UK Trained Nurse Moving to US

[ptork66]

Hello. I am so confused, and I can't seem to find clearly laid out information anywhere! I live in the UK and am considering training as a nurse - either adult or child. I've heard, but haven't really been able to confirm, that I wouldn't be able to take a degree in children's nursing over to the US, due to the US having requirements around placements in paediatrics, obstetrics, and various other areas.

I'm a US citizen, so I wouldn't need to get a visa/work permit or take any English exams.

Here's my questions:

* Can anyone link me to where it lays out the education requirements, particularly regarding the placements? Or is this another state by state thing? Any states that are more friendly to foreign-trained nurses?

* If my degree doesn't meet the placement requirements, is there a way to top them up?

* What exactly is the process, especially since a lot of the it seems to not be applicable to me as I'm already a citizen of the US, of working in the US as a foreign-trained nurse?

* Any other information that may be useful? :)

I don't even know if I'll ever actually want to move back to the UK, but I feel it's nice to leave my options open.

[loriangel14, RN]

The requirements vary from state to state but you will have to be generalist trained to work in the US. This means theory and clinical hours in adult, peds, OB/GYN and mental health nursing.I have seen the topic of classes to top up mentioned but I don't think there is any option available for that.Even though you are a USC you will still be considered a foreign trained nurse when it comes to licensing. You would have to meet the requirements of the BON of your state of choice and pass the NCLEX.

[Smilty]

Hi,

I was in a similar situation - I graduated with BSN Adult in England and have recently moved to the US. Unfortunately, there is very little information that is helpful. I'll try my best to tell you how I achieved it, but it has been a long process.

Whichever degree you choose to do in England you will still be lacking in the eyes of the US, as you know they do Adult/Peds/OB/Psych. However, in US Nursing school they do much more Med/Surg (Adult) than any of the other specialities. Just bear in mind that if you choose to do a Child Nursing Degree you might create an even bigger deficit.

My Nursing course had a common foundation year and so I did do some theory in Peds/OB/Psych. This was helpful when my transcripts were reviewed as I just had to take clinical classes.

There are no specific 'top - up- programs. Your best bet will be sweet talking a local school into letting you just take the classes you need. I only had to take one semester of school over here to meet the requirements.

Even though you are a US Citizen you will still need to have a credentials review if you ever want to come over here and nurse. I recommend CGFNS I found them to be very efficient, although it is not cheap. The review is also only valid for one year, so time it well or you will end up paying again.

It is a state by state thing really. I would recommended picking one that only requires a credentials review, as some require the certification program which you are not eligible for unless you meet US education requirements. You can read more about this on CGFNS website, they have a list of what each state requires.

Good Luck :)

[buzzbuzz1]

Hi I am about to graduate from a UK nursing degree program. I am also an American looking to move back to the States. Thank you for the advise that you posted. Would it be easier to use CGFNS and NClex from the States than doing it all in England?

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

Hi I am about to graduate from a UK nursing degree program. I am also an American looking to move back to the States. Thank you for the advise that you posted. Would it be easier to use CGFNS and NClex from the States than doing it all in England?

Probably better to start process in the UK then if any issues with paperwork easier to sort, can always take NCLEX once in the US and have met state requirements. Expect to make up some courses

[Guest713802]

Hello,

I have just recently finished my nursing training in the UK as a Children's nurse and was wondering if you could give me some advice on what I would have to do in order for me to go to America to work?

For now, I am working to gain some experience however do wish to/plan on moving to America to work!

I would really appreciate some advice!

Many thanks,

MDP. x

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

Hello,

I have just recently finished my nursing training in the UK as a Children's nurse and was wondering if you could give me some advice on what I would have to do in order for me to go to America to work?

For now, I am working to gain some experience however do wish to/plan on moving to America to work!

I would really appreciate some advice!

Many thanks,

MDP. x

you need to check that your transcripts show both clinical and theory training in Mental Health, Adult, Obstetrics and Paeds. If you are missing anything you will not meet state requirements, be able to sit NCLEX and work as a nurse in the US

[Guest713802]

Can I not do a course to top-up for what is lacking?

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

If is acceptable by the state however I haven't heard of any universities in the UK doing top ups

[Guest713802]

That makes sense, hopefully things will work out.

[irishicugal]

Md Patel you should get your general nursing training in uk after you qualify, children's nursing alone will not be enough to work in USA as a nurse, and it will be cheaper and easier to do it in uk first!

[Guest713802]

The only problem is that we don't do general nursing in the uk. Our nursing training in the uk is branch specific for example a bachelor of science in adult nursing, children's nursing, mental health nursing, mental health nursing or learning disabilities nursing. We don't have a general nursing programs in the UK.