Best NCLEX resources for international RNs

EmilyFutureRN · Oct 15

Hey there! I'm Emily, I'm studying nursing in NZ but from the US and planning to move back to take the NCLEX when finished up. I've heard that UWorld is the best resource for NCLEX prep and even though it's costly, it's well worth it. I've seen some other comments you've posted; just curious what state you're going to and how the CGFNS stuff went for you if your test is scheduled? Thanks 🙂

espaghet, BSN, RN · Oct 16

Hi Emily,

Wow, you are the only other US citizen studying in NZ that I've talked to. I ended up miraculously getting registered in Washington. I went through CGFNS and used UWorld to study, which I found helpful. UWorld was not very expensive, about $200 USD for several months' access. However, the whole process of getting licensed was really annoying and expensive and I'm glad it's over! Best of luck to you.

EmilyFutureRN · Oct 17

Oh that's so cool! It's so nice to hear that someone else has done it! Washington is my goal as I'm from Oregon. How long did the whole process take you if you don't mind my asking? It's such an unusual thing to do!! I graduate from my nursing program in November 2025. My program is actually accredited by the NLN CNEA in the US so I'm hoping that helps... but the whole credentials evaluation looks like such a nightmare, any tips you have for someone trying to plan ahead and potentially save my future self from any headaches would be awesome 😅

espaghet, BSN, RN · Oct 19

I wasn't in a hurry to get licensed as I still live in NZ but I researched the process extensively before I started. I think my timeline from submitting my transcript to getting my license was about 6 months.

I am not familiar with NLN CNEA. What program are doing you in NZ?

A tip I can share is to try to get some kind of paeds and maternity experience! Maternity is hard to get here.

EmilyFutureRN · Nov 12

Ah OK, cool. It's University of Otago Master of Nursing Science. I mentioned that to my instructors as I started to do research, so they've put me in gynae this year and will get me NICU next year to make sure I have plenty of those clinical hours for OR/WA. Stil dreading the process though! Hoping NCLEX study isn't too overwhelming. Best wishes to you!

EmilyFutureRN · Nov 12

oh one other question @espaghet did you take the NCLEX then while you were in NZ still or back in the US?

Cali_Kiwi · Nov 25

Hi @EmilyFutureRN and @espaghet ! I am also an American citizen with New Zealand citizenship, about to begin the Masters of Health Science - Nursing through the University of Canterbury in 2025. I am interested in transferring this degree over to the USA (specifically, California or Oregon) as my immediate family are based in Northern California. The hope is to be a travel nurse going between the two countries, as I am more permanently based in NZ but aspire to go back to Northern California/ Southern Oregon to be with my family.

As far as I can tell, the NZ degree (through Canterbury and other NZ based Universities) is deficient in Paediatrics and Obstetrics theory and clinical hours. Have either of you found a way to receive these hours through a NZ education, either by adapting your nursing studies or taking additional courses? California has a demanding requirement in which theory and clinical must be taken concurrently, so just getting experience in through work does not appear adequate. I am not sure about Oregon, however. Also, are either of you aware if we need to have work experience prior to applying for the CGFNES?
Any communication around this would help significantly, and likewise, happy to impart any knowledge/information I gain. Thank you!