NCLEX Advice for Internationally Educated Nurses

Many foreign-educated nurses have expressed their concerns about taking and passing the NCLEX. It is one shared by many internationally educated nurses who wish to immigrate to the U.S. The NCLEX exam is challenging on its own, but the language barrier creates additional difficulties for test takers. In 2007, only 53.3 percent of foreign-educated nurses passed the NCLEX-RN on the first attempt. Repeat test results were even lower, with just 25.5 percent of foreign-educated nurses passing on the second or third attempt.

While low pass rates such as these can be discouraging and intimidating, do not let the numbers shake your confidence or determination. There are ways to increase your chances of passing the NCLEX successfully on the first try! The best thing you can do to boost your performance on the NCLEX is to undergo the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) certification process. Those with CGFNS certification have an 88.7 percent pass rate on the first attempt.

The CGFNS certification process includes a credentials review, a qualifying exam and an English language proficiency exam (TOEFL). CGFNS also offers a visa screen program to assist with temporary and permanent occupational visas.

These resources, along with CGFNS certification, will provide you with a good foundation to prepare for the NCLEX-RN. Don’t forget that you can also supplement your preparation by forming local or online study groups.

Overcoming Ageism for Advanced-age Potential Nurses

Ageism seems to be a topic that comes up a lot lately and the stories that are related to me are disheartening to hear. I hear of people with excellent backgrounds who would very attractive to potential employers. Wise employers would work hard to bring you into the fold as soon as possible.

Now, there is a new paradigm being ardently advanced by adults from the Baby Boomer generation to Generation X. I call this the "Bumper-Crop-of-Careers" paradigm, in which individuals pursue and cultivate many varied careers throughout their life. It is not unusual now for people to completely switch careers three or more times during middle adulthood, then again post-retirement.

I relate all of this for two reasons:

Even at advanced ages, potential nurses are not winding down; in fact, you are likely gearing up for a new 20- to 30-year career! Employers are just starting to realize this. It takes a while for entrenched mindsets to change, but employers nationwide are beginning to realize that the old paradigm no longer applies to today’s workforce. With a nursing shortage across the country, it boggles the mind to see employers closing their eyes to a large, well-educated cohort that is ready and capable of stepping in to fill the need—but slowly, this is changing.

In the meantime, you may need to do a little more investigating to find employers that do not blatantly discriminate based on age (that is illegal, by the way, but tricky to prove); when you do go in for interviews, be proactive:

Market how your background and experience will benefit the company (i.e., experience building teams, achieving company goals, developing positive relationships with clients, etc.).

Highlight the strengths you bring to the table (i.e., high level of initiative, good judgment, ability to adapt to change, energetic, etc.).

Point out areas where your age may be an advantage over younger applicants (i.e., life stability, maturity, dependability).

Finally, remember that the simplest way to get around the ageism issue (short of starting your own business) is to use your personal network--ask peers, family, friends and former employers which companies in your area are age-friendly. If any of these companies fit with your career goals and interests, give them a try!