foreign RN

[grdvy]

Good evening, dear nurses. I am looking for an advice. I finished nursing degree in Russia, and just got approved later from NY state that I can take NCLEX-RN test. Also, I just find out that I got accepted to the nursing program. Even I would really prefer just to take a test, I am worry that I would have less chances to get a job. Do I need to worry about it and go to college or just take NCLEX-RN test? I really don't want to take a wrong choice because I know how hard to get into the nursing program in some states. I am looking for opinions and some advices. Thank you

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

I certainly don't want to discourage you, because I am sure that you have had to go through a long process to be approved for NCLEX. However, NCLEX statistics reveal that only about 1/3 of foreign educated applicants pass NCLEX on their first try... and

My advice? If you can afford to do so, by all means go ahead and take NCLEX but be prepared to take additional steps if you are not successful. You may not need to re-take an entire nursing program. An alternative may be a formal 'acculturation' program if there are any available in your area.

In the meantime, you may also want to determine whether there are areas in which your native Russian language & heritage would be a real asset. I know that there are increasing population of Russian immigrants in the Pacific NW - is this the case in your area? If so, your background would be very attractive to hospitals in those areas.

I wish you the best of luck on NCLEX & your nursing career in the US.