"Foreigner" RN requirements to work in the U.S (U.S resident)

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Hello guys,

I'm from Paris I used to live in the U.S and now it's been few months that I am back in Europe where I have more control and abilities to continue my studies.

It's been a while that I have been researching about the right way to come back in the United States as a Registered Nurse without any complication when I'll be done with school.

I'm a U.S resident and soon will be a U.S citizen but I wonder once I'm finally a nurse will I encounter the same trouble and will have to go through the same procedure as an foreigner Nurse status, knowing that I'm a U.S resident (soon citizen)

I'm multilingual and speak English very well I was wondering if I'll have to take the TOEFL exam too...? (since the program here is in french ). And if passing the NCLEX-RN with a transcript translated would be enough?

Basically what I'm asking is a guidance about how should I proceed with my situation once I'll become a RN and will be back in the U.S.

I send few emails to professionals working for the state board of nursing but if any of you had any similar experience or know any information please feel free to comment below that'll help thanks :)

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Since each US state sets its own rules and requirements for licensure of foreign-educated nurses (or whatever the current politically-correct term is), your best bet would be to communicate directly with the BON in the state(s) where you intend to live -- or, at least, check that BON's website for information about licensure for those educated elsewhere. Regardless of your citizenship status, if you attend nursing school in another country you will be a foreign-educated nurse for your entire career in the US, and will have extra paperwork and "hoops to jump through" on intial licensure and any time in the future you want to pursue licensure in another state.

Best wishes!

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Moved to Nurse registration forum

Depending on state will depend if English is required regardless if already a resident of the US or not

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

All Registered Nurses who's nursing education was obtained outside the US/ US Territories (referred to as Internationally Educated Nurse = IEN) need to submit their credentials to CGFNS for credential review and verification.

Since nursing education based on French language, will still need to prove English proficiency.

Website is www.cgfns.org.

English language proficiency info:

http://www.cgfns.org/sections/tools/glossary/glossaryEnglishtesting.shtml

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