Any Australian trained RNs working in the US?

Published

Hello, I hope someone can help :). I completed my University degree last year and have been working as an RN since January in Australia. I've been studying for the NCLEX-RN test in hope of moving over soon, unfortunately I didn't pass the test last month, it was so hard! :(. The content we studied at Uni is different and the medications also have different names. Any tips or advice from an Australian who passed the test?? I'm using Kaplan and Saunders as study guides... any help would be greatly appreciated!! Cheers :).

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You also might want to post your question in the Australian nursing forum, where more Australian members are more likely to view it. Best advice I can give is to get another study guide and use all your study guides to get used to the American way of posing the questions. Or, if you can afford it, attend an in person or online review program. It would be nice if there were one of these geared toward the Australian point of view, but I doubt they exist.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Oh thank you so much, really appreciated that!! I'll have a look at what review programs are available. Thank you!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Since you are still in Australia, do they have companies that specialize in placing Australian nurses in the US? I see stuff all over about company after company that provides services to Filipino nurses who want to work in the US, thought maybe there would be a similar service for Australian nurses. You might check for one of these if you aren't afraid of being scammed out of a large amount of money for things you can do for yourself.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

@caliotter3

Yeah I have had a look at different agencies, but like you said they make you sign up for 18-24 months, I don't want them taking money out of my wage for that long!! I've made it this far by myself :). Thanks very much!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yes, I thought it wouldn't necessarily be a good idea. But still, maybe there are NCLEX review courses only, available in Australia. If not, then how about doing the Kaplan course online? It is expensive but supposedly good. Another good one is Hurst, according to people who have taken it. Just an idea. Good luck finding some specific help for your preparation!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi LBates!

I am an Australian nurse living in Massachusetts.

I am still studying for the Nclex as i wait for my ATT (which is on its way)

Yes the content is different but yet the principles are the same (if you know what i mean!!!)

I have studied from many different sources (some say bad move.....some say good)

And the ones that i have found to be the best are:

1) Random fact file (a sticky on here)

2) La Charity

3) Exam cram

4) Exam master (google this and sign up for free.....3 800 higher end questions)

As i said i have not sat it yet.....so only time will tell if these sources are any good!!!!

What was your exam like? Did you use the elimination strategy?

Alot of people say that it is easy to narrow it down to 2 possible answers. Did you find that to be the case?

Chat soon!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

@Tabbitha B

Thank you so much!! I'm sure they will be really helpful, I'll definitely be "Googling" that Exam Master.

I know that I'm not allowed to "talk about the exam", but what I can say is that yes, definitely easy to narrow down to two possible answers (if you've studied the content-otherwise it's a blind stab :p) and that pharmacology and side effects are a must- so I'm really focusing on those areas for study.

Keep and touch and good luck!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

hi,

i am an rn living and working in california. i was originally a travelling nurse and have now settled in the san francisco bay area.

i worked with a travel company initially who supplied us with our green cards, unfortunately through blood sweat and tears i learned the hard way about the "lions, tigers and bears" that make up the industry.

in regards to studying for the nclex, i went to a 3 day seminar which i think helped.

the most important thing to remember is "you have to answer what they want to hear not what the answer would logically be"

its been a while since i sat mine but i have been doing my own research lately and here are the tips i have come accross:

1. some people swear by kaplan, others say its too expensive

2.others swear by mosby's

http://www3.us.elsevierhealth.com/cat/ you pay a fee @ $40-$45 for 30 days unlimited usage

best of luck, working in the usa is worth the effort:nurse::yeah:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi Advintrec,

Thank you so much for your advice, it's much appreciated. My bf is currently in the US and he's also living in the SF Bay Area. Is it possible to get your email so that I may contact you when applying to come over?. My first preference is to work in any large teaching hospital in the bay area, but obviously wherever I'm able to get work I'll go. It's great to hear you feel it's worth the effort. I'm so excited to come over, although the process is exhausting I know it will be well worth it. Hopefully soon all my hard work will pay off!!

Thanks again, cheers :).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

What visa are you looking at moving over on? I would suggest you check out the International forum, if E3 you may find you need experience or even be specialist in an area to meet requirements. ghillbert I would suggest you look for some posts by them as they have gone through the process

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Arghhhhh this posted twice....read below!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion