Nursing in South Korea

[Madilou]

Hi, I am currently a Nursing student as a Freshman at Lewis University. The idea of travel nursing came to me around my Junior year in High School and since then I've fallen in love with the idea. I've always loved Korea's history but never really wanted to go until my Senior year. Since then I've been researching and working on learning the language. I plan on working in the U.S. two years after I graduate to gain experience, pay off school loans, and finish learning the language. However, I've read recent articles and am now slightly confused. First, will I need to take a different nursing exam in South Korea even if I have passed the Nclex in the U.S.? Also, since I will be (hopefully) fluent in Korean, will I have a better chance of getting a job?

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

I can answer one of your questions.. The NCLEX-RN/PN is the licensing exam that is valid only for a license in the US and certain US territories. The NCLEX is not a credential that grants licensure in any other country. In Canada there is the CRNE or CRPNE exams. You would need to meet the requirements for licensing in Korea as defined by their governing body. There is also the issue of the ability to obtain a job and a visa that gives you work rights. Fluency in the language and specifically medical Korean would likely be required to be a successful nurse in Korea, though I am not familiar with the required qualifications for a nursing license in Korea.

Most countries require a minimum of a BSN. Most travel companies require 3-5 years experience (minimum is usually 2 years) that you are competent in your skills and require minimum orientation.

[tacomaster]

That's so awesome that you are interested in working in South Korea. I was stationed there when I was in the Army and fell in love with the country and its' people. You can always find a GS job (which is a US government employee) over there. You should look online at usajobs.gov and Medical Job Opportunities - Health Care Careers Home. Koreans are a very friendly group of people and love Americans. You can apply for the GS jobs after six months of RN-BSN work experience. As long as you have a current nursing license from any state, you are good to go. Hope this information works. Good luck in your future nursing career :)

[neemo]

That's so awesome that you are interested in working in South Korea. I was stationed there when I was in the Army and fell in love with the country and its' people. You can always find a GS job (which is a US government employee) over there. You should look online at usajobs.gov and Medical Job Opportunities - Health Care Careers Home. Koreans are a very friendly group of people and love Americans. You can apply for the GS jobs after six months of RN-BSN work experience. As long as you have a current nursing license from any state, you are good to go. Hope this information works. Good luck in your future nursing career :)

Thanks for the link. I also have an interest in working in South Korea in the future, and was wondering about exactly what you posted. Now I know where to look after I get some experience under my belt. :)