foreign graduate

[poiuy8d]

I am a BSN graduate in the Philippines on March of 2010 when my visa was approved. I travel directly to the United States (OHIO), without taking the Philippine Board Exam. I got pregnant twice and a proud mommy of a girl and a boy. I was very occupied for the last four years that I never think of applying for the board exam. After careful thought, I realized I wanted to pursue my passion in nursing. My question is, do years of being idle from graduation til the time you decided to apply for NCLEX matter in the state of Ohio? My friend have told me that in Oregon she was no longer allowed to take since she have reach 3 years since she graduated?

Response is gladly appreciated!

thank you!

[elkpark]

Different state BONs have different rules about this kind of thing. Have you checked the OH BON website? The information should be there.

Also be aware that, even if you get licensed without difficulty, the lengthy of time since you finished school is going to be a problem for potential employers. You will be competing for jobs against people who just graduated, and nurses with years of (recent) experience. Four years is a long time to be "out of the loop." You might want to consider taking a nursing "refresher course" once you have a license. Best wishes.

[poiuy8d]

Yes, I checked the OH BON website but I could not find anything that mention this. I am considering to go to school and hoping i only need a year. Someone advice me if i should try taking it first then take a refresher course after. Then as I collect information on how to get started a friend of mine was able to mention about Oregon board of nursing requires 3 years after the graduation. That is the reason why she did not pursue the application in her state. Not really sure what OH BON state about this. So i was hoping to get an information in this group.

Thank you for your time!

[elkpark]

Why would you be thinking of going back to school? And why would you "only need a year"? V. few US nursing programs will permit students to enroll for only part of the program.

Your best bet, I would think, would be to contact the OH BON directly. Theirs is the only answer that matters.

[poiuy8d]

I am not really sure if I would only need a year though.. just hoping many of my credits will be credited and will just take a year. the reason why i was thinking of going back to school because maybe "maybe" the time i spent idle since graduation will really matter.

[rort]

My spouse also earned their BSN in the Philippines and was never licensed there. We had contacted the Ohio BON and you are eligible to take the NCLEX. However, since you are a foreign graduate, you will need to take the TOEFL and get an 83 or higher, then do CGFNS credentialing (no test, just show that your degree is equivalent to a US issued BSN), THEN you can take the NCLEX. Also, just FYI, Ohio only accepts TOEFL, not IELTS. So TOEFL-->CGFNS-->apply to Ohio Board of Nursing-->get ATT-->NCLEX.