How to become a nurse in the US?

Becoming a pediatric nurse in the US

• Hi Alex, I am inquiring on behalf of my wife, who is currently a pediatric nurse in Alder Hey ICU. We will be moving to Washington DC for 2 years Beth would like to continue working over there but as far as she is aware you need to be adult trained in order to work in the U.S as a nurse, even if you were to be working in pediatrics. She has a diploma in pediatrics and 3 years experience on ICU she seems to have given up hope but it just seems ridiculous that a fully qualified nurse could not work in the U.S when they have an apparent shortage. Any advice would be much appreciated. Many Thanks Paul

• Answer:

  Hi Paul, Thanks for addressing this question to me. The information you have been given is incorrect to an extent. When a nurse comes to the US from the UK they have to be able to prove that they have enough experience in all areas of nursing - adult, mental health, pediatrics etc. However, what is being examined is the training that each person has received. Most nurses will have attained this level of experience in their basic training. Some nursing agencies stipulate that you must be adult trained, but it is simply not the case - I am a perfect example. I think I know which agency she has contacted to be given that information - they told the same thing to my wife. She is a pediatric nurse too. When are you planning the move to Washington? Do not underestimate the amount of time it will take your wife to get a nursing license here. I am not sure whether your working visa will cover her, but if it does not then she may have a wait of several years before her working visa is approved, she takes her nursing exams, gets allocated her license etc. It took my wife and I 4 years! If she is keen to nurse in pediatrics in Washington DC then it might be a good idea for her to contact the Human Resources Dept at the childrens hospital (www.childrensnational.org/), I am under the impression that they accept foreign nurses on temporary assignment. They may be able to advise you, or even cut down, on the amount of red tape your wife will have to go through. If your wife works at Ader Hey she must know some of the same people I do. Please ask her to pass on my regards to tall, ginger, ugly Chris (she will know who I mean) if he still works there - and also the lovely Tammy. From memory, they both moved to Alder Hey from London about the same time that I left for the USA. I hope I have helped you a little. Please contact me again if I can be of further assistance. Alex