I am a BScN. Registered Nurse in Kingston Jamaica and I am interested in obtaining a license to practice in Florida, is it possible and can I get a step by step guide as to what to do.
I have visited many sites including the Stated Board for Florida but the information on the steps to take for international applicants is not readily available. I have also tried to call the state board without success.
Any information afforded tome would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance for your assistance,
Toni
This question was asked in the nursing forum section.
Pamela says
Toni,
You would need to first take the TOEFL exam which will test your English. Then after you pass this exam, you will need to take the nursing boards exams for the United States. It is a licensing exam that all 50 states require you to pass in order to practice nursing in the U.S. It is called the NCLEX-RN exam.
After you pass the NCLEX-RN exam, you will need to apply for a nursing license in the state of Florida. I highly suggest you contact the NCSBN.org (this is where you will register to take NCLEX) and get the details on how to proceed with signing up for these exams.
I hope this helps.
Toni - Anne Callen says
Hello Pamela,
I hope you had a great day today. First let me say thank you for the speedy reply to my message. I have one more question, I have had to do English courses in my first, second and third year of my BScN and English is my First….actually it is my only language, do I still have to do the English test or can I provide a copy of my transcript which will have my course grades for the English classes and exam grades?
Toni
Pamela says
Toni,
You’re very welcome. No, you should not have to take the TOEFL exam since English is your primary language. I didn’t know if it was your first language or I wouldn’t have put that in my answer. But you may have to take some type of proficiency English exam to prove you are proficient at English since you live outside the US.
I am glad you responded because I forgot to add that you will have to take the CGFNS exam and pass this…..then you will able to take the NCLEX-RN exam. The NCLEX exam requires you to pass the CGFNA exam before you take the NCLEX.
Here is some great information on the CGFNS exam:
http://www.cgfns.org/services/certification-program/
I hope this helps! I hope you have a great day 🙂
Pamela