To Study in Europe or USA

AnnieNHRN · May 26, 2009

I am originally from The Netherlands where I did my nursing school. I had to pass CGFNS and NCLEX here in the US to be able to work here (not easy but very doable). It was an adjustment but I am glad I got my schooling in Europe. Not sure if Denmark is the same as Holland, but I got PAID to go to nursing school for 4 years. I was shocked to hear nurses graduating here in the US with 10,000's of $ of debt. As far as working in Africa and Asia, I don't think it would be any easier either way. Working in a foreign language has it's challenges. I would definitely learn French if planning on going to Africa.

Maybe contact the county's embassies for info.

I would contact the European's country's nursing board and see how difficult it is to transfer a US license to Europe.

I think if you have a BSN it will be easier to be recognized in foreign countries.

Are you planning to work through an organization, like "Dr's Without Borders?". Maybe contact them too.

Good luck!

mejdawa · May 26, 2009

Thanks so much for shedding a little light! Yes, I would like to be traveling overseas with nonprofits such as Danida, UNICEF, Red Cross, or Dr.s Without Borders.

Okay, I have a couple of questions...

1. Inorder to take the NCLEX and CGFNS did you have do any supplementary coursework, and, if so, how long did it take?

2. If you get a diploma in the EU you can use it anywhere in the EU as long as you pass the language test for that country, correct? I've looked this up several times and that is how I understand what have written.

AnnieNHRN · May 26, 2009

I did not have to take any supplementary course work. I graduated from a 4 yr Diploma program. Be careful though which school you go to. The US requires a certain amount of hrs for each subject etc.

I have heard of US nurses having a hard time getting licensed in Europe. They don't make it easy!

I do believe most EU countries recognize each others certifications.. However this can be a huge long process depending on which country you are trying to transfer to. France, for example, makes the red tape almost impossible to get through! A lot of European countries have different levels of RN's. If you are able, I would go for the highest level, so that you will have a better shot at being able to transfer your license anywhere in the world.

Your best shot would be to contact the Danish Nursing Association.

If it weren't for my family, I would be working as a nurse somewhere in South America right now... Wish I had done it when I was younger and had no bills to pay! Good luck with everything.

mejdawa · May 26, 2009

Thanks love!

I'm going to talk to the Nursing School in Denmark tomorrow so I will present them with my new list of guided questions! I totally understand about wanting to travel. I'm having a hard time with it as it is because it's defiantly pretty impossible to leave the ones you love behind.

* Just in-case you are interested: there is a web site called VolunteerforPeace.org and they have a ton of summer programs that are designed for families, and I have actually used them myself to go to Kenya. For example - you guys could volunteer for the minimum time (which I think is about 2 weeks, maybe even one) and then spend the last week or so of your vacation in that country (like Costa Rica, Equador, or Peru). Just food for thought because I have no idea what your/your family's interests may be or your situation! *

LINK: http://www.globalvolunteers.org/faqs/faq5.asp

Again, thank you so much!