underboard nursing graduate to immigrant in texas, nclex problem

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · May 20, 2014

hi everyone, I am a Pinay nursing graduate 5 years ago. I don't have that much working experience. been a volunteer nurse for months after months then became a private nurse after months down to being a medical service representative for more than a year, my American citizen's husband from texas petitioned me, but were still on the process for my immigrant visa. weve sent the Ds260 form, were not sure if that's the last part and whats next? (if someone knows what im talking please let us know, we highly appreciated every help we could get) :)
its been 1 yr now by july and he will be here at the same time. He already bought a ticket for me so we could go back in the US together, hoping my visa will be done by then.
when is the best time to get my NCLEX? is it ok to do it now while were still waiting for my immigrant visa and while im still here in the phil but don't have the fingerprints and ssn yet?
How would I know if my credentials are qualified? what are the requirements and qualifications, I don't have hospital experience and underboard.
I have my TOR authenticated/red ribbon but that's 5 years ago, do I need to get it updated? does it expires?
Is NEAC legit and really reliable for this matter?
what to do?
thank you so much

You cannot take the NCLEX (only one step in the licensing process) without authorization from a board of nursing.

You need to apply for a nursing license by examination to the Texas Board of Nursing as an internationally educated nurse. You may have difficulty finding employment and may not be eligible for licensing if you have no paid nursing experience after graduating more than 5 years ago.

CGFNS is the most commonly accepted credential assessment program. Follow the instructions on the TX BoN website. You cannot work without a work visa is valid social security number.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · May 20, 2014

I have no idea what underboard nursing means

Here is the TX application

http://www.bne.state.tx.us/pdfs/forms_pdfs/examination_pdfs/RNExam2014.pdf

You must provide proof that you worked as a nurse for at least 24months in the last 4 years or you must complete additional training before you are eligible to sit the NCLEX and possibly be licensed as a nurse in TX. The details are within the application linked above.

BorAnng · May 21, 2014

Hi beachy nurse, thanks for the info. By the way, Under board means unlicensed. So in my case since I don't have working/hospital experience. I need to study all over again In Texas? I'm still here in the Philippines working for my visa application. I want to prioritize my nclex while waiting.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · May 21, 2014

Read the application. You need to meet the licensing requirements as outlined in the document linked above. And yes, you will be required to complete additional training prior to licensing.

BorAnng · May 21, 2014

Super thanks beachy nurse

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · May 21, 2014

You need to take a foreign educated nurse refresher course as outlined in the application linked above. The answers are all contained in the link above. I've quoted page 8 here:

The Board accepts the CES report from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS), the Educational Records Evaluation Service, Inc. (ERES) or the International Education Research Foundation, Inc. (IERF). The CES must be dated within one year of issuance by the certification organization. You may access this service by going to one of the following websites: http://www.cgfns.com http://www.eres.com or http://www.ierf.org.
Note: You will be sent a letter if the CES report indicates that you do not meet the requirements for the Texas Board of Nursing. Any discrepancies in the report should first be addressed with organization that completed the CES report.
If your nursing program was conducted in a Language other than English, you must provide proof of English Proficiency.
The Board Accepts:
1)the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a passing score of 560 paper based or 220 computer based, or;
2)the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) internet based test (iBT) with a minimum passing score of 83, or;
3)receipt of both the Test of Spoken English (TSE) with a minimum score of 50 and the Test of Written English (TWE) with a minimum score of 4.0, or;
4)the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a passing standard of an overall score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in all of the four modules, or;
5) the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) with a passing standard of an overall score if 55 with a minimum of 50 in each of the four modules.
All international applicants must show proof of working in nursing for a period totaling two (2) years (i.e. 24 months) at any time after graduation from a nursing program.
If you have not worked at least two (2) years as a first level, general nurse within the four (4) years preceding the filing of the application, you will not be licensed until you complete a Foreign Educated Nurse (FENS) refresher course consisting of 120 hours of classroom instruction and 120 hours of clinical practice under direct supervision of a Registered Nurse. The applicant required to take the FENS refresher will be given a six (6) month permit to complete
the refresher course. Further instruction will be provided upon passing the NCLEX-RN® examination.

KLS324 · Jul 1, 2014

Hi Guys,

Do we need the TOR/ Diploma red ribboned? I called CGFNS and they said a photocopy will do and that I wont mail it but the school themselves. Is the red ribbon necessary?

Thanks!