I live in England and really want to be a nurse in america

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Hello,

basically i live in England at the moment and really want to become a mental health nurse in america, i believe in america they are called 'psychiatric' nurses. I was just wondering if anyone knows weather or not the British qualifications are accepted in america ? if so are nurses and sought after job and well paid? really would like to do it in California if thats any help

thanks

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

US nurses are generalist trained whereas UK nurses are specialist trained In order to be licensed in any US state you must have theory & clinical in adult, pediatric , geriatric, obstetrics, and mental health. UK nurses are specialist trained and many require additional theory & clinical training to meet the minimum requirements for licensing by examination.

Many internationally educated nurses require additional clinical & theory education once evaluated by CA board of registered nursing.

You cannot even apply for credential evaluation without a valid social security number. You cannot get a social security number without being a citizen, permanent resident or holder of a valid work visa.

Many areas of the country have a shortage of experienced specialist nurses. However most of California has a surplus of inexperienced. & experienced nurses seeking employment. If you require visa sponsorship, you may encounter difficulty in finding an employer as with a 40% rate of unemployed nurses in parts of CA most employers are unwilling to go through the time & expense of sponsoring an international nurse when local applicants are abundant.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

You can apply for credential evaluation with CGFNS WES etc without a US SSN however some states require US SSN as part of their application process to be a RN. CA will not accept application without a US SSN and you can't get that until in the US with a valid work/immigrant visa.

Currently very hard to find a employer willing to wait the 2+ years (depending on place of birth) it will take once registered as a RN to live and work in the US.

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