UK to USA

Hello,

I've just successfully completed CGFNS and currently waiting on ny ATT. Wasn't easy - but can be done.

I'm BSc Nursing (Adult) from Scotland, and was a perioperative practitioner.

Message me if I can help in any way. 

Good luck.

Hiya,

Thank you for your reply! So it can be done!

Did you apply while in Scotland? Also was there a particular reason why you chose the state of NY? I have heard some states are more favourable to overseas trained RNs. 

How long was the process? Were you required to top up education for example in psych, paeds or maternity?

Any tips or advice are greatly appreciated.

 

Thank you!

Hi there,

I applied whilst in the USA, and apllied to Mayland Board of Nursing. I did it all through the MD BON and CGFNS and it took a year (but we had the pandemic and lits if back and forth). 

I have a BSc. in Adult Nursing. Luckily, due to my curriculum, placements and theory - I wasn't deficient in any areas. I'm now studying to sit my NCLEX exan.

 

Happy to give you any info you need.

Sorry to bump this thread

Eviecam67 - would you mind if I messaged you about your immigration? I’m also a Scottish staff nurse looking to move to PA but finding it all pretty difficult 

Many thanks 

Of course! Happy to help

Thanks for the reply Eviecam67

I’m really just looking for information on the process and where to start. Biggest issue seems to be when you trained. I qualified with BSc Adult Nursing from Uni of Dundee in 2014 and have worked in Trauma and Orthopaedics since as a Ward Staff Nurse. If you don’t mind me asking, when did you train? I think I’m going to fall short on Maternity/Paeds - we do health visiting placements ect. Guess I really won’t know/what to do until I apply.

I just feel in a nursing shortage crisis, there has to be something out there for me; even if it’s further training to even practice as an LVP/LVN in the states I’d be happy. I’m a bit lost tbh.

Any info at all is much appreciated 

Thanks, Lauren 

H Lauren/Everyone looking for advice,

Having been reviewing sites like this I used to feel so deflated about my chances of getting a positive transcript evaluation.  However, I finally applied knowing that as a UK trained nurse, I would be deficient in certain areas such as: maternal/infant, paediatrics and mental health.

Unsurprisingly, my transcript didn't initially meet the necessary requirements that CGFNS require. They explained I had experience in everything except maternal and infant health, However, one of my community placements involved exposure to it, and therefore after much discussion and verification between me, my university and CGFNS some of my community hours were transferred to Maternal & infant health. Fortunately, this enabled my CGFNS application to be successful which enabled me to apply to, and be successful in the Board of Nursing putting me forward for my NCLEX exam (which I haven't sat yet).

As a UK trained registered nurse, who has a BSc in Adult Nursing this would normally mean that my transcript and training would be deficient in Maternal Health, ObstetrIics, Peadiatrics and Mental Health. However, during my training, I had several 7 week community placements which included direct contact and experience in these fields. I was extremely fortunate that my placements and theory covered this. I am fully aware that 'normally' my type of degree wouldn't meet the criteria to nurse in the US.

NB: I must stress that my university HAD TO clearly highlight that I was an Adult trained nurse and not General Trained (like here in the US) But, after much deliberation and verification they did provide evidence that I had indeed experience and exposure to these areas during my training, whilst on my Community placement .

Here is a summary of how this was achieved, in my instance. :

Working with a health visitor who was involved with family planning, pre/post-natal clinics, mother and baby groups, breastfeeding group, home visits for newborns, infants, parents/carers, etc, In addition, every week I spent every Monday researching and reviewing all the teaching material, local and national policies, evidence based research and practice, peer reviewed articles, learning materials etc and then questioned on these policies by my mentor and her line manager. I also had a 7 week surgical placement in Gynaecology. These placements more than covered the necessary theory and practice hours required for Maternal and Infant Health.

Regarding Paediatrics - I undertook a 7 week community placement which included dealing patients in a Young Physically Disabled Unit. This included dealing with their physical and mental disabilities. From complete paralysis, verbal and non verbal patients, epilepsy, bi polar, drain care and changes, catheter care, wound dressing, NG tubes feeding, dialysis, diabetes, cerebal palsy, IV fluids, all medication routes etc - there was a vast variety of exposure to caring for children and young adults. In addition to the theory covered and learned whilst on the placement, many theory hours were covered during my first year of University (common foundation year).

