asweetheart50

I already have my BSN...graduated in 2002. The problem is that I obtained that degree during a one year intense school program (an accerelated program), and Britain does not recognize such "short" program. And for the looks of it, Portugal does not either.

I actually do have exactly 3 years of nursing experience, for I graduated in June and started working that July (as RN), even though I only took the NCLEX in September. But that doesn't help me any, even if I had 10 years experience, it really does not matter. I just can't believe that they won't even look at my application, or let me make up the practical time that I am missing. My only choice is to look into the other countries and see if I come up with. But I know not to get my hopes up, especially when London, one of the powerhouses of Europe denyes me. Thank you so much for all your help, I truly appreciate it. With regards to Silverdragon, I am so surprised to know that you have been waiting that long to practice in the US. Between the clinicals for school and two hospitals that I've worked at, all you see are foreign nurses, especially from the Philippines, India and the Caribean. I cannot believe its taking that long for you. Unbelievable! I wish you all the best. Too bad we can't simply exchange jobs

I want to thank you both so much for your helpful information. I checked out those great websites, which gave me the exact information I was looking for....however, even though I meet all of the requirements for their application process, I do not have one thing.......3 years of nursing studies! I graduated in 1998 with a Bachelor Degree of Science, Biology major and Chemistry minor (4 year degree). Three years later, I decided to go back to school because I wanted to become a nurse. I applied and enrolled in an accerelated, and intense nursing program for students with a previous non-nursing degree. I had all the prerequisites and grade point average necessary for acceptance into the program, BSN Combined Degree Program. The program is three semesters long full-time, in other words one full year. I graduated in June 2002, with a Bachelor Degree in Nursing and passed my NCLEX two months later at my first try. I just called the Overseas Nurses Programme Advice Line, and I was informed that my program does not meet the minimun nursing standards required by the European Economic Area :´( ........................ I just can't believe this.................I think I am in absolute shock........ I even asked the advisor if there was anything I could do (make up hours,etc) or maybe even having my University contacting their organization, and he very politely told me no. What do I do?.....I can't believe this....I have a first-level nursing degree, I am not an LPN or have an Associate Nursing Degree. I understand that I don't have the total number of practical hours, as a 3 year student would, but I am an educated professional with 3 years experience in the only trauma medical center between New York City and Albany. I know, there is probably little you guys can tell me at this point, but I am just so disappointed right now. I just can't believe it! I'm almost insulted. Is there any hope for me, at all?

Hello, I am seriously considering moving to Europe within the next month or so, for personal reasons. I have been an RN for 6 years now and would love to continue my nursing career wherever I end up (either London or Lisbon, where I have family). However, I hear these horror stories of how underdeveloped the healthcare system is throughout Europe, compared to the States. I was told that nurses are not as respected, and their skills/duties are very much limited to basic patient care. The work schedules are completely different; one has to work all different shifts within the week. I realize there must be some truths, as well as exagerations to these stories. If anyone has any words of advice or personal experiences to share, I would truly appreciate it. Another issue, does anyone have any idea how I go about transferring my nursing license to be able to work there? Is it complicated? Thank you, Ana