CA BRN New Requirements For NCLEX RN international students

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I had already registered online in Pearson Vue but I think I'm not yet eligible to take the test. Is there an expiration date for my registration at PV?

I received a letter from CA BON requesting for new requirements such as:

  1. SS number
  2. Local license in the Philippines
  3. Copy of ur clinical rotation schedule for your cases: Assisted/Actual deliveries, cord dressing, and major/minor surgeries
  4. A complete school curriculum hundred pages or more sent directly from ur nursing school to the board. (the board doesn't accept the condensed version of the curriculum
  5. A one-page curriculum outline and academic calendar.

Fortunately, I had the first 2 requirements but I am worried that the last 3 will take time to be accomplished.

I am wondering if it's just me who have this requirement. Most of NCLEX passers I know weren't required on those listed above. It's really hard to focus on review while your thinking of this :uhoh3:

I completed my cases before I graduated. It's just that they were not finished the same time when the theories were discussed. Sigh

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I reapplied nclex on April 2012 and they asked me to send all my cases straight from my school in the Philippines. So I asked my school to send it, but even after that, California BRN is now asking me to RETAKE psychiatric class. I am aware that they are having issue with foreign graduates since they wanted all US graduates to be prioritized but still, it's UNFAIR that I have to retake psychiatric class. Even though I failed the nclex, that doesn't mean they can do it to the ones who have already took the nclex and failed, but if they have to do this, should be the ones who are the FIRST timers.. Anyway, I am going to retake psych class next year and right now I am just waiting for eligibility letter to take lvn exam. I hope lvn doesn't require me to send high school diploma since I already sent them the declaration letter. Any info about taking lvn exam? Thanks

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Any info about taking lvn exam? Thanks

There are a lot of threads regarding the topic of LVN here in the forum.

Here's two: https://allnurses.com/nurse-registration/getting-into-lvn-811001.html

https://allnurses.com/nurse-registration/denied-cabon-now-681582.html

Good luck!

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing, Trauma, Wound Care.
I reapplied nclex on April 2012 and they asked me to send all my cases straight from my school in the Philippines. So I asked my school to send it, but even after that, California BRN is now asking me to RETAKE psychiatric class. I am aware that they are having issue with foreign graduates since they wanted all US graduates to be prioritized but still, it's UNFAIR that I have to retake psychiatric class. Even though I failed the nclex, that doesn't mean they can do it to the ones who have already took the nclex and failed, but if they have to do this, should be the ones who are the FIRST timers.. Anyway, I am going to retake psych class next year and right now I am just waiting for eligibility letter to take lvn exam. I hope lvn doesn't require me to send high school diploma since I already sent them the declaration letter. Any info about taking lvn exam? Thanks

I think it is more unfair to say that if CA-BRN would've imposed their stricter rules & regulations, only newly grads and first time applicants should suffer. I mean, who wants to repeat certain courses just to sit for the NCLEX-RN, well in fact you already are a BSN degree holder? Might as well, who wants to get denied for their application right? All of us have the equal opportunity to sit for the NCLEX-RN but the CA-BRN is CA-BRN. They can do and impose their own rules and regulations.

Because as being one of those who got denied after these regulations have been implemented, it's really painful in our part as these NCLEX takers who didn't make it in their first take to say that we are the only ones should suffer. I mean, does it sound more unfair eh? But I understand how it feels to read the CA-BRN reply saying that you should repeat one or two courses just to be eligible. It's frustrating, I know. But it already happened. What we could do is to retake these courses or apply in other state or challenge the LVN exam.

Just be positive. We'll get through with this. I was able to stand up after all of these frustrations and now I am a licensed vocational nurse; I am trying to get into an LVN-BSN program since no schools offer just a course or two here in Bay Area. Good things happen for those who patiently wait. God Bless. :)

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I think it is more unfair to say that if CA-BRN would've imposed their stricter rules & regulations, only newly grads and first time applicants should suffer. I mean, who wants to repeat certain courses just to sit for the NCLEX-RN, well in fact you already are a BSN degree holder? Might as well, who wants to get denied for their application right? All of us have the equal opportunity to sit for the NCLEX-RN but the CA-BRN is CA-BRN. They can do and impose their own rules and regulations.

Because as being one of those who got denied after these regulations have been implemented, it's really painful in our part as these NCLEX takers who didn't make it in their first take to say that we are the only ones should suffer. I mean, does it sound more unfair eh? But I understand how it feels to read the CA-BRN reply saying that you should repeat one or two courses just to be eligible. It's frustrating, I know. But it already happened. What we could do is to retake these courses or apply in other state or challenge the LVN exam.

Just be positive. We'll get through with this. I was able to stand up after all of these frustrations and now I am a licensed vocational nurse; I am trying to get into an LVN-BSN program since no schools offer just a course or two here in Bay Area. Good things happen for those who patiently wait. God Bless. :)

Not directed at zhapper2002, but the issue is that everyone, be they are local CA grads, an out of state grad or any international grads and nurses, MUST adhere to the same standards set forth since at least 1987. CA BON has determined that the majority of the PH degrees doesn't meet the minimum CA standards, so we don't possess a true BSN degree yet.

