HELP! Foreign graduate nurse applying for licensure in MD

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Hi everyone!

I graduated with my BSN last 2016 in the Philippines. I didn't take my local boards because me and my family moved here in the US. I live in PA and I got a suggestion from my sister that getting my license in CA would be the best idea since it's easier to apply there for people with the same situation as me.

So that didn't go well and CA said that I had some insufficiency with my credits. So I decided to just apply for PA since I live in PA. So I did my research on what to do to apply for NCLEX RN. So I did sign up for CGFNS and a Certification Program service. It was pricey so I was hesitant to purchase it. So I emailed the PA BON and explained to her my situation and luckily got a response saying that I can't take my boards in PA just because I don't hold a license in my country (Philippines). They said that the only way I can get a license is if I apply for licensure in another state and have it transferred to PA. So I was doing my research and looking for states (not far from PA) that doesn't necessarily require me to hold a foreign license before I could take the NCLEX. So emailed all states that was closer to me. One of the states that responded was MD. The lady that I talked to was nice enough to send me an application packet along with the steps I need to follow for the application.

So they required me to sign myself up for CGFNS and get a Credential Evaluation Service (pricey but cheaper than the Certification Program). I did everything that was asked from me and followed the process. It took me a couple of months to finally get a response from them. I already got an update on my CES report and said it's ready for review. So it was written in the booklet that I need to send my application to MD BON after I pass the Oral English Test and get a "ready for review" note on my CES report. So I took the ILA-OPI and passed. So now I have to send the application form. As I was filling up the original application form, I had troubles with some items and I had to call BON for it. Now the problem started here. Believe me but I contacted them like two to three times a week and they can't help me. The main hotline that I call always transfer me to somebody who doesn't pick up the phone. I left a couple of voicemail messages to different people and nobody cared to call me back.

I just read a couple of MD BON Horror stories here complaining about their (MD-BON)service and I was just shocked knowing I'm not the only one. Also, I sent an email to the lady who sent me the packet regarding my concern. I didn't get any response yet.

Now I feel like this is really holding me back. I am planning to take the NCLEX before the end of the year.

Hopefully any of you guys could give some advice and tips regarding my situation. Thank you very much for your time. God bless! la9MFCKoIaKIlaHjVuttgx238A8l+oISTPknrAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC

Specializes in Gen Surg & Cardiac.

Hi zeekee, I hope you have been able to get a hold of MD BON! Sorry I can't give much advice about your situation, but was wondering if you could tell me what the CA BON said you were deficient in? Did they specify the nursing category and x number in theory or clinical hours?

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