I am graduating from nursing school in Finland this December and wanted to know if anyone has had a recent similiar experience and what to expect when applying for licensure? A little background, my degree is in General Nursing, taught in English, is 3 1/2 years long, and I am a US citizen (so no need for GC or visa).
There seems to be some information on the web that suggests that I would need to work two years before applying for US licensure but I can't seem to find this on any of the state BON websites. What little I can find about the curriculum requirements for foriegn educated nurses seems equivalent to my education.
I know that there has been some posts on this subject but none that recent and it seems that licensure for foriegn nurses has become more difficult.
Also a possible timeline for processing a licensing application (from graduation to licensure)? I would be aplplying for licensure in New York or Vermont but would be open to applying in other states if it would make the process more expedient. I am thinking of applying to a Psych NP grad program for the following Fall as I have a background in social work (the deadline would be in May).
I'm a Finnish RN with a Finnish BSN and I applied with the Colorado BON. I don't think I needed the work experience for licensure but I'm with a recruitment company that wanted me to have at least 1 year of experience at the beginning of my process.
In my case it took a couple of months to get the CES report from CGFNS, and another a month to receive authorization to test from the BON. I decided to sit for the NCLEX a month after ATT and I got my license the next day (Colorado is efficient!).
I think the Finnish BSN is comprehensive and very much equivalent if not more competitive than American BSNs, and I didn't have any issues with credentials evaluation. I don't think you need to be worried.
Let me know if you have any more questions!
I'm traveling to the US in a couple of weeks.
Hi
Did you move to USA after getting green card? Can you work as a nurse when you are waiting for the green card? Please help.
Hello. I am the OP. I can try to answer some of your questions.
The NCLEX - It is probably unlike any exam that you have taken, more than half of all international nurses who take it fail it. The exam is meant to examine the depth and breath of your knowledge, so a good portion the questions are select all that apply, case studies, etc...most foreign nurses are not used to this format whereas US nurses are usually examined this way from day one of their education. I highly suggest signing up for a NCLEX prep course, or at the very least a month or so with UWorld, getting familiar with the testing style etc.
Licensing - In theory it is fairly easy to transfer from state to state via endorsement. As a foreign grad though it takes a little longer, as each state will examine your CFGNS report, some states are more particular. I was first licensed in New York, it took about 2 months to get ATT once they had everything in 2019.. I am also licensed in New Jersey, Florida, and Connecticut....during COVID in 2021 it took New Jersey 7 months to process my application....I think things have gotten quicker since though.
Work Environment - It is highly variable. Many, many nurses left during COVID, there is still a huge need in some places of the country, where in others they are fully staffed with brand new nurses who lack the experience. The ratios also vary, in the med/surg unit in my hospital it is 1:8, I. Some places it is better....in others worse!
Immigration - I am a US citizen, I don't really have so much insight into this. If I had to guess I would look for recruiting agencies, there is still some need
Please share your NCLEX experience .Also ,do you have knowledge about licence endorsement?
Thanks
Hi Sandy,
I got my ATT 24 h after getting a confirmation message of eligibility for sitting for NCLEX from the NY board of Nursing. Once I got the message I emailed to the board and asked them to provide me the ATT, since I heard that if we don't send a message it takes multiple weeks to receive the ATT, so 2 hours after my message I got my ATT via email then I have scheduled for the NCLEX and planning to study via UWorld. I suggest you, in case you got the eligibility for the exam contact your board of nursing and ask them to provide you ATT. I contacted via https://eservices.nysed.gov/professions/contact-us/#/ and as a topic I chose request for ATT. (My board of nursing is NY)
About the licence endorsement: As I heard, it is easily possible to endorse your license to the other states, it has only paper works and you need to pay for that, and you do not need to take the exam anymore. I have heard the the recruitment companies easily handle the endrocement process and it is negotiable. The only problem might be lack of the SSN( Social Security Number) for the foreign registered nurse in the begging of migrating process, since you will receive your SSN after a couple of days/ weeks that you arrive in the U.S. Having SSN is mandatory form some states like as California and without it you can not apply for the endorsement. I know that for NY you do not need to have SSN for endorsement.
Navigating the process of obtaining licensure as a foreign-educated nurse in the United States can indeed be complex, and the requirements can vary significantly from one state to another. Here's a step-by-step guide and some advice based on your situation as a soon-to-be graduate from a nursing school in Finland, aiming to practice in the U.S., specifically considering New York or Vermont.
1. Credential Evaluation
First Step: You'll need to have your nursing education credentials evaluated by a credentialing service such as CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools) or another agency recognized by the state board of nursing (BON) where you intend to apply. This evaluation will compare your education against U.S. nursing education standards.
Relevance to Your Degree: Since your degree is in General Nursing and taught in English, it should facilitate the process. However, each state's BON will have its criteria for what constitutes equivalent education.
2. NCLEX-RN Examination
Licensure Examination: Passing the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) is a mandatory step for licensure in any state.
Application to State BON: Before taking the NCLEX, you must apply for licensure with the state BON where you wish to practice. They will determine your eligibility to sit for the exam.
3. English Proficiency Test
For Non-native Speakers: Some states require foreign-educated nurses whose first language is not English or who graduated from a non-English speaking country to pass an English proficiency test, even if their nursing program was taught in English.
4. State-Specific Requirements
New York and Vermont: Both states have specific requirements for foreign-educated nurses. For example, New York requires a CGFNS Certificate before taking the NCLEX-RN. It's essential to check directly with the BON of the state you're interested in for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
5. Experience Requirements
Misconception: The requirement to work for two years before applying for licensure in the U.S. is not a standard requirement for licensure itself but may be related to employers' preferences or visa sponsorship criteria for international nurses. For licensure, the focus is on meeting educational, examination, and legal eligibility requirements.
6. Timeline for Processing
Varies Widely: The timeline from graduation to licensure can vary, depending on several factors including the credential evaluation process, application processing times by the BON, and scheduling for the NCLEX-RN. Generally, it could take several months to over a year.
Strategic State Application: While some states might process applications quicker than others, it's crucial to weigh this against where you ultimately want to work and the specific requirements of each state.
7. Further Education
Psych NP Program: Applying for a Psych NP grad program is an excellent goal. Ensure that obtaining RN licensure in your chosen state aligns with the prerequisites for the NP Program you're interested in.
Advice and Next Steps
Contact State BONs Directly: For the most accurate information, contact the BONs in New York and Vermont directly. They can provide detailed guidance on foreign-educated nurse applications.
Prepare for NCLEX-RN: Begin preparing for the NCLEX-RN exam as soon as possible, as passing this exam is a critical step in obtaining licensure.
Credential Evaluation: Initiate the process for credential evaluation through an agency recognized by your state BON.
Consider Timeline for Grad School Applications: Keep in mind your timeline for NP grad school applications and licensure as it may affect your eligibility or readiness for the program.
While the process may seem daunting, planning, and starting early will help navigate through these steps more smoothly. Good luck with your transition from nursing school in Finland to practicing nursing in the United States!
Sandy Shakya, RN
8 Posts
Hi
Did you move to USA after getting green card? Can you work as a nurse when you are waiting for the green card? Please help.