Australian grad nurse wanting to move to Texas USA

[Maria Rountree, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

Hi,

I'm an Australian and currently studying my Bachelor of Nursing. My American husband and I are looking to move to to Texas when I complete my degree. I also hold a bachelor of health'science (paramedic).

I have contacted the Texas Board of Nursing who advised once I finish my degree I should be fine to apply for my licence and sit the exam. I have also contacted a couple of international nurse recruiters for advice with no response.

However, I'm looking for advice from other Australians, or foreign nurses, who have moved to work in Texas. I would love advice and and feedback on:

- Did your degree convert ok, or did you have to do any additional courses?
-If so, is if better if I do them here in Australia?
-What courses should I complete?

- Did you find work? What challenges did you face?

I have done extensive research and I'm finding mixed information, and I don't want to be caught out at the eleventh hour for something I can get working on early. So I think it's best if I can get first hand experience from someone who has undergone a similar situation.

Any help is greatly appreciated!!

Many thanks

Maria

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

Generally we see Australian nurses deficient in Obstetrics and sometimes mental health on their transcripts which makes registration difficult

[Maria Rountree, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

45 minutes ago, Silverdragon102 said:

Generally we see Australian nurses deficient in Obstetrics and sometimes mental health on their transcripts which makes registration difficult

Thank you for that information, there's a one year diploma of obstetrics and midwifery I can do here which I'll look into, and I'll also look into options of studying there. Thanks again

[GARY SONI]

Hi Maria,

I am RN here in Australia and interested in working in USA . I also have deficiency in psychiatric , Obstetrics and pediatric. Do you have any information where in Australia or USA I can do any courses to fulfill these area for US licence ? Which uni did you do your Obstetrics diploma ? Have you got your CGNFS report done ? Thanks

[Maria Rountree, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

Hi Gary

I've done thorough investigations, and unfortunately there is no such course here. I had my conversion report done when I only had 1 semester left of my RN degree, and included my paramedic degree (so two bachelor degrees), and through liaising with a very helpful uni in Texas, I would have to do 2-3 years of their nursing degree.

Deakin University in Melbourne used to offer the conversion course, however they no longer offer it. The representative from Deakin said you may as well do a bridging course in the USA, rather than do additional courses here in Australia, because you run the risk of the USA Registration Board still not accepting it, and have wasted all that money and time. Basically, you may as well pay there and do it properly, than pay here and it be for nothing.

If it helps, here is the question I initially posed to Deakin and their response:

My question:

Do you offer stand alone units in obstetrics and paediatrics for RN's, which include clinical placements?

I understand Australian nurses lack the obstetrics and paediatrics academic and clinical placements required for licencing and registration. I was directed to Deakin and told they might have these supplementary courses, as people have undergone in the past.

Deakin answer:

In the past we did offer additional single unit studies and the compulsory clinical placement to fill the lack of maternity and paediatric studies for nurses wishing to register in the USA. This was a process costing up to $4000 to complete all the requirements and could take up to 6 months to complete.

However in recent years a number of US Nursing Registration Boards have rejected our studies as not meeting their requirements so we no longer offer studies.

We now advise nurses to complete the additional studies at the available US providers to ensure registration can be achieved. You may be able to seek further details on how to go about this from the Board of Nursing you are wishing to register with.

Hope this helps Gary! Sorry it's not the answer you're looking for, but now you have something to work with.

[Maria Rountree, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

If you did decide to study in the USA, can I recommend to you LeTourneau University. They were incredibly helpful, really trying to get me as many credits as they could and they are one of the top nursing universities. They're in Texas.

letu.edu/

[GARY SONI]

Thanks a lot for your guidance Maria. Now at least I wont waste my time again in finding courses here. I agree with you that better study in states than here.

[GARY SONI]

So have they tailored your courses and how long will be the duration ? Once completed would it be easier to get licence ? I am interested in Arizona state but I am flexible at the moment. Is there anyone particular person you were talking to in Letu who can help me too ? Thanks