Applying for my license

[mnrfaith]

Hi, I just wanted to shear this comment with somebody else that way I can get more advices from you and to know what to do at this point.

I am a foreign Nurse which I have to follow some requirements with the State Of Board O Nursing to be licensed as an RN in USA.

Firstly, I took the Nclex test which after several attempts I passed on October 2013, after I took the Toefl (English Proficiency test) on November, 2013 which I passed with the score of 76. The person from the refresher course called me to enter the refresher course which is the last requirement to obtain the RN license. In order for me to finish the clinical parts of the refresher course I need a temporary license to go. When I went to the State BON they stated that the score for the TOEFL was changed recently in July 2013. They replied that there is a new rule stating that the Toefl has gone more higher now than before- from 76 it was before to 84 specially on the speaking part 26. I have applied to the State BON Since 2011 and my last application was done 0n 03/2013 which is 9 months time frame form 03/2013- 12/2013. In which I was able to fulfilled all the testing requirements the NCLEX and TOEFL. However, they are not able to release my temporary license because of the TOEFL score.

I have gone several times over there to request my temporary licensed and explained to them that I do not fix in that category and they replied back to me that I have to re-do the Toefl test. Right now I have finished with my theory class and ready to go to my preceptorship that I was assigned. Simply, I cannot finish my refresher because of this.

I am really desperatly having lost of hope because they do not want to understand my situation.

Please some advices will be welcomed.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

If you did not fulfill all the requirements for licensure before the new TOEFL score went to in effect you likely were not grandfathered. If you wish to be licensed you need to retake the TOEFL and get the required score. I don't see you as having another option

Since you did not pass the NCLEX until 11/2013 and the new TOEFL minimum requirement went into effect in 07/2013 it would appear that you need to meet the updated requirement.

[mnrfaith]

Yeah I do understand that. But every time that you are going to introduce a new law, you can do it, but what happens with those people that applied before that new rule? And the paper that I have stated that I must completed all my requirements before 12/2013 with the score of 76..which I did...

[13grad71]

Yeah I do understand that. But every time that you are going to introduce a new law, you can do it, but what happens with those people that applied before that new rule? And the paper that I have stated that I must completed all my requirements before 12/2013 with the score of 76..which I did...

I don't get it. Why not just comply with what the BON wants and be done with it. You should consider yourself lucky that you are moving forward, whereas, there are countless who can't even take the NCLEX.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Yeah I do understand that. But every time that you are going to introduce a new law, you can do it, but what happens with those people that applied before that new rule? And the paper that I have stated that I must completed all my requirements before 12/2013 with the score of 76..which I did...

But if the law went into effect in July 2013, it is a non issue as you did not complete your requirements until 5 months later. Therefore you must earn the higher score to demonstrate English language proficiency. At this point your score is insufficient to safely practice nursing in that state. Your options at this time are retake TOEFL or determine if another state will accept the lower score, move & apply to the new state or not practice nursing.

It's frustrating but if you want to practice nursing you need to comply with the BoN regulations.

[mnrfaith]

aja. But the issue here is that they didn't let me know ever. They didn't send me any application or paper telling me that or at least putting the new requirements online. That what is really causes to think that. The White house , President, and all consider Goverment, at least let you know by mail, internet or Tv news. So, that means that every organization are allowed to do that without giving any information to the public? That is what it doesn't make sense to me. Thanks for your comments!

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

The federal government does not actively inform the public about legislative changes. Which state is this? BoNs post online pending legislative & regulatory changes.

Complaining will do no good. You did not complete your requirements until after the effective date. You need the higher score. This is critical. If you do not have excellent written/spoken/reading/comprehension English skills you are a danger to your patients and coworkers. The BoN is not there for nurses but to protect the public.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Actually NCSBN recommended raising minimum score on TOEFL to 84 with minimum of 26 in 2009 for patient safety.

https://www.ncsbn.org/TOEFL_iBT_Proficiency_Standard_Process.pdf

This is the minimum in most states. If you want to be a nurse in the US, practice and retake the exam to meet the minimum standard.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

They do not care if they are fair or communicate well with you. There is a surplus of nurses in the US now.

Your only choice is to do what they require or give it up.

That is just the way it is. No use wasting your energy trying to change it.

[mnrfaith]

Thank you so much Silver1 for your encouragement! I will follow your recommendations. Yes I think that is the best way to deal with it. Grateful for all!

[mnrfaith]

They just change the law recently. They did not request any change until 2012(they submitted the amended to be approved). The amended was approved in July 2013.