Hello angelrulz15. Here are my questions to you first:
1. Are you a Permanent resident or American citizen ? (I am .)
2. What school did you graduate from?
3. Do you self-review or pay money to review from others?
As for me, I will answer your queries point by point:
1. I want to try my luck in NCLEX as well but kinda confused if it's worth the risk for my money paying the application since it's recession in US.
Answer: If you are an American citizen or Permanent Resident, it is not taking a risk, you have to take it. It is the only way before you can get employed. Certification = Licensing. When you are licensed, you are qualified to work.
2. It's kinda surprising that you got employed already within months after graduation there in FL without any experience. Did you have a "backer" sorry for the term you know what I mean?
Answer: I felt insulted with your term "backer". But anyway, that is how Filipinos think. I forgive you. After graduation (March 2011), I applied both to the PRC and later to BON Florida. I decided to take the local NLE because I have always thought that sooner or later, BONs here in the USA will require graduates of foreign nursing schools to take the local board first before they go to the USA. As of now, they are not requiring it. It took me almost 6 months of waiting before CGFNS finally approved my credentials. I paid them $400 for credential evaluation and clearance. When my ATT arrived, I scheduled my exam in 2 weeks then I passed. I'm sorry, it's not August 2011 but October 2011 (my bad). I have always believed in self review. I dislike review centers who charge a lot of money but teach non-sense. After I passed, I submitted applications online. That is what hospitals require, ONLINE APPLICATIONS. They don't want you inquiring over the telephone. 2 days later, the hospital called me up and pre-interviewed me over the phone. The HR personnel maybe got impressed that is why she scheduled me up for a more complete interview with the nurse manager. 4 days later, the nurse manager interviewed me, along with her assistant manager, and 2 staff nurses (total of 4 interviewers, they are all Caucasians). Some questions were clinical but the rest is that, I could sense they are evaluating my social-personal skills; they are determining if I am a TEAM PLAYER. So finally, after 2 hours of interaction, they hired me on the spot. They toured me on the ICU floor and met the rest of the staff. Unfortunately, there are no other Filipinos. The other Filipinos are in the PACU, Med-Surg, Nephro etc. So, to answer your question, I have no backer. That works only in third world countries like the Philippines. Sorry to say that. I am Filipino too. Moreover, the nurse manager who hired me said she prefers NEW GRADS since apparently, they have not yet developed the BAD HABITS of more experienced nurses (like slacking, calling in sick etc
).
3. How many months did it take for you to apply for and take the NCLEX by the way?
Approximately 6 months. April to September 2011. CGFNS made sure, I am who really I declare I am and also they will verify with the school for sure.
PS: Unfortunately, some of the American grads who took ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) who failed the NCLEX have to be fired (they work as nurse technicians). That's how it is. But of course, they can always take it again and re-apply later. FLORIDA BON now requires a BSN degree. So, graduates from the Philippines obviously have an advantage.
Nov 18, '11 by FLnurse11Hello angelrulz15. Here are my questions to you first:
