UK RN feeling a little Lost.

[Corinne288]

Evening everyone

I am really hoping for some advice as there are so many pieces of conflicting information online. I am feeling slightly overwhelmed. I will give you some background on myself I am an RN of 3 years and my background has been in addictions, mental health, care of elderly and presently school health. I am aware that I need to have more hospital based experience and I am currently applying for agency work as well as a new FT position in CCU. I work for the NHS in the community at the moment.

Long story short is I worked in the USA for a few years with a well known cruise line. I met my American partner at that time and very much want to make the move permanent. I have been trying to establish a few things and wondered if you can point me in the right direction. The board i wish to Apply to is florida as this is where my partner is.

1. I contacted a well known agency called Adevia... the guy informed me to apply to Texas board as that is the most organised and efficient. He advised it does not matter which nursing board you apply through as once you have you're nclex you can work in any state??. I am just concerned that florida may not accept my education checks from Texas? Could that potentially be the case as I understood each state had their own criteria.

Secondly... Anyone aware if I have a hope in hell of gaining employment in Florida without an agency or am I better using this agency?

I am really baffled with this but desperate to make the transition if I can.

Thank you in advance for any info or guidance you take the time to give.

Thanks

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

The agency is wrong, you are better applying to the state you plan on living and working in. UK trained nurses do struggle to meet state requirements generally due to lack of clinical and theory hours in Obstetrics and sometimes it may also incude Mental Health/Paeds.

Nursing is is not a demand anymore so one of the hardest things after meeting state requirements is finding a hospital willing to sponsor for immigrant visa