Career Direction ( need advice)

[tonyphils RN]

Hello everyone,

i just relocated to the United States to join my family.

Am a registered nurse And hold a diploma in nursing from Nigeria. I know to advance in my nursing career I need a Bsn.

Am torn between going through the long process of registration to sit for the NCLEX (if am approved). Or focus on getting admission into a Bsn program.

I even plan to get a CNA certification to enable me work and orientate myself to the U.S. health sector.

Will appreciate any suggestions and career advice

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

You won't be able to be accepted into a U.S. RN to BSN program without an active U.S. Nursing license. In order to work in e US you will need to apply for a nursing license by examination as an internationally educated nurse. Your diploma from Nigeria is what will be considered as that is the educational credential that initially qualified you to practice as a RN. Do you have a visa & work rights arrangements already?

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Why would you go through the process of obtaining CNA certification, when you are qualified to work as an RN?

In my area, that's a $16 an hour difference.

[tonyphils RN]

Yes I have a work permit. I was looking into going into the traditional Bsn program.

Also I thought about the CNA program because it will enable get a job/income immediately while I start the processing and preparation for the NCLEX and also the time I have to wait for processing admissions

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Have you consulted with area hospitals if you CAN be employed as a CNA, when you hold a nursing degree?

They can have many problems with that.