[sanjuska]

Hello everybody.Here is my story-my wishes and dreams.

My name is Sanja and I live in a small country in Europe called Croatia( ex Yugoslavia). I'm (almost) 26 year old and I'm a registred nurse.I finished 4 years of nursing school ,and than 3 more years in collage,after that I got my diploma.
The past 4 years I have been working as a registred nurse-first 2 years in hospital in pediatric word,and the last 2 years as a head nurse at university of dentistry(on orthodontic word).
For the past weeks I've been trying to get some information on how to get to New York and work there as a nurse. I have been there a couple of times in past 1,5 (my family lives there),and would really like to find a way, to come and to live and work in NYC.
What I have find out, is that I have to pass CGFNS international program (or visa screen program) -(or CGFNS to get into visa screen program) .I have to pass in english(TOEFL).
Here is what what I find at CGFNS.com website :

What are the general application requirements of the CGFNS International Certification Program?

1. Complete the CGFNS International Certification Program application form
* You can apply for the Certificate Program in one of three ways: Apply online at CGFNS International.
* Download the Certification Program Handbook and Application from CGFNS International
* Request a copy of the Certificate Program (CP) Handbook and Application from CGFNS International by mail or phone.
2. Prepare and send a Nursing Education Form to the nursing school where you obtained your diploma/degree to have them send your transcripts directly to CGFNS International.
3. Prepare a Validation of Registration/License form for every license you have ever held and send each form to the issuing authority(ies).
4. Send a clear copy of your high school diploma or equivalent.
5. If your diploma is not in English, you will need to send a certified, word-for-word English translation with this form.
6. Send three signed photographs of yourself and complete the CGFNS International Photo Identification Card.
7. Pay the appropriate fee listed on the fee schedule in U.S. dollars using one of the following credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, or Discover/Novus, or send an international money order or certified bank check payable to "CGFNS International". Payment must be received within 60 days of applying.

And here is about visa screen program :

What are the VisaScreen requirements?

1. Complete the VisaScreen application.
2. Complete the forms to send to your nursing school(s). Academic transcripts must come directly from the nursing school(s).
3. Complete the forms to send to your licensing authority(ies). Validations of all licenses, past and present, must come directly from the licensing authorities.
4. Pass an English language proficiency test and have the scores directly forwarded to CGFNS/ICHP from the testing agency.
5. Pass either the CGFNS International Qualifying Exam or the NCLEX-RN® examination if you are a registered nurse.
6. Send a copy of your high school diploma or equivalent.
7. Pay the appropriate application fee. You can apply for the VisaScreen Program in one of three ways:
* Apply online at CGFNS International
* Download VisaScreen Program Handbook and Application from CGFNS International.
* Request a copy of the VisaScreen Program Application from CGFNS International by mail or phone.


I wanted to know did anybody came in NYC from Europe and had to pass these exams?
If somebody went through all of this,I would be very thankful to hear other stories.

Thank you.

[cougarnurse]

Welcome to the site, sanjuska.

To answer your questions, here it goes:

Yes, any nurse coming from Europe has to pass these exams. And the general requirements are exactly as listed. Download from CGFNS, and fill out.

'Cat'

[sanjuska]

Tnx, but I don' t know what is the diference between CGFNS International Certification Program and visa screen program. What exam do I need to pass or do I need to pass both of them..?
It is kind of confusing.Do you know who can I contact do get some questions ?

[AmandaWIRN]

Welcome! You could try contacting the Board of Nursing in the state where you plan to move to. You can fins the different state Board of Nursing websites in the separate state forums.