The nursing occupation in Nigeria is a crucial part of the healthcare system, offering important providers and care throughout varied medical settings.
Nonetheless, the sector faces a number of challenges, together with restricted assets, insufficient coaching amenities, and the migration of expert nurses to extra developed international locations looking for higher alternatives.
The attract of a profitable profession in nursing in the US has captivated many Nigerian nurses and aspiring healthcare professionals.
The U.S. provides not solely aggressive salaries but additionally a wealth of alternatives for skilled progress and growth.
For a Nigerian nurse seeking to transition to the U.S., or for somebody in Nigeria aspiring to start out a profession in nursing, understanding the required steps and related prices is essential.
This function story explores these pathways that Nigerians can take to change into profitable nurses in the US.
Transitioning from a Nigerian nurse to a U.S. nurse
Nigerian nurses sometimes maintain a diploma or diploma in nursing from an accredited establishment.
Nonetheless, to observe within the U.S., one will need to have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an equal diploma.
Nurses who possess a diploma or an Affiliate Diploma in Nursing (ADN) are suggested to enrol in a bridging program to acquire a BSN.
These with a bachelor’s diploma in Nursing are to use for a nursing license in the popular state within the U.S, the place they plan to work.
- Earlier than making use of for licensure within the U.S., your nursing credentials have to be evaluated to make sure they meet American requirements.
- The Fee on Graduates of International Nursing Colleges (CGFNS) is without doubt one of the companies that provides credential analysis providers for Nigerians.
- This course of includes submitting your educational transcripts together with secondary faculty transcripts, and proof of your nursing license. The analysis by the CGFNS prices $485.
- Proficiency in English is obligatory. Nigerian nurses have to cross an English language proficiency check such because the TOEFL or IELTS. The price of these checks is $250.
- The Nationwide Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) is an examination that assesses your readiness to observe nursing within the U.S. Nurses from Nigeria have to cross this examination to acquire a U.S. license. The examination prices $200.
Every U.S. state has its nursing board, and each nurse should apply for a license within the state the place they plan to work.
This course of includes submitting your credential analysis report, proof of English proficiency, and passing the NCLEX-RN. Licensing charges range by state however sometimes vary from $100 to $300.
Nigerian nurses would then apply and acquire a visa to work within the U.S.
Beginning a nursing profession from scratch
Nigerians who want to observe nursing however haven’t studied nursing have two choices. They’ll pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing diploma in an accredited Nigerian college and observe the pathway for transitioning.
The second choice is to pursue a bachelor’s diploma in nursing from the US. After finishing your schooling within the U.S., you’re taking the NCLEX-RN examination to acquire your license.
Pathway to changing into a profitable or extremely paid U.S. nurse
To change into a profitable or extremely paid nurse in the US, you have to specialize in a high-demand area equivalent to essential care, anaesthesia, nurse midwifery, oncology, paediatrics, psychiatry, emergency nursing.
All specialisations in nursing require you to both acquire a grasp’s diploma, doctoral diploma or 1-2 years of certification and coaching within the speciality of your alternative.
The estimated salaries of specialist nurses vary from $70,000-$150,000 each year, relying on the competitiveness of the speciality.
- Nigerian nurses who’ve efficiently transitioned to the US and obtained a nursing license in a state within the U.S. should work as registered nurses to achieve sensible expertise for no less than a 12 months.
- To change into a profitable nurse, you have