Do I have to be licensed in my home country before doing NCLEX?

[tamycruz.salmon]

Hello, I am Jamaican and would love to go overseas to work. I am pending results for the recent licensing exam (RENR) therefor am not yet licensed. I have been doing my research on the NCLEX and found where I have to be licensed in my country before I can do the exam. I found this for both Canada and the US. I am unsure if I have been searching for the right information in the right place but is possible to do the NCLEX Exam without being licensed in my home country? Your help is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

In Canada, you must be licensed in the country you were educated in order to eligible to sit the CRNE for a provincial college of nurses In the US, the NCLEX is but one step in the process. In order to sit for the NCLEX you must apply for licensing by examination as an internationally educated nurse. NCLEX is but one step in the process. As far as requiring licensing in your country of education, it depends on the state.

[tamycruz.salmon]

Thanks for responding....I understand the part about applying for licensing.... It seems like a lengthy process. I would like to work in New York, Brooklyn area as that is where I have a few relatives. Do I need a home country license for there?

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

You need to complete credentials verification service from CGFNS which takes 6 months before you can apply with NY BoN. Most facilities in NYC are looking for RN's with a BSN as the area is highly competitive. If you do not have work rights in the US, you will need to secure a work visa (very difficult to find an employer willing to assume the cost to sponsor especially if they have a large pool of US PR/citizen, US educated nurses to choose from) or find a sponsor for permanent resident status which may further delay the process.

NYS Nursing:License Requirements

[h=4]Verifying Education Credentials From Non-U.S. Programs[/h] Applicants who have completed LPN or RN education outside of the US must have their education credentials verified by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS). Such applicants should contact CGFNS at www.cgfns.org for the application and instructions to complete the CGFNS Credential Verification Service for New York State. Please note that this verification process is not the same as CGFNS' Certification Program (which is required for registered nurse applicants applying for limited permits). The CGFNS Credentials Verification Service for New York State licensure applicants is a process for verifying the authenticity of education credentials. The CGFNS Credentials Verification Service for New York State does not indicate approval by the New York State Education Department of the content of education. After education credentials are verified by CGFNS, they are then forwarded to and evaluated by the New York State Education Department.

You will be advised in writing of the results of the New York State Education Department's evaluation of your education. In addition, the licensing examination administrator will be notified if you are eligible for the examination.

Contact CGFNS at:

The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS)

PO Box 8628

Philadelphia, PA 19101-8628

Phone [phone]

Fax [phone]

Web www.cgfns.org

[tamycruz.salmon]

Thanks... greatly appreciated