Yes, the rules were relaxed during the "nursing shortage" era of the early 2000's, but if the CA BON didn't, there probably would be much less PH students and nurses (a lot less) that are currently employed today, so it was a matter of timing and that the subsequent PH students and nurses, as in our cases, just got caught up in the terrible timing.

Not to mention the overall downturn in economical status, in CA, in the other 49 states and globally, coupled with many nurses that should have retired and want to retire from the nursing profession, but can no longer afford to simply quit and enjoy their retirement lives that was part of their lives for decades, that's part of our bad timing.

It is what it is and we just have to deal with it as you eluded to.

We're in their territory now and as such, it's their laws and regulations which we must abide by. These are rules that can and will be adjusted to their own agendas at any time, any minute, any day.

To become a nurse (in CA, as an example), it's a privilege and not a right.

With regards to repeaters and re-applicants, the clock and evaluations gets simply re-started again and back to square one, so in their further analysis of the transcripts, if there are any missing or deficient items, then, it's fair game for the CA BON to keep to the same consistency to call out those applicants not meeting what other students that have been playing and their schools in the proper and same status quo manner. This is not to single out any international students, there are US own students that don't make it either for some reason (lacking in hours or a course) or another and need to also find a way to comply to meet CA (most toughest) standards, even tho' really, in CA, it's easier than for some, who can't pass the English proficiency exams, in either or both, speaking and writing.

We must realize that had our own CHED, PRC and PNA fixed these problems which is now strongly believed was of well-known factors for several years, just didn't do a darn thing to resolve these, decided the best course of action was to simply look the other way and hope the CA BON doesn't catch on. Imagine if the CHED did do things right, we all might be just figuring out who wants to switch their day shift for their night shift for this week, instead just trying to take the NCLEX.

It's been mentioned by others that the PH deans "knew" of these problems for years as it was pointed out by the CA BON people of these issues (it was evident in the amount of extra letter writing from the PH schools and now we are reading of some schools just simply tired to doing this and dragging their feets to reply to the PH students request for more or better documentation so badly needed for the BON's review). So really the deans are just as to blame as much as the CHED and etal, why the blame goes to the CA BON is not really fair either. CA BON is simply enforcing the same set of rules, be it a local applicant or foreign applicant.

Not withstanding, that actually our own CHED don't have to change a single thing and keep things as it, as really, whatever is right for the PH country is really that all should matter, forget about meeting any USA standards. But at the same time, according to CHED's own stats, over 33% of all PH grads will either go back or want to come to CA alone, so there's enough pressure if CHED powers-to-be want to sleep peacefully at night.

Back to zhapper2002, yes, you're right about the LVN-RN bridge, congrats on becoming a LVN! There are private schools without much of a waiting list and can enroll fairly quickly, but it's coming to you at a very expensive price tag of $30,000 plus up to over $100,000 and over.

The other option is the much lower cost of the bridging programs but the trade-off is the possible 2-3 year or more on a waiting list (40-80 openings with several hundreds to over 1,000 waiting students) However, I see some schools are doing it via a lottery system or based on points.

Have you looked over the CA nursing programs forum here on AN? There's good information there, but somewhat disappointing to hear and read of so many CA students waiting and waiting and waiting....with many never able to secure themselves into any program or some being the next in line only to see they will have to wait another year or maybe less in 6 months, still with no guarantees, as there are none. I would not lock myself into just trying to find a school up north, as there's more possible schools in the So Cali area, but just as much competition, so sadly. Good luck.

Some of my friends think I make a better lawyer than a nurse, lol. Hmm....I might think about getting a law degree instead. Good luck everyone and hang tight!

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing, Trauma, Wound Care.
Not directed at zhapper2002, but the issue is that everyone, be they are local CA grads, an out of state grad or any international grads and nurses, MUST adhere to the same standards set forth since at least 1987. CA BON has determined that the majority of the PH degrees doesn't meet the minimum CA standards, so we don't possess a true BSN degree yet.

Yes, the rules were relaxed during the "nursing shortage" era of the early 2000's, but if the CA BON didn't, there probably would be much less PH students and nurses (a lot less) that are currently employed today, so it was a matter of timing and that the subsequent PH students and nurses, as in our cases, just got caught up in the terrible timing.

Not to mention the overall downturn in economical status, in CA, in the other 49 states and globally, coupled with many nurses that should have retired and want to retire from the nursing profession, but can no longer afford to simply quit and enjoy their retirement lives that was part of their lives for decades, that's part of our bad timing.

It is what it is and we just have to deal with it as you eluded to.

We're in their territory now and as such, it's their laws and regulations which we must abide by. These are rules that can and will be adjusted to their own agendas at any time, any minute, any day.

To become a nurse (in CA, as an example), it's a privilege and not a right.

