Illinois RN license

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Hi everyone!

I'm a new grad RN in Australia, I'm working at the moment and i'm going to move to Chicago end of next year. So I'd like to know how to get the RN license at Illinois? I know that I need to take the NCLEX exam so I'm self studying at the moment but i wonder if i need to take the IELTS test ( I'm an oversea student at Australia and I'm from Vietnam)? Really appreciate to all your help :)

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

Have you checked the IL BoN website for information on license by examination for internationally educated nurses? You are likely to have an issue as AUS nurses are not trained in obstetrics/maternity since this is a midwifery skill in Australia. US nurses are generalist trained and must have sufficient clinical and theory in adult medical/surgical, pediatrics, geriatrics , psych/mental health, and maternity/obstetrics/women 'a health to qualify for licensing.

You do not apply for the NCLEX but for a nursing license by examination. The NCLEX is but one step in the process. Then you need to determine what type of visa you will qualify for work rights as many visas nurses qualify for require experience and are based upon your country of birth or citizenship.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

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Tks JustBeachyNurse! You are right here we don't have the clinical placement in the obstetrics/maternity or pediatrics ward & we need to take another year to become a Midwife. However we have many placements in other fields. I did check the IL BoN website & I'm quite sure I need to take NCLEX but Im not sure about the Ielts test. Also I gonna come to US via F2B visa ( Mom & daughter). Any suggestions form you are always welcome ;)

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

Is your visa petition current? I know that due to retrogression some family based visas have a 12+ year wait for a current priority date.

If you do not have peds & maternity theory & clinical you will not be deemed eligible for licensing in the US. There is no substitute. Your education & license credentials need to be evaluated by CGFNS.

The NCLEX is but one step in the process but if your nursing education does not meet US standards, the board of nursing will not give authorization to sit for the NCLEX-RN. If English is not your native language then you have to prove English proficiency. I think IL accepts TOEFL also but you need to check with the BoN.

All the information is listed on the IL BoN website for licensing as a registered professional nurse by examination as an internationally educated nurse.

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