Steps needed to get US license for UK nurse

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Hi all,

I will almost certainly be moving to the U.S. with my husbands job. I know that I can apply to work after 90 days on some visa or other.

We will be living in Texas. I have been a little confused about the steps need for me to get a licence. I understand about the NCLEX, nursing jurisprudence, criminal background check and education endorsement.

What I really need to understand is the order in which to do it all. Is there a structure to the process which needs to be followed. If so where is the guidance to be found?

thanks

heidi

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Moved to Nurse Registration forum

You need to be clear on which visa you are moving over with to whether you definitely can work after 90 days. If L2 then you will need to apply for permission to work once in the US.

Depending on when you trained will depend on whether you meet state requirements to sit NCLEX and be registered as a RN and work as a RN. Starting point would be reading the state's board of nursing website and see what requirements are. Most require CES report with CGFNS although Texas will accept a couple of other approved companies to CGFNS which is a breakdown of your transcripts which need to shown both clinical and theory hours in Paeds, Mental Health, Obstetrics and Adult. Once you have sat and passed NCLEX will you need to sit jurisprudence exam. On average process times to go through the process and sit NCLEX is 4 months

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Thanks.

it is looking like it is the L1a my husband is getting so I should be the L2, I think.

i have been qualified 15 years and worked all of it except when on maternity leave. I thought everyone had to do the NCLEX regardless of their length of duty.

I have already contacted my university and they don't do a breakdown of hours. A friend of mine has already been through this battle of paper work so I know I'm in for a bit of back and forth with it all!!

I believe I have to apply for and EAD as soon as we land and that gives me the right to work unconditionally. Although I have to obtain my licence from the BON before I can nurse.

What can I do from the UK in preparation?

heidi

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

in preparation you can start your state application process as that can take up to 4 months before approval to sit NCLEX is given (saying you meet requirements)

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