With regards to repeaters and re-applicants, the clock and evaluations gets simply re-started again and back to square one, so in their further analysis of the transcripts, if there are any missing or deficient items, then, it's fair game for the CA BON to keep to the same consistency to call out those applicants not meeting what other students that have been playing and their schools in the proper and same status quo manner. This is not to single out any international students, there are US own students that don't make it either for some reason (lacking in hours or a course) or another and need to also find a way to comply to meet CA (most toughest) standards, even tho' really, in CA, it's easier than for some, who can't pass the English proficiency exams, in either or both, speaking and writing.

We must realize that had our own CHED, PRC and PNA fixed these problems which is now strongly believed was of well-known factors for several years, just didn't do a darn thing to resolve these, decided the best course of action was to simply look the other way and hope the CA BON doesn't catch on. Imagine if the CHED did do things right, we all might be just figuring out who wants to switch their day shift for their night shift for this week, instead just trying to take the NCLEX.

It's been mentioned by others that the PH deans "knew" of these problems for years as it was pointed out by the CA BON people of these issues (it was evident in the amount of extra letter writing from the PH schools and now we are reading of some schools just simply tired to doing this and dragging their feets to reply to the PH students request for more or better documentation so badly needed for the BON's review). So really the deans are just as to blame as much as the CHED and etal, why the blame goes to the CA BON is not really fair either. CA BON is simply enforcing the same set of rules, be it a local applicant or foreign applicant.

Not withstanding, that actually our own CHED don't have to change a single thing and keep things as it, as really, whatever is right for the PH country is really that all should matter, forget about meeting any USA standards. But at the same time, according to CHED's own stats, over 33% of all PH grads will either go back or want to come to CA alone, so there's enough pressure if CHED powers-to-be want to sleep peacefully at night.

Back to zhapper2002, yes, you're right about the LVN-RN bridge, congrats on becoming a LVN! There are private schools without much of a waiting list and can enroll fairly quickly, but it's coming to you at a very expensive price tag of $30,000 plus up to over $100,000 and over.

The other option is the much lower cost of the bridging programs but the trade-off is the possible 2-3 year or more on a waiting list (40-80 openings with several hundreds to over 1,000 waiting students) However, I see some schools are doing it via a lottery system or based on points.

Have you looked over the CA nursing programs forum here on AN? There's good information there, but somewhat disappointing to hear and read of so many CA students waiting and waiting and waiting....with many never able to secure themselves into any program or some being the next in line only to see they will have to wait another year or maybe less in 6 months, still with no guarantees, as there are none. I would not lock myself into just trying to find a school up north, as there's more possible schools in the So Cali area, but just as much competition, so sadly. Good luck.

Some of my friends think I make a better lawyer than a nurse, lol. Hmm....I might think about getting a law degree instead. Good luck everyone and hang tight!

I did search here on AN regarding the CA nursing programs. I also searched schools here in Bay Area and luckily I found a few of 'em. The competition in getting into a BSN program is really tough but if you are determined to get what your really want, you can get it. I mean, I can't be torn down by what happened to my CA-BRN application in 2011. If they say my BSN degree from the PH is not enough, well then, I'll continue my studies. Nursing is not just a job for me to earn some money. This is my DREAM. Though it will cost me a lot, nothing can stop me/steal my future.

There are lots of ways to do to get my RN license. In life, we can't easily get what we want, we have to work hard for it. My own principle is, if it's your dream, then do your thing to reach it. Though there are trials that will block my way, I need to do something to get rid of it.

Even if it'd take me forever, I'll try my best to be a REGISTERED NURSE.

I think there are lots of schools here in NorCal and I heard that the competition there in SoCal is higher so I might stay here since I already applied for admission in a public university here in bay area. :) Thanks.

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Thanks for the support. Yup just have to be patient. How long did u wait for eligibility letter from lvn?

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Thanks for the support.yup just have to be patient .. How long did u wait for the eligibility to take lvn exam?

That's good you are a LVN :) congratulations!

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing, Trauma, Wound Care.
Thanks for the support. Yup just have to be patient. How long did u wait for eligibility letter from lvn?

4-5 months. It's pretty long but worth it. :) You tried calling them regarding your application status? :)

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4-5 months. It's pretty long but worth it. :) You tried calling them regarding your application status? :)

I did call them but they said that they only have 2 workers since one has just retired lol I even asked if they are hiring so that it will be faster lol, I will call them again by the end of this month and it's gonna be 2 months by then.

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing, Trauma, Wound Care.
I did call them but they said that they only have 2 workers since one has just retired lol I even asked if they are hiring so that it will be faster lol, I will call them again by the end of this month and it's gonna be 2 months by then.

Really? haha one of em retired. lol That's silly. Even my friend who applied last November didn't get any response yet. If they need some volunteer, I will volunteer to make the processing faster LMAO! jk.

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Really? haha one of em retired. lol That's silly. Even my friend who applied last November didn't get any response yet. If they need some volunteer, I will volunteer to make the processing faster LMAO! jk.

Tell me abt it! Ur friend applied on November and still didnt get the letter? That's too long..should call them soon.. Pls let me know if there's any important info abt lvn.. Thanks

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