How can I apply for a job as a nurse in Texas because I will be relocating from Nigeria

CAD-RPN · Oct 10, 2018

It's not as easy as showing up and taking the NCLEX. I've been trying to get my license in Texas for over a year with no luck. I am a Candian Registered Practicam nurse. I hold a two year college diploma equivalent to an associates of nursing in the US, with the exception of one class, care of children. I can't find a college that will let me take that one course and the Texas BON won't even let me sit for the LVN exam! Education for LVNs in Texas is less than a year! To say it has been frustrating is an understatement. At this point my only option is to go back to school and redo my whole degree bc of that one course. If anyone has any ideas or can share their experience please let me know.

calcgirl314, ADN, BSN, RN · Oct 11, 2018

Did you ever take a Pediatric course? I would assume you wouldn't be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN because you were educated as an RN. Did you ever call and speak to someone from the Texas BON? Also, is there any way you could take a Pediatric course from a college in Canada, perhaps where you graduated from?

CAD-RPN · Oct 11, 2018

Hi! We very briefly touched on pediatrics in class. My diploma is a practical nursing diploma/vocational nursing in the states. Our scope of practice is very different than that of an LNV in the states though. And our education in Canada is 2 yrs as opposed to 9 months here in Texas. I have called the TX BON and have talked to everyone I can get a hold of and they all either transfer me around or give me the same answer. I need to complete the course. I have looked at every college and online as well with no luck. I looked in Canada too but they don't offer it either, I assume bc it is not a class that is required for our license. And most colleges and universities don't allow you to transfer upper level nursing courses. I have been at a total loss and it seems so unfair to have to do a whole degree for one class.

calcgirl314, ADN, BSN, RN · Oct 11, 2018

unfortunately in the U.S. most colleges are all about making money. Nursing programs have a specific pattern you have to follow. I'm an LVN and currently working on my RN and I thought I would be learning all new things, but I've been disappointed so far. I've just decided it's a dance I need to do to be able to get to where I need to be. A lot of MDs from foreign countries who want to practice in the U.S. have the disadvantage of having to repeat medical school if they want to practice in the U.S. and I'm sorry to say that might end up being what you have to do. Btw, I've never heard of a 9 month program for LVNs in Texas. Minimum is generally a year. Most places are 18 months.

CAD-RPN · Oct 11, 2018

It's only a yr long here w breaks between semesters. It's crazy! When I look at the RN classes I need to take they are the exact same ones I have already taken. I think I need to bite the bullet and go back to school but I am dreading every minute of it. You wouldn't happen to know of any online nursing associates degrees. I found one from the University of Texas but the cost is outrageous for an associates degree $17-18,000! The advertise it as a baccalaureate of nursing but it's an associates.

calcgirl314, ADN, BSN, RN · Oct 12, 2018

I have some friends that have done Capscare. It's online ADN-RN with prerequisites included. You would have to go to Florida for a month for clinicals. It's not accredited, but I know some of my friends were able to get Texas RN licenses from this program. I didn't choose this route because I actually intend to become an advanced practice nurse and having an accredited degree is essential. If you're only interested in getting your ADN and don't want to go further this could be an option. Most programs require you to attend class at the ADN and LVN levels. Once you have your ADN, going from ADN-BSN can be done completely online, no clinicals.

calcgirl314, ADN, BSN, RN · Oct 12, 2018

I don't know where you're getting your information about the University of Texas (UT) offering Associates. That information is not correct. They offer Bachelors (BSN). You can get your 4-year BSN through them or for those that are already Associate Degree Nurses(ADN) (RNs) they offer ADN to BSN track. It's an accelerated track, but you have to be an associate degree nurse with an RN license. Many ADN to BSN programs are offered online, so, unless you want to do a 4 year BSN program through them, this probably won't be the best option. As I mentioned above, I only know of one program at the associate degree level for nursing offered online.

CAD-RPN · Oct 12, 2018

I actually talked to an advisor at UTA, they have and accelerated "BScN" online degree, it takes 15 months. But what they don't tell you on their website it's that it is not a BScN it's actually an ADN. I was going to apply to the program until the advisor told me you get an ADN and then have the option to go into their bridging RN to BScN program for another $10k after you pass the NCLEX.

I'll look into the college in FL. Maybe they will allow me to take the course I'm missing. Thank you so much for all your input.

And sorry to the original poster for taking over your post. Here is what I have experienced so far. Becoming a CNA is fairly easy but it won't help you get your RN with respect to classes. A better route, from what I've read, not to get your RN here, but for work purposes, skills and salary is to take the Patient Care Technician certification. Although, many hospitals say they will hire someone with foreign nursing experience and education for this position. Also, get your credential evaluation started very very early on. I used CGFNS, which I don't recommend, and it took me a good year to get them to provide my report, It was a very slow, frustrating process. They receive all your documents and they sit there for months on end before they review them, you call and they will come up w a million excuses as to why they haven't reviewed your documents even though they have been received, signed and reviewed for seals and signatures by their staff. It'll also be easier to start the process while in your country bc you can get a hold of all the documents they will request from you much quicker and easier. Good luck!

calcgirl314, ADN, BSN, RN · Oct 12, 2018

Best of luck with that. Here's their website. Associate in Nursing (RN Program) - Capscare They do state on their website that they accept credits/proof of training from other institutions. I looked at the FL BON and they are currently in a probationary period for accreditation. Some of my friends were LVNs and able to transfer LVN credit for advanced placement, and that could very well help you, plus you'll get an RN license after you pass all your coursework and the NCLEX.