International Nurse to USA

[Kc071]

Hi. I am a New Zealand qualified Registered Nurse and have been practising in the area of Coronary Care/HDU/Telemetry for 3 years.

I am wanting to gain my license to practise in the US. I have been emailing several people and applying with agencies to assist me but have come up against a few obstacles.

In New Zealand, we complete a comprehensive RN degree but I am lacking hours in obstetrics and paediatrics to be eligible to sit the NCLEX RN exam. I meet the requirements in the other three areas of nursing (medical, surgical, psychiatric).

Is there any advice/help you could please provide.

I would be extremely grateful.

Thank you

[Happy Life, BSN, RN]

I think it depends on what state you are seeking license in...What state is it? and have you tried other state?

[Kc071]

I am looking into Virginia or any state near to that. Thanks

[Happy Life, BSN, RN]

have you tried contacting Virginia Board of Nursing? Did you consider CGFNS?

[Kc071]

Hi yes I contacted them and they have advised to apply and have a ces report down through CGFNS but I know that I have zero hours for both paeds and obstetrics so i am wondering if it’s worth spending the money to have the check done when I’m know I’m deficient and whether they will accept me to sit the NCLEX or whether I should try and get the hours first but I don’t know how.

[hypnotizer90, BSN, RN]

Hi. I am interested in knowing on how you can solve this issue. In Canada, certain schools have continuing education certificate program specializing for instance on pediatrics & obstetrics; but each program can take years since it is not only 1 course.

There are some postings here though that I have encountered. Schools offering it in California.

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