Applying before getting an RN position?

Published

Specializes in Psych, Substance Abuse.

So, I really want to enroll in the RN-BSN program at WGU, but my situation is quite unique. I went to a school in Puerto Rico (accredited by the NLNAC) and now I live in AZ. I passed the NCLEX last Friday, and now I have a Wisconsin RN license. I went through WI because they wanted ONE paper from my school and 75 bucks, that's it. Arizona wants an education verification, TOEFL English test, etc., and the whole thing will cost approximately $800 when all is said and done. I have been working at Wal-Mart to make ends meet, so yeah, earning an extra $800 is not happening any time soon. I saw that WGU is now requiring people to be working as an RN in order to get into the BSN program. Well, having a WI license in AZ is not going to get me very far in terms of seeking employment as a RN. Also, most people want you to have your BSN to even consider you for employment.

I guess what my question is, is if there is anything I can do while I'm waiting for that pink unicorn (aka RN position) to come along? I know by reading many posts here that I will have several prereqs to take for the program. Can I take those at WGU before being accepted into their RN-BSN program? I feel like I'm completely stuck. Stupid Arizona and all their requirements for "foreign educated nurses." I'm just ready to work and continue my education. Arghhhh! Thanks for your help!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

Sorry, my long answer is that they ask for your employer info as part of the application process, so probably not. Short answer, you should talk to an enrollment counselor.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

This might not be relevant, but why are you considered a "foreign educated nurse" if you got your education in Puerto Rico? That's the U.S.

I hope everything works out for you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych, Substance Abuse.
This might not be relevant, but why are you considered a "foreign educated nurse" if you got your education in Puerto Rico? That's the U.S.

I hope everything works out for you.

That's very true! Unfortunately, the AZ BON considers nurses educated in Puerto Rico to be "foreign educated." It doesn't stop there--people from PR who graduated before 2006 don't have to jump through all those hoops. Not sure what changed in 2006??? It's really frustrating to say the least.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.

Girl, you are in great shape!!!! Wisconsin and Arizona are compact states! So you can work in Arizonaowing a Wisconsin license as well as any of the other 22 remaining compact states. Go apply for your job! (Now, the whole foreign-educated issue may be another story). But as long as your address is within a compact state, I wouldn't think that would matter. Our moderators may have more information for you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Girl you are in great shape!!!! Wisconsin and Arizona are compact states! So you can work in Arizona off a Wisconsin license as well as any of the other 22 remaining compact states. Go apply for your job![/quote']

Not unless she is a permanent resident of WI. It seems the member is an AZ resident, therefore the WI license is only valid in WI. Compact licenses are only multi state if you are a legal permanent resident of a compact state.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

Is she not a legal permanent resident of AZ?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Is she not a legal permanent resident of AZ?

Legal permanent resident of AZ but no AZ license. Only a WI license. Since not a permanent resident of WI, the WI license is a single state license only valid in WI. If she had a AZ license it would have compact privileges.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.

Oh well, there was a glimmer of hope for a moment.....so sorry:no: I hate to ask or suggest this but have you thought about moving to Wisconsin, maybe for a year to get a job and some experience to open up some more doors?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Revenue Integrity, Rehab, RAC Auditor.

You will need A&P with lab and Micro with lab plus Statistics. I had the A&P and the Micro with labs already but am doing my Stats right now and soooooo wish i would have done it before I started WGU. You could do the statistics would be a great help to you to have it out of the way. Good Luck!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

As others have said the short answer is "no".

The only thing I can think of that might be useful to you is that you can take pre-requisite courses at straighterline.com for about $100 each and they will transfer to WGU.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion