I am a UK RN in USA for 2 years, is it worth obtaining US registration?

[jacqueline65]

Hello, I have been in California for 8 months. I am here on a temporary 2 1/2 year residential visa and I have a work permit (we are here with my husband is on an exchange post). That is the good news! The bad news is that I did not realise how difficult it is to register as a nurse here. My first stumbling block is that I cannot locate my transcripts of training from 20 years ago. The NMC is still looking but I am not hopeful. Secondly I have not worked in clinical practice for 5 years (my last clinical job was as an operating room/recovery nurse for 8 years). Lastly, I do not want to work fulltime. I have a young family and ideally I would like to work part time or what the UK call bank nursing (where you are on call and come in at short notice and dont get paid unless you work).

So my questions are:

1) What happens if my training transcripts are lost?

2) How can I update my clinical skills in preparation for a job if I have not yet passed my NCLEX?

3) Is the part time or temporary work that I would like available in the US?

4) Would a nursing agency be able to help me?

I look forward to hearing from fellow nurses. Despite the difficulties I am still very keen on nursing in the US and I will try anything to make this a reality! Thank you.

[Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN]

First your transcripts have to come from the school not from you. There are refresher courses but you have to be licensed. Jobs are hard to come, your experience is outdated. Since you are only in the US for 2 years, by the time you qualify and pass the NCLEX it will be time for you to return to England.

There are several UK nurses licensed in the US, they had issues try to get transcripts perhaps they can assist you.

Last in many hospitals they have float nurses who come in as needed,usually these nurses have worked full time in the hospital so they can work with minimal support. Last nursing agencies look for experienced nurses who work full time.

Sorry I couldn't be too positive in my answers.

[jacqueline65]

Thank you for your input, and I am not suprised by your comments despite them being negative. I would rather have an honest opinion!

[Fiona59]

I would probably enjoy the two year stay. Volunteer maybe in a public health unit?

I went through this struggle when we moved provinces due to my husband's job. It was a huge hassle to move my practice permit and by the time I finally obtained a job our posting was nearly over. The money I earned covered my paperwork and not much else.

So, if money isn't an issue, enjoy your stay. Travel, make friends, look at it as a sabbatical.

[jacqueline65]

I think that is good advice Fiona. I have had a long chat with my husband and he said the same as you. It is difficult as I feel like I am wasting all my experience but it will be good for me to take some time out. Thank you.