Mental Health - I had a variety of community placements which included a significant amount of exposure to patients suffering from mental health issues such as: depression, addictions, bi polar, self harming, post natal depression, psychosis, learning difficulties, etc. Many inhouse training days, professional development days took place, along with reviewing and tutorials on all relevant local and national policies, peer reviewed articles, gold standard pathways etc to ensure the best possible care was given, Some theory was also covered in my common foundation year at university. All of this was enough to ensure that I had more than enough theory and clinical hours for this area.

After I got the transcript evaluation from CGFNS I then contacted the Maryland Board of Nursing who then said I was eligible to get my background check and fingerprints taken, then go and sit my NCLEX exam. However, I've just moved to another state and will have to apply the Florida Nursing Board. I am also resident in the US (as married to a US citizen).

Hope this helps
Evie

Hi Evie

This is more that helpful and so positive! Really appreciate you taking the time to share this with me. Like you say feedback on UK Nurses prospects of working in America is all very negative and no solution/advice to follow.

Feeling much better about things, helpful to know that the CGFNS let’s you know areas you lack in and how to achieve. 
 

Did you do all your follow up learning/hours in the US? 

Hey Lauren,

I did all my training, in theory and clinical hours in the UK (Scotland).

NB: CGFNS sent my evaluation and explained I didn't have anything for Maternal Health, However, I then called them to ask what was required for Maternal Health and they told me. I then had to go back and review all my clinical and theory hours myself (as I was certain that my community placement with the health visitor and also my surgical placement in gynaecology would possibly cover the missing hours). I reviewed my portfolio as I kept a detailed account of ALL my placements. It was with this info that I then approached the programme leader at my university to ask if they would write to CGFNS confirming that I had this experience. They took months to confirm and verify this was the case and then contacted CGFNS. CGFNS assigned my hours accordingly.

Hi Evie 

At least I can start looking into this will a little more optimism. Thanks again for your help 

On 7/22/2022 at 2:09 PM, Eviecam67 said:

Hey Lauren,

I did all my training, in theory and clinical hours in the UK (Scotland).

NB: CGFNS sent my evaluation and explained I didn't have anything for Maternal Health, However, I then called them to ask what was required for Maternal Health and they told me. I then had to go back and review all my clinical and theory hours myself (as I was certain that my community placement with the health visitor and also my surgical placement in gynaecology would possibly cover the missing hours). I reviewed my portfolio as I kept a detailed account of ALL my placements. It was with this info that I then approached the programme leader at my university to ask if they would write to CGFNS confirming that I had this experience. They took months to confirm and verify this was the case and then contacted CGFNS. CGFNS assigned my hours accordingly.

Hi Evie

 

Did you have any issues re. the NMC and getting them to fill out the request for license/registration form as part of you CGFNS application? I wasnt sure who to send the form to so I called them. They have told me the forms arent required and they can just look me up on the register. Looking to see if anyone has had a similar issue/see if I can exhaust all options before I contact the CGFNS directly.

 

Thanks

Lauren

Hi Lauren,

No issues with NMC. They privided whst I needed in a timely manner. 

 

Cheers

Evie 

U.K. nurse to Virginia, USA

Eviecam67

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U.K. nurse to Virginia, USA

Subscribed

  #1  

laura257 , Jun 9th 2021 11:24 am

Just Joined

Hi,

I am a nurse in the U.K. but live in California with my husband and daughter and Iâm on an L2 visa. I havenât got a nurse license here in CA but Iâm aware of how difficult it would be to get one.

It looks like we may be moving to Virginia and I was wondering if any U.K. nurses have managed to get their license in Virginia and if I would still have deficiencies in paeds, obstetrics and psych there?

Any information appreciated. Thank you 

 Quote  Multi

  #2  

Silverdragon102 , Jun 10th 2021 12:41 pm

BE Forum Addict

Re: U.K. nurse to Virginia, USA

Each state is different and some have managed to get licensed but really the only way to know is to apply and see what happens

 Quote  Multi

  #3  

ottotheboar , Jun 13th 2021 7:10 am

BE Forum Addict

Re: U.K. nurse to Virginia, USA

I do not know the process here in Virginia but a friend of one of our sons graduated from University with a degree in nursing.
There are also community colleges to look at.

 Quote  Multi

  #4  

Eviecam67 , Jun 13th 2021 8:56 pm

Just Joined

Re: U.K. nurse to Virginia, USA

Hi Laura,

I'm a UK trained nurse BSc. Adult nursing. I live in Maryland and I just completed CGFNS CES application and received my letter from the MD nursing board to say I was successful. I'm now gonna start my NCLEX journey.

It was complicated but I got there eventually. Please feel free to contact me, if I can offer any support or advice. I'm happy to help,

I often felt VERY disheartened with ALL the negativity surrounding UK trained nurses and their missing hours.

Good luck.

 Quote  Multi

  #5  

Tashmash , Jul 24th 2021 9:10 am

Just Joined

Re: U.K. nurse to Virginia, USA

Hi Eviecam67

Iâm in the process of starting, Iâve applied to CGFNS Iâm also BSc adult nursing. Do you mind sharing how you went about the other bits please.. itâs seem quite hard navigating the whole getting to writing NCLEX and all.

Thanks in advance


 

 Quote  Multi

  #6  

christmasoompa , Jul 25th 2021 3:32 am

SUPER MODERATOR

Re: U.K. nurse to Virginia, USAQuote:

Originally Posted by Tashmash

Hi Eviecam67

Iâm in the process of starting, Iâve applied to CGFNS Iâm also BSc adult nursing. Do you mind sharing how you went about the other bits please.. itâs seem quite hard navigating the whole getting to writing NCLEX and all.

Thanks in advanceHi, welcome to BE.

Apologies, but your quote hadn't worked so I've had to edit your post. I'm sure you'll get lots of help re: the nursing side of things here though, if you need any other help then the US forums are the place to head to.

Best of luck.

 Quote  Multi

  #7  

Chioma91 , Sep 11th 2021 1:38 pm

Just Joined

Re: U.K. nurse to Virginia, USAQuote:

Originally Posted by Eviecam67

Hi Laura,

I'm a UK trained nurse BSc. Adult nursing. I live in Maryland and I just completed CGFNS CES application and received my letter from the MD nursing board to say I was successful. I'm now gonna start my NCLEX journey.

It was complicated but I got there eventually. Please feel free to contact me, if I can offer any support or advice. I'm happy to help,

I often felt VERY disheartened with ALL the negativity surrounding UK trained nurses and their missing hours.

Good luck.Hello, I'm a US trained RN living in California. My sister is an Adult RN in UK, interested in moving to the US. Do you mind sharing how the process went? I can't private message you because I'm a new member and this is my first post. I will really appreciate

 Quote  Multi

Chioma91 Sep 11th 2021, 1:38 pm

This message has been deleted by christmasoompa.

Reason: Duplicate

  #8  

Silverdragon102 , Sep 12th 2021 4:29 pm

BE Forum Addict

Re: U.K. nurse to Virginia, USAQuote:

Originally Posted by Chioma91

Hello, I'm a US trained RN living in California. My sister is an Adult RN in UK, interested in moving to the US. Do you mind sharing how the process went? I can't private message you because I'm a new member and this is my first post. I will really appreciateA lot will depend on the state your sister wants to live and work in plus transcripts. If California is the state then itâs one of the toughest US states to register with

 Quote  Multi

  #9  

Chioma91 , Sep 12th 2021 4:35 pm

Just Joined

Re: U.K. nurse to Virginia, USAQuote:

Originally Posted by Silverdragon102

A lot will depend on the state your sister wants to live and work in plus transcripts. If California is the state then itâs one of the toughest US states to register withShe is open to any state that will accept her. Did you go through the same process? If yes, do you mind sharing the agency you used and a little bit about the process? Will really appreciate

 Quote  Multi

  #10  

Silverdragon102 , Sep 12th 2021 6:13 pm

BE Forum Addict

Re: U.K. nurse to Virginia, USAQuote:

Originally Posted by Chioma91

She is open to any state that will accept her. Did you go through the same process? If yes, do you mind sharing the agency you used and a little bit about the process? Will really appreciateI did the process many years ago and I was fortunate to train as a general nurse so didnât have any issues with meeting US state requirements. We have seen posts from many who do struggle to meet requirements because on how the UK trains their nurses but some have managed to meet some states and others donât. Definitely a luck of the draw. I eventually moved to Canada but remember the painful process of applying and using CGFNS

 Quote  Multi

  #11  

deatras124 , Mar 17th 2022 8:35 pm

Just Joined

Re: U.K. nurse to Virginia, USAQuote:

Originally Posted by Eviecam67

Hi Laura,

I'm a UK trained nurse BSc. Adult nursing. I live in Maryland and I just completed CGFNS CES application and received my letter from the MD nursing board to say I was successful. I'm now gonna start my NCLEX journey.

It was complicated but I got there eventually. Please feel free to contact me, if I can offer any support or advice. I'm happy to help,

I often felt VERY disheartened with ALL the negativity surrounding UK trained nurses and their missing hours.

Good luck.Hi,

My partner is a Neonatal nurse and she is trying to apply for NCLEX in US, however, she doesn't have the clinical hours in adult and mental health, as she has been working in Neonatal since she finish her BSc, do you think it will be hard for her to apply? Do you know how to meet the clinical hours that the BON require? Thank you.

 Quote  Multi

  #12  

Eviecam67 , Mar 18th 2022 4:21 pm

Just Joined

Re: Hi Everyone,

Having been reviewing sites like this for a long time before I finally applied for my transcripts to be evaluated, I knew that as a UK trained nurse, I would be deficient in certain areas such as: maternal/infant, paediatrics and mental health.

Initially my transcript didn't meet the necessary requirements that CGFNS had, They explained I had experience in everything except maternal and infant health, However, one of my community placements involved exposure to it, and therefore after much discussion and verification between my university and CGFNS some of my community hours were transferred to Maternal & infant health. Fortunately, this enabled my CGFNS application to be successful which enabled me to apply to, and be successful in the Board of Nursing putting me forward for my NCLEX exam (which I haven't sat yet).

As a UK trained registered nurse, who has a BSc in Adult Nursing this would normally mean that my transcript and training would be deficient in Maternal Health, ObstetrIics, Peadiatrics and Mental Health. However, during my training, I had several 7 week community placements which included:

Working with a health visitor who was involved with family planning, pre/post-natal clinics, mother and baby groups, breastfeeding group, home visits for newborns, infants, parents/carers, etc, In addition, every week I spent 4 hours every Monday morning researching and reviewing all the teaching material, local and national policies, evidence based research and practice, peer reviewed articles, learning materials etc and then questioned on these policies by my mentor and her line manager, iI also had a 7 week surgical placement in Gynaecology. These placements more than covered the necessary theory and practice hours required for Maternal and Infant Health.

Regarding Paediatrics - I undertook a 7 week community placement which included dealing patients in a Young Physically Disabled Unit. This included dealing with their physical and mental disabilities. From complete paralysis, verbal and non verbal patients, epilepsy, bi polar, drain care and changes, catheter care, wound dressing, NG tubes feeding, dialysis, diabetes, cerebal palsy, IV fluids, all medication routes etc - there was a vast variety of exposure to caring for children and young adults. Along with the theory covered and learned whilst on the placement, many theory hours were covered during my first year of University (common foundation year).

Mental Health - I had a variety of community placements which included a significant amount of exposure to patients suffering from mental health issues such as: depression, addictions, bi polar, self harming, post natal depression, psychosis, learning difficulties, etc. Many inhouse training days, professional development days took place, along with reviewing and tutorials on all relevant local and national policies, peer reviewed articles, gold standard pathways etc to ensure the best possible care was given, Some theory was also covered in my common foundation year at university. All of this was enough to ensure that I had more than enough theory and clinical hours for this area.

After I got the transcript evaluation from CGFNS I then contacted the Maryland Board of Nursing who then said I was eligible to get my background check and fingerprints taken, then go and sit my NCLEX exam. However, I've just moved to another state and will have to apply the Florida Nursing Board,

All the very best, 

Evie