UK nurse wanting to move to Florida

suzanne4, RN · Jan 8, 2006

Florida requires that you get a credentials eval done by CGFNS, called the CES. I suggest that you start with that. You will be required to take and pass the NCLEX exam, and get a Visa Screen Certificate, also thru CGFNS.

Their website is www.CGFNS.org.

Florida will not process your application for licensure, not permit you to take the NCLEX exam until you provide them the CES.

grannynurse FNP student · Jan 8, 2006

Welcome to Florida. Aside from getting your credentials evaluated and taking the licensing exam, I am assuming you would like to know more about this state. Right now we are experiencing a growth spurt, in our housing market. To purchase a home, one can expect a low of $150,000 in Charlotte Count (the southwest coast) to a high of more then $500,000 ranging from Naples, to Miami, to Tampa, to Orlando. And these prices are the low end for a basic two or three bedroom, two bath home. Rents range from $650 for a one bedroom apartment to $1500 for a small home, a very small home. Because of the number of hurricanes that have hit our state, in the past two years, we have suffered lost of electrical wiring, thus FP & L (the major power company) have been allowed to pass on a surcharge, as well as an increase in rates. Also insurance to cover your home, if your purchase, is becoming harder and much more expensive it obtain. While the pay of nurses has increased and there is no state personal income tax, wages are not sufficient. And the cost of living goes up each year. And the sunshine doesn't pay for anything.

Grannynurse:balloons:

shaznay34 · Jan 10, 2006

Many thanks for that, you've given me some very valuable info and advice. Much appreciated.

misswoosie · Jan 10, 2006

Hi there

I do not believe you will have done any paeds or obs in your training. If you have not then you will not meet the requirements to sit the NCLEX let alone for licensure.i am not sure how you rectify this but I know this is the problem a lot of P2000 are having.I think you will have to attend formal classes and get practical experience but I do not know how much is required.Also did you do any mental health?

Sorry if this dissapoints you but best you know now. Not sure if you could apply to be a LPN or if they have to cover same breadth of subjects as RNs.Then you could convert over there.Don't think you would get a green card this way though.

Hope this helps!

Silverdragon102, BSN · Jan 10, 2006

Hi there
I do not believe you will have done any paeds or obs in your training. If you have not then you will not meet the requirements to sit the NCLEX let alone for licensure.i am not sure how you rectify this but I know this is the problem a lot of P2000 are having.I think you will have to attend formal classes and get practical experience but I do not know how much is required.Also did you do any mental health?
Sorry if this dissapoints you but best you know now. Not sure if you could apply to be a LPN or if they have to cover same breadth of subjects as RNs.Then you could convert over there.Don't think you would get a green card this way though.
Hope this helps!

Unfortunately for immigration purpose you have to be RN not LPN. Some P2000 did do enough hours but the only way to find out is CES with CGFNS and they will say if any hours short what they are

shaznay34 · Jan 11, 2006

Thanx for that, I trained as an enrolled nurse originally prior to p2000. I had to do paeds as part of my training back then. I did a EN to RN conversion course in 1996 and had to complete hours in mental health, obs and community nursing to gain the qualification. Does this put me in a better position?? Nurse training changed in the UK in approx 1990, but I trained prior to this. Thanx again xx:rolleyes:

letina · Jan 11, 2006

Thanx for that, I trained as an enrolled nurse originally prior to p2000. I had to do paeds as part of my training back then. I did a EN to RN conversion course in 1996 and had to complete hours in mental health, obs and community nursing to gain the qualification. Does this put me in a better position?? Nurse training changed in the UK in approx 1990, but I trained prior to this. Thanx again xx:rolleyes:

Yes, this should put you in a much better position for CES purposes. I also was an EN and converted in 1994. My CES report came out OK, I had enough hours in all disciplines from my EN training and RN conversion combined :)

Silverdragon102, BSN · Jan 11, 2006

Thanx for that, I trained as an enrolled nurse originally prior to p2000. I had to do paeds as part of my training back then. I did a EN to RN conversion course in 1996 and had to complete hours in mental health, obs and community nursing to gain the qualification. Does this put me in a better position?? Nurse training changed in the UK in approx 1990, but I trained prior to this. Thanx again xx:rolleyes:

I trained EN in 1986 and converted 1999 and have had no problems at all with going to the US :)

shaznay34 · Jan 13, 2006

Again, thanx a lot, advice is very much appreciated:lol2:

Belinda-wales, RN · Jan 15, 2006

I also trained as EN (1986) then converted RN (1995) Midwife(1999) no problems at all with CES they said it met all the ares needed.

suehp · Jan 17, 2006

I just moved to Florida 3 weeks ago so if you need to know anything I would be glad to help:)