RN to BSN foreign educated nurse for Kentucky BON

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Hello everyone,

Background: I worked as a RN for two years after completing a Diploma in Nursing (which was a 3 year Course) and getting my Indian RN license. I completed my BSc in Nursing (which was a 2 year course) after that and worked as a RN again. My Indian RN license was registered as a Diploma holder RN. I approached the Nursing Council (Delhi Nursing Council) after completing my BSc in nursing to ask if I needed to apply for a new RN license. They told me told that RN license number would change only after the completion of a Master's degree.

Question: I recently started my Visa Screening Process with CGFNS and my nursing schools will be sending my transcripts to CGFNS. Assuming that everything goes well (and I get my Visa Screen Certificate along with my RN license for Kentucky):

· Will the RN license be BSN RN License or Diploma RN License?

· How will the fact that my Indian RN license has me as a Diploma holder RN impact my RN license in Kentucky?

· What can I do to ensure that the right credential is registered?

Kindly help. I look forward to your reply.

P.S In US, when anybody upgrade ones RN to BSN, does license number changes or is there any need to update it on ones license or it doesn't matter so long as you have your transcript and other required papers to prove that you have done BSN.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Unless doing an equivalent education license in CA (such as LVN plus 30 unit hours ) no US differentiates if an RN has a diploma, ASN, BSN or MSN. An advanced practice nurse would have an additional credential but RN does not differentiate.

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Thank you so much for your quick response- I want to eventually complete a masters in nursing. I have a bachelors degree is nursing but my licence (from india) shows that I have a diploma (because I became a RN after I completed my diploma). I have two questions: 1) does the U.S. RN licence show what my academic degree is (and if so what will that be) and 2) do you need a RN licence to get into nursing school for a masters degree?

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

1 no, except the single example above. 99.9% just state registered professional nurse

2 generally yes, especially if a clinical masters such as nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist you need a valid RN license for the state where you go to school

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Thanks justbeachynurse - one last question. If I had an Asn from the USA and got an RN here. Then got a bachelors later- do I have to inform the licensing board that I have completed my bachelors and have my records with them updated?

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Nope not an issue here. BoN doesn't usually care. Employers do

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Thank you!!

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