UK to USA

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Specializes in Med/surg.

Hi All,

I am a UK adult trained nurse with 4 years experience. I am hoping to work in USA as a nurse. I am curious if anyone has successfully gone through the cgfns process and what the experience was like? Particularly if you were granted ATT or if you fell short in clinical/ theory hours? If so, how did you deal with this? Any suggestions or advice welcomed!

 

Thank you. 

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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.

1
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Specializes in Med/surg.

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!

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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.

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Specializes in Trauma and Orthopaedics, Medical High Dependency.

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 

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Of course! Happy to help

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Specializes in Trauma and Orthopaedics, Medical High Dependency.

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 

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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

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Specializes in Trauma and Orthopaedics, Medical High Dependency.

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? 

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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.

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Specializes in Trauma and Orthopaedics, Medical High Dependency.

Hi Evie 

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

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Specializes in Trauma and Orthopaedics, Medical High Dependency.
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

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