Aussie nurses working in the USA

[augigi, CNS]

Hi, are there any Aussie RNs who have gone to work in the US. How long did the registration process take? Experience with CGFNS? Was your undergrad education deficient in any areas (OB/Gyn, paeds, psych) and how did you make up the theory/clinical hours? How was NCLEX exam - harder or easier than you expected? Are you enjoying it working in the US?

Thanks!

[lavarn]

Hello,

I am from the US, living in Melbourne, and got my Bach of Nsg here. I now have the problem of not have theory/clinical rotations in OB/PEDS.

I think the US should have a foreign educated nurse NCLEX that would license the individual for general nursing. I would be happy to have a PED/OB restriction on my license.

I am currently corresponding with my state board about this very topic. Good luck to you and if anyone has found a solution, I would love to hear it.

Perhaps it's politics such as this that contributes to the nursing shortage in the US. Well educated, qualified nurses are being kept from working in the US because of OB/PEDS. Maybe they should take a lesson from Australia, and make those post-grad courses.

I love my country, but this is ridiculous.

lava RN

[schroeders_piano, RN]

Hello,

I am from the US, living in Melbourne, and got my Bach of Nsg here. I now have the problem of not have theory/clinical rotations in OB/PEDS.

I think the US should have a foreign educated nurse NCLEX that would license the individual for general nursing. I would be happy to have a PED/OB restriction on my license.

lava RN

I understand your frustation with the OB/Peds. However here in the states, many med/surg, ortho, tele, etc. floors include Peds patients. A lot of hospitals(Mainly community or rural) have closed their Peds units and started placing them on the general floors.

[augigi, CNS]

anyone who is planning to obtain registration in the us, who is still in australia, i have some info which should be useful if you are deficient in paeds hours.

deakin university (melbourne) has a professional development unit course in paediatrics which fulfils the cgfns criteria. there are 2 modules (well child and ill child) and both can be done simultaneously, which allows you to complete the requirement in one semester. each module is around $750. you can complete the readings and assignments completely by online/distance education. there are 2x ~2500 word essays for assessment (although i believe you can do the courses ungraded for a lesser fee if you just want to fulfil the theory hours).

you must organize your own paeds clinical rotation for 2 weeks/80 hours, but they will help you and put you in touch with different units - monash medical center in melbourne has been very helpful (royal children's has been very difficult and asked people to pay to do a rotation there!).

you can find the information about the deakin course at http://www.deakin.edu.au/hbs/pdu/modules/paediatric_nursing.php. christine smith is the course director, and she is very helpful - her number is [phone]. her email is: [email protected]

good luck, i hope this helps someone as it was a huge relief to just find somewhere that will help! this seems like a much easier option than trying to correct the deficiency once in the us, as the universities are reluctant to let people do one course, and it's majorly expensive!

i still think i could pass nclex exam even with paeds questions after all my studying and practice question completion, however i have decided to suck it up and just do it - who knows, maybe i'll like paeds - stranger things have happened..!

[suzanne4, RN]

Canada also has the same requirement as the US.

Besides the peds, you will need hours in maternal care as well. Don't forget that.

[augigi, CNS]

This is a thread for the US. I am not sure what Canada has to do with it? THey have a different registration process.

I did not need extra maternal/OB-gyn hours.

[lavarn]

Thanks to everyone that commented, it's really nice to get input from others.

lava RN

[augigi, CNS]

Just an update, I have finished the pediatrics modules at Deakin Uni, and will now have to arrange my clinical rotation (ugh). It is slow, but getting there. My CES and Visa Screen are all complete apart from these, and my NCLEX results (haven't sat yet).

[augigi, CNS]

Just wanted to update again - I went ahead and did the short course in theory for pediatrics so there wouldn't be a delay if my course came back deficient.

However... (drumroll please)... my CES report arrived this week and says my course is equivalent to the US nursing education, so I am all set to sit NCLEX once I receive the ATT. My course was Deakin in Burwood, 1994-1996, so don't give up hope!

[gwenith, BSN, RN]

Just wanted to update again - I went ahead and did the short course in theory for pediatrics so there wouldn't be a delay if my course came back deficient.

However... (drumroll please)... my CES report arrived this week and says my course is equivalent to the US nursing education, so I am all set to sit NCLEX once I receive the ATT. My course was Deakin in Burwood, 1994-1996, so don't give up hope!

:monkeydance::mortarboard::monkeydance: Good for you!!

[Michelle123]

Thanks for sharing this!!

It is great to see another aussie going through the process!!

[Michelle123]

I'm just checking out the deakin units and they are now $950. It is going to cost me a small fortune to get over to USA :) Oh well it will be worth it I'm sure. I just have to start saving now. I don't think I can do those units until I have graduated and am registered. I think I would also like to do a venupuncture (sp?) course and a cannula insertion course as those things aren't included in my b.nursing.