant to be.

I then turned to prayer. my mom gave me a prayer to Saint Theresa and I said it every day for 5 days as instructed before 11 A.M. I followed the prayer asking God to help me. and by the 5th day after lunch time I received a letter from a school (I cannot mention names, or contact information as stated by the terms of agreement).

the letter stated:

Good morning *****, I have been slow in my response as I wanted to make sure I had the correct information. below is a copy of the policy which would allow you to enroll in the classes.

Ob will be offered in this upcoming semester which begins Nov *, there is also a med-surg class the first in a two part series which will be offered beginning Nov *, thus you would need to be prompt in your efforts to contact the office of admissions. (it was already Oct 17), we look forward to your response.

Sincerely

Flower (this isn't her real name but it is a type of flower)

from this point I couldn't believe it. I had already contacted nearly 100 schools and this was the first that gave me hope. I replied as soon as possible asking follow up question after follow up question. she gave me instruction to notify the register for my intent along with the undrergraduate coordinator. everything was going so smoothly. I could not believe it. How come? what was the catch?? but I didn't want to say that I just wanted to enroll. this could be my only chance to. then I had to ask, does it come with clinical components? then I she replied yes.

I was so happy. I made arrangements to meet with the undergrad coordinator and had a private tour of the campus. I could not believe that this was happening to me, so smoothly and I was able to comply with all the requirements needed for enrollment. A week later I moved to ****** and buying my scrubs for clinicals.

the first day of class everyone was welcoming to me and these people are some of the coolest people I know for they welcomed me into their cohort. both classes were difficult but then I knew that I would not waste this opportunity. i'm here to study and to pass. work now, play later...

my stay at ******** university was really a lived experience. I had learned so much here from my clinical instructors and my professors. along the way I made some really good friends that helped me throughout the semester.

after 4 months of school I had done it! I passed both classes and complied with CA-BRN. It took nearly 2 months to receive my eligibility letter and then my ATT. I am now scheduled to take the exam next month.

I am writing this post to give others hope. someone told me to write my experience to give hope to others. So don't give up and remember to keep prayer in mind. it really works.

SoCalNurse88

Bad news everyone the school where I was able to take the classes is no longer accepting students. my friend emailed the dean this afternoon and received this message, "We will not be accepting any non-admitted students at this time. We may consider it in the future, but it will not be until March of 2014 and that will depend on the number of traditional students. We have accepted students in the past, but are not currently accepting students who were educated in the Philippines." I was a little shocked when I heard about the last part. I wonder if the students that are enrolled right now are not doing so well in both classes.:(. I will be glad to entertain questions from anyone for another week just send a message, If I don't reply right away it is because a lot of people have messaged me and I am trying to reply to each one by one at the same time prepare for the board.

SoCalNurse88

That's really ok, as many kababayans really didn't want to go to AZ or any place out of state if all at possible. AZ was mentioned in your postings as the out of state school you got your deficiencies completed from.

Anyways, since you're close friend's with lyly, have you contacted her recently or your other close friends who got their deficiencies done in CA and received their ATT's and soon to take the NCLEX-RN? What schools did they call attend recently?

I think the majority of us PH grads and nurses prefer to stay closer in CA and those from Nor CAL probably would prefer any place in CA versus AZ or out of state.

Just in case here's lyly posting thread and an comment she made:

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-student/raised-america-nursing-831332.html

Reply from lyly from the above thread:

"QUOTE" Hi steppybay, thank you for reading my article. I'm glad you can empathize with my experience.

According to my friends, there are a list of schools provided by the California Board of Registered Nursing. My friends said you can look at their website and just research all the schools there are. Most of them were from the south so they are taking their extra units around that area. I know it's going to be a tough road ahead, especially with the stricter enforcement of the law and concurrency issues but like I said before, if one is really passionate for what they want, it will be done!

I just sent all of the application requirements to the board last April 16. I'll update everyone with what happens next.

By the way, are you also in this same sticky situation? Thanks for the comment again! "QUOTE"

Lyly states that your close friends or her friends went to So CAL to get the deficient classes done to meet the CA BON requirements, can you find out what was the CA school's name?

Yes, I can agree with private messages, but better to post up the answer to the CA schools here versus being bombarded by the message's board.

Thanks again and good luck with the NCLEX-RN exam, you can do it!!

That's really ok, as many kababayans really didn't want to go to AZ or any place out of state if all at possible. AZ was mentioned in your postings as the out of state school you got your deficiencies completed from.

Anyways, since you're close friend's with lyly, have you contacted her recently or your other close friends who got their deficiencies done in CA and received their ATT's and soon to take the NCLEX-RN? What schools did they call attend recently?

I think the majority of us PH grads and nurses prefer to stay closer in CA and those from Nor CAL probably would prefer any place in CA versus AZ or out of state.

Just in case here's lyly posting thread and an comment she made:

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-student/raised-america-nursing-831332.html

Reply from lyly from the above thread:

"QUOTE" Hi steppybay, thank you for reading my article. I'm glad you can empathize with my experience.

According to my friends, there are a list of schools provided by the California Board of Registered Nursing. My friends said you can look at their website and just research all the schools there are. Most of them were from the south so they are taking their extra units around that area. I know it's going to be a tough road ahead, especially with the stricter enforcement of the law and concurrency issues but like I said before, if one is really passionate for what they want, it will be done!

I just sent all of the application requirements to the board last April 16. I'll update everyone with what happens next.

By the way, are you also in this same sticky situation? Thanks for the comment again! "QUOTE"

Lyly states that your close friends or her friends went to So CAL to get the deficient classes done to meet the CA BON requirements, can you find out what was the CA school's name?

Yes, I can agree with private messages, but better to post up the answer to the CA schools here versus being bombarded by the message's board.

Thanks again and good luck with the NCLEX-RN exam, you can do it!!

Hi everyone, I apologize for the disappointment and my misunderstanding but my friends from Southern California all went to out of state universities to take up their deficiencies.

I am so sorry about the inconvenience this may have caused as I did not really update myself clearly with them before I posted that comment.

I hope you can forgive me, I understand all the frustrations you may all be feeling.

As of right now actually I am waiting upon more requirements from my nursing school in order to send to the Ca-BRN.

I can already feel that I am part of this very difficult situation of foreign graduates so as of now I will just keep on the lookout for any school in California that can be of hope for us,

I apologize again and may God Bless us all in this disheartening matter.

That's really ok, as many kababayans really didn't want to go to AZ or any place out of state if all at possible. AZ was mentioned in your postings as the out of state school you got your deficiencies completed from.

Anyways, since you're close friend's with lyly, have you contacted her recently or your other close friends who got their deficiencies done in CA and received their ATT's and soon to take the NCLEX-RN? What schools did they call attend recently?

I think the majority of us PH grads and nurses prefer to stay closer in CA and those from Nor CAL probably would prefer any place in CA versus AZ or out of state.

Just in case here's lyly posting thread and an comment she made:

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-student/raised-america-nursing-831332.html

Reply from lyly from the above thread:

"QUOTE" Hi steppybay, thank you for reading my article. I'm glad you can empathize with my experience.

According to my friends, there are a list of schools provided by the California Board of Registered Nursing. My friends said you can look at their website and just research all the schools there are. Most of them were from the south so they are taking their extra units around that area. I know it's going to be a tough road ahead, especially with the stricter enforcement of the law and concurrency issues but like I said before, if one is really passionate for what they want, it will be done!

I just sent all of the application requirements to the board last April 16. I'll update everyone with what happens next.

By the way, are you also in this same sticky situation? Thanks for the comment again! "QUOTE"

Lyly states that your close friends or her friends went to So CAL to get the deficient classes done to meet the CA BON requirements, can you find out what was the CA school's name?

Yes, I can agree with private messages, but better to post up the answer to the CA schools here versus being bombarded by the message's board.

Thanks again and good luck with the NCLEX-RN exam, you can do it!!

Thanks Steppybay for the support. I know you have been searching for a long time. lyly friends I not sure where they are taking their deficiencies in California, but according to my research throughout various threads and I think you may already know this. the only schools that are willing to put foreign students with concurrency issues on their waiting list are:

1) Mount Saint Mary's College

2) San Francisco State University

3) Sammuel Merritt University

4) National University

5) West Coast University.

6) Cal State Fresno

if lyly's friends are in any school those are the ones that give the best chance. How long the wait list is? I don't know. but I have personally called each one of these schools along with every other school in California, and no such luck. How many spots there are Im not sure either. I understand going out of state seems impractical however, this maybe the only solution to become an RN in California. Before applying to any school out of state, make sure they are CCNE approved. Make sure the BRN knows about your intent, and make sure you pass the class!!!!! I can not stress this enough!!!! because depending how you do in the class only affects those coming after you as stated in my previous post.

SoCalNurse88

Hi everyone, I apologize for the disappointment and my misunderstanding but my friends from Southern California all went to out of state universities to take up their deficiencies.

I am so sorry about the inconvenience this may have caused as I did not really update myself clearly with them before I posted that comment.

I hope you can forgive me, I understand all the frustrations you may all be feeling.

As of right now actually I am waiting upon more requirements from my nursing school in order to send to the Ca-BRN.

I can already feel that I am part of this very difficult situation of foreign graduates so as of now I will just keep on the lookout for any school in California that can be of hope for us,

I apologize again and may God Bless us all in this disheartening matter.

Okay got it, thanks! Since your friends already got their deficiencies from the other out of state schools and have already obtained their ATT in CA, can you tell all of us what states and the name of the schools?

I'm sure there will be many kababayans that maybe willing to go out of CA like your friends and become a CA RN and not have to worry about the endorsement process, thanks again!

Hi Everyone, looks like I cant respond through PM here so here is my email: [email protected].

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Hi Everyone, looks like I cant respond through PM here so here is my email: [email protected].
You need 2 more posts to have access to the PM system or you may upgrade your membership....Support the site and get more perks in the process!

I am curious.....there are 37 other states that do not have concurrent requirements.

Why California? What is so special about this state?

You need 2 more posts to have access to the PM system or you may upgrade your membership....Support the site and get more perks in the process!

I am curious.....there are 37 other states that do not have concurrent requirements.

Why California? What is so special about this state?

Hi there Esme12! the reason why California is having concurrency requirements along with a few other states is based on a post I read from Allnurses.com. the post was about how people were buying fake documents to be eligible to take NCLEX-RN. I'm not sure if this is true but it seems possible. i think California BRN is just trying to make sure that the nurses who take the NCLEX are actual nurses because the health care industry focusses on saving lives. i don't think its fair for us who graduated 4 years in a nursing school while others simply just buy the necessary documents.

I agree that nurses should go back to school just to learn how the practice is in the United States. When i took my deficiencies in another state i learned so much and i think that it will help me in my future career.

However for the hundreds if not thousands who are finding it difficult to find a nursing school, the California Board should find a way to help those with concurrency issues. However it is not the fault of the board for they have no control on student enrollment, it depends on the school. It would be nice if they took that into consideration. Pretty soon the rest of the 37 states will adopt the concurrency issue along with the US territories. it is just a matter of time. California was the first and then other states have begin to follow.

Hi there Esme12! the reason why California is having concurrency requirements along with a few other states is based on a post I read from Allnurses.com. the post was about how people were buying fake documents to be eligible to take NCLEX-RN. I'm not sure if this is true but it seems possible. i think California BRN is just trying to make sure that the nurses who take the NCLEX are actual nurses because the health care industry focusses on saving lives. i don't think its fair for us who graduated 4 years in a nursing school while others simply just buy the necessary documents.

I agree that nurses should go back to school just to learn how the practice is in the United States. When i took my deficiencies in another state i learned so much and i think that it will help me in my future career.

However for the hundreds if not thousands who are finding it difficult to find a nursing school, the California Board should find a way to help those with concurrency issues. However it is not the fault of the board for they have no control on student enrollment, it depends on the school. It would be nice if they took that into consideration. Pretty soon the rest of the 37 states will adopt the concurrency issue along with the US territories. it is just a matter of time. California was the first and then other states have begin to follow.

Here's a thread from others about the Recto (fake) documents that can be easily purchased from the street in the Phils: CLICK here: https://allnurses.com/nurse-registration/recent-ca-bon-687636.html

There's documented evidence from the CA BON about the fake paperwork from the above topic.

I think what happened is that it's true when the CA BON started to find pattern of many dishonest PH students and PH nurses passing the fake documents, somewhere along the way, it was also found that they saw the issue with the concurrency problems. Then probably while there have been many "true and legal" paperwork, it was still found that concurrency issues was still there.

There are some more recent postings about others here who know of students "adjusting" the paperwork with other students so as to meet the concurrency. It makes you wonder of those reporting here of how they were denied the ATT in CA, but yet, their batchmates all got the approval to take the test in CA. Amongst my batchmates, we heard of this but I didn't know of anyone personally, if I did, I would have reported to the CA BON their names (even if it was my sister, but she's not in the nursing field, lucky for her, lol). I think since the CA BON evaluator can only go by received paperwork from the PH colleges and are separated by last names, the chances of catching one is lessen by that. However, if the CA BON matched up by college names and the month and year of graduation dates, they will probably find more possible fraudulent documentation.

That's why in a CA BON survey published, there's been 4 special investigators in Nor CAL and 14 special investigators in So CAL. CLICK here: https://allnurses.com/nurse-registration/ca-brn-2011-a-807328.html

Again, to me this is totally not only dishonest, but robs those of us who worked hard, parents suffered (financially), played by the game and set of rules only to have to pay for those greedy and self-serving people. What gets me are those that claim so much religion beliefs and honesty yet, they will gladly sell their souls to the Devil to get ahead.

The rules and regulations regarding the concurrency requirements have been established in CA since 1952. Either the CHED programs did meet the minimum prior to 2004 or if not, it was brushed aside allowing more and more international nurses (aka perceived "nursing shortage") into CA and most other states to meet the mandated nurse to patient ratio so that the hospitals could keep their doors open for business or run the risk of being shut down by the state for not staffing enough. But that's all changed now, as more and more USA educated nurses came into the scene.

With that said, there's really no demand for PH nurses if you read this article from the BBC of July, 2012: CLICK here: https://allnurses.com/nurse-registration/us-labor-market-779683.html

I mean, there's been very little postings from recent successful PH students and nurses that have gotten a good and real hospital job (not counting those hired (if any) with nursing homes, private duty nurses, caregivers, SNF or LTC....) again, not wrong with those and it can be a step towards acute care hospitals, but many times, you read it only makes one stuck into that field and unable to move out for a long time, as it's not considered the right kind of experience hospitals are looking for in today's very competitive job market. For me and many batchmates of mine prefer to get into NICU, ER, L&D, Peds, OR, etc.

I don't think the CA BON has any responsibility to any international student as we must meet the same standards that the US and whatever state one wishes to work and practice in. The CA BON and the CA colleges are two complete different entities and have different enforcement policies and agendas but yet with somewhat of a common cause. Here's one of the best arguments in partial to that from the OP's original statement/comments: CLICK here: https://allnurses.com/nurse-registration/who-blame-ca-682278.html

The CHED, PRC and PNA supposedly came to talk to the CA BON main office back in Dec. 2012 and recently as of early Feb. 2013 to discuss the concurrency issues and lack of certain courses, etc (as reported by other members here, but I don't think anything came out of these meetings and probably the CA BON people told the PH agencies to simply comply, get your *** together or else your students will keep to suffer due to the problems the CHED is trying to solve or can't solve. Clearly, not a CA BON or any state's BONs fault, the rules have been set forth, meet it or don't bother us.

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Hi there Esme12! the reason why California is having concurrency requirements along with a few other states is based on a post I read from Allnurses.com. the post was about how people were buying fake documents to be eligible to take NCLEX-RN. I'm not sure if this is true but it seems possible. i think California BRN is just trying to make sure that the nurses who take the NCLEX are actual nurses because the health care industry focusses on saving lives. i don't think its fair for us who graduated 4 years in a nursing school while others simply just buy the necessary documents.

I agree that nurses should go back to school just to learn how the practice is in the United States. When i took my deficiencies in another state i learned so much and i think that it will help me in my future career.

However for the hundreds if not thousands who are finding it difficult to find a nursing school, the California Board should find a way to help those with concurrency issues. However it is not the fault of the board for they have no control on student enrollment, it depends on the school. It would be nice if they took that into consideration. Pretty soon the rest of the 37 states will adopt the concurrency issue along with the US territories. it is just a matter of time. California was the first and then other states have begin to follow.

It is not only the Philippines that these state have an issue with. New York recently also had issues with Excelsior and California recently rescinded the acceptance of ICU school of nursing based on the same grounds. The BOON of interest has developed many who wish to cash in on the nursing profession craze and for profit schools have cropped up all across the US.

Concurrency has been on the books for many states but recently are more strictly enforced. It's a quality of the education issue and it affect US entices as well. Fraudulent documents have not helped the situation.

California and the other states are not responsible for the education that is received...they are however liable to the citizen of the US to ensure the quality of it's nursing professionals. Even when US students are warned about these facilities that may not be accepted by all states...they insist that their school/eduction is sufficient.

California is a focus of many nurses not only foreign educated nurses due to the high rate of pay. There are other states they can obtain a license but that will not guarantee thier licensure to CA.

Buyer beware.

What is Recto?

Congratulations for having your ATT. I have a question, I am also affected by the concurrency issue, Did the BRN ask you for a CHED memorandum Order letter?

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