UK trained RN looking to move to USA

loriangel14, RN · Sep 23, 2013

You need to apply to the CA BON for a license and figure out what visa you qualify for. Are you generalist trained?

Silverdragon102, BSN · Sep 23, 2013

Can't apply to CA BRN without a US SSn which you can't get until in the US with a valid work/immigrant visa. Meeting state requirements is first step and you will be required to have both clinical and theory hours in Paeds, Mental Health, Obstetric and Adult. Also CA require clinical and theory is done at the same time. I know when I trained in the UK my clinical and theory was done at the same time but I also trained back in the 80's when UK training was general.

CA has a lot of nurses unemployed so finding a employer willing to go through the work/immigrant process may be difficult but many employers will not consider you without going through a state process and passing NCLEX.

Suggest a good read in the Nurse Registration forum. There are plenty of threads discussing the US registration process as well as UK nurses and the difficulties they have in making up hours as currently no place in the UK offers this

Loyola89 · Sep 23, 2013

Thank you for your replies. I am a general trained nurse. I qualified two years ago and we had to cover paeds, mental health and learning disability. From what I have read on other threads it can take upto five years to complete the process would you say that this is an accurate time frame?. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Silverdragon102, BSN · Sep 23, 2013

You appear to be short Obstetrics so that will be a hinder in your state application. I presume not mentioning Adult means you still did Adult

License process as long as you meet everything is approx 4-6 months you then sit and pass NCLEX. Once you have passed NCLEX you then have to find a employer willing to go through the long process and willing to wait the current processing time which if born in the UK is just over 3 years. Things with the bulletin is it goes up and down depending on demand and how many visas are allocated each year

Loyola89 · Sep 24, 2013

I am an adult trained nurse but did a degree which the first year is a common foundation programme covering key areas in nursing so we did theory in maternity, learning disability, mental health and child nursing with short placements to meet the curriculum for practice hours so I am hopeful that we have covered them areas. However obstetrics we did a small amount but not much theory so that may be an area to worry about. However I currently work as an A&E nurse and we cover OBGYN, maternity, child and mental health so in practice I have some experience in them areas. Would that in any way help my case. I have read a lot about people applying for a CES through CFGS now I think this would be my first step or contact the CA BON with regards to visa etc. Sorry it's rather confusing system so I am trying to get my head around it. So I apologise if my questions seem rather stupid. Your help is much appreciated. Thank you.

loriangel14, RN · Sep 24, 2013

Working in obstetrics wouldn't count. It needs to be theory and clinical hours that would show up on a transcript.You wouldn't contact the BON in regards to a visa,They are only concerned with your nursing status.You first step would be to contact for information on how to apply for a license.

Silverdragon102, BSN · Sep 24, 2013

CA do their own assessment however without a US SSN you can not apply to them. Your transcripts must show both clinical and theory hours and for CA, who are being very strict, the clinical and theory must be done at the same time. BRN or other state boards have absolutely nothing to do with visas. For that you need a employer which in the current US climate may be hard

Loyola89 · Sep 24, 2013

Ok thank you for your help. I will get started with the process.

ninis · Oct 3, 2013

Hi , I was in your exact position. I applied for CGFNS who approved my transcripts since I had some theory and clinical with some virtual placements on all the three areas ( peds, mental health and OB). You seem to have more experience as worked in AE. So go for it apply and see what CGFNS says.

Good luck mate!

steppybay · Oct 3, 2013

Hi , I was in your exact position. I applied for CGFNS who approved my transcripts since I had some theory and clinical with some virtual placements on all the three areas ( peds, mental health and OB). You seem to have more experience as worked in AE. So go for it apply and see what CGFNS says.
Good luck mate!

What state did you apply to? Yes, there are some states that will allow one to take the NCLEX, but will NOT issue the license till that state's BON has a valid SS# (to work) has been filed.

Even if somehow the state does release the license, any US employer will need to see (and usually makes a copy of the SS#), some employers use the E-verify system to check the validity of the numbers. Without a valid SS#, the employer cannot legally hire the employee.

But in this OP's case, he/she wants to apply, work and practice in CA, as stated earlier, no SS# will result in a quick rejection of the application. If the OP does mail the application, there's a chance that the CA BRN will keep all the fees meaning it's non-refundable.

steppybay · Oct 3, 2013

What state did you apply to? Yes, there are some states that will allow one to take the NCLEX without the SS#, but will NOT issue the license till that state's BON has a valid SS# (to work) has been filed.

Even if somehow the state does release the license, any US employer will need to see (and usually makes a copy of the SS#), some employers use the E-verify system to check the validity of the numbers. Without a valid SS#, the employer cannot legally hire the employee.

But in this OP's case, he/she wants to apply, work and practice in CA, as stated earlier, no SS# will result in a quick rejection of the application. If the OP does mail the application, there's a chance that the CA BRN will keep all the fees meaning it's non-refundable.

(Sorry for the double posting, I tried to edit the previous comment)