US Citizen looking to study in UK

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Specializes in Looking for BSN programs..

Hi all,

I am a US citizen who recently completed a bachelor's degree in Spanish and all my prerequisites for my BSN. I have been accepted to two British schools already and am interviewing for one in Scotland. I am posting to ask, if I am trained and receive a BSN or MSN there, I will most likely be looking to stay there after and work, but if I chose to come back to the states, how difficult would it be for me? Could I come and easily take the NCLEX to practice here or would it be much more complicated than that? I studied abroad in London for one semester in undergrad and am really looking to go back. 

If anyone has any experience or advice they can give me I would be extremely appreciative. I do not want to go abroad and get a Bachelor's or Master's in nursing and then not be able to practice if I decide to come back to the USA at any point. 

Beyond this, are there places in the world I can work as a British trained nurse if it were to work out that way?

Thanks so much!

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

It will be difficult. You need to make sure your training contains both clinical and theory hours in Paeds, Mental Health, Obstetrics and Adult. Depending on the state you end up returning to will depend on requirements 

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Specializes in Looking for BSN programs..
Just now, Silverdragon102 said:

It will be difficult. You need to make sure your training contains both clinical and theory hours in Paeds, Mental Health, Obstetrics and Adult. Depending on the state you end up returning to will depend on requirements 

It does not specify whether it is just adult nursing or includes all levels. I have an interview this month where I can ask more specific questions. I currently live in Florida and in my state they do not care what you have from school as long as you can pass the NCLEX.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

The number of posters indicating they do not qualify for licensing in the US after completing programs in other countries (including the UK) is pretty startling. 

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
Just now, lrmood99 said:

It does not specify whether it is just adult nursing or includes all levels. I have an interview this month where I can ask more specific questions. I currently live in Florida and in my state they do not care what you have from school as long as you can pass the NCLEX.

We have seen UK nurses that did not meet Florida‘S requirements. UK nursing is more generalized but if you are paying for tuition then they should meet your needs

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Specializes in Looking for BSN programs..
Just now, meanmaryjean said:

The number of posters indicating they do not qualify for licensing in the US after completing programs in other countries (including the UK) is pretty startling. 

From Queen Margaret specifically? 

Just now, Silverdragon102 said:

We have seen UK nurses that did not meet Florida‘S requirements. UK nursing is more generalized but if you are paying for tuition then they should meet your needs

I just would like to be sure if I am committing to a program. I am seeing other USA grads on the site but I think they are employed in the UK now.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.
2 minutes ago, lrmood99 said:

It does not specify whether it is just adult nursing or includes all levels. I have an interview this month where I can ask more specific questions. I currently live in Florida and in my state they do not care what you have from school as long as you can pass the NCLEX.

You are incorrect. Dig down in the regs and you will find that there are required clinical rotations and course content that a UK nursing degree does not contain. 

From 464.019 Approval of nursing education programs.http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?mode=View Statutes&SubMenu=1&App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=464.019&URL=0400-0499/0464/Sections/0464.019.html&StatuteYear=2017 

(f) The professional or practical nursing curriculum plan documents clinical experience and theoretical instruction in medical, surgical, obstetric, pediatric, and geriatric nursing. A professional nursing curriculum plan shall also document clinical experience and theoretical instruction in psychiatric nursing. Each curriculum plan must document clinical training experience in appropriate settings that include, but are not limited to, acute care, long-term care, and community settings.

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Specializes in Looking for BSN programs..
2 minutes ago, meanmaryjean said:

You are incorrect. Dig down in the regs and you will find that there are required clinical rotations and course content that a UK nursing degree does not contain. 

From 464.019 Approval of nursing education programs.http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?mode=View Statutes&SubMenu=1&App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=464.019&URL=0400-0499/0464/Sections/0464.019.html&StatuteYear=2017 

(f) The professional or practical nursing curriculum plan documents clinical experience and theoretical instruction in medical, surgical, obstetric, pediatric, and geriatric nursing. A professional nursing curriculum plan shall also document clinical experience and theoretical instruction in psychiatric nursing. Each curriculum plan must document clinical training experience in appropriate settings that include, but are not limited to, acute care, long-term care, and community settings.

Thank you! I reached out to the Florida board and they did not mention this to me.

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I'm a UK trained BSc Nursing (Adult) and I'm now waiting for my ATT to sit my NCLEX. 

Hasn't been an easy journey, in fact, its been EPIC - SO MUCH NEGATIVITY towards UK trained nurses amd their chances of gaining registration (not including allnurses.com in that blanket statement).  But, my nurse training frkm Scotland more than met ALL requirements. So, I'm proof it's not all doom and gloom.

Happy to help, if you need me. 

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