How can I overcome this hurdle to work in the States?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

 It's understandable that you're concerned about the impact of your unregistered practice in Saudi Arabia on your ability to work in the USA.

Let's break this down step-by-step and look at the options:

Clarifying the Unregistered Practice Issue

From your explanation, your Saudi nursing registration was delayed, which caused a period of unregistered practice during your employment in Saudi Arabia (2010-2012).

The key challenge is that unregistered practice can raise concerns with U.S. licensing boards when a nurse applies to work in the U.S., as they generally expect nurses to be actively licensed during their entire employment period in a foreign country.

How U.S. Boards May View This

U.S. nursing boards, particularly those overseeing foreign-educated nurses, typically look for the following:

• Proof of licensure in the country where you practiced.
• Verification of employment during the period you worked.
• Explanation of any gaps in licensure or practice.

Since your registration was delayed, this can be a complicated but not impossible issue. Depending on the specifics of the situation, some state boards may be more lenient than others.

Possible Steps to Resolve This Issue

• Contact the Saudi Licensing Authorities

You should start by contacting the Saudi Council for Health Specialties (SCHS) or the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia to request documentation explaining the delay in your licensure.

You may want to obtain a letter of explanation stating that the delay in licensure was due to the time-consuming process at that time and that you were working under the expectation of eventually receiving the professional body registration.

• Gather Documentation for U.S. Application

When applying to work in the USA, you will likely need to:

Provide a detailed work history from your time in Saudi Arabia, including dates of employment, job titles, and a clear explanation of why you were not immediately registered.

If your professional registration was eventually granted, provide proof of this registration, such as a copy of the licensure certificate or official documentation from Saudi authorities.

Present a Clear Explanation to the U.S. Nursing Board

When applying for licensure in the U.S., you must explain the registration gap. Be transparent and provide supporting evidence.

Some states have specific provisions for foreign-trained nurses where licensure issues like this occur. A Letter of Explanation that includes supporting documents from Saudi authorities can demonstrate that you were working in good faith, even if your registration was delayed.

 Consider Seeking Legal or Professional Advice

If you are unsure how to proceed, consider contacting a nurse licensure lawyer or an educational consultant specializing in U.S. licensure for foreign-educated nurses. They can guide you and ensure your application is handled correctly.

State Board Variability: Remember that nursing boards in the U.S. are state-specific. Some may have more lenient rules for foreign nurses with licensure delays, while others may have stricter standards.

Given the unique circumstances of your licensure delay, it may be worth researching which state boards are more likely to accept your application.

 UK vs. U.S. Licensure Differences

As you mentioned, the UK did not pose any issues with your licensure delay, which is true for some countries with more flexible licensure recognition. However, in the U.S., where licensure is often state-controlled and requires strict verification, the issue of unregistered practice is more likely to be flagged.

Conclusion

While the delay in licensure during your time in Saudi Arabia may pose a challenge, it is not insurmountable. By providing clear documentation, a well-explained letter of explanation, and possibly seeking professional advice, you can improve your chances of being eligible for U.S. licensure.

Your dream of working as a nurse in the U.S. is achievable. You should be able to navigate this issue with the proper documentation and approach. Best of luck with your application.

Nurse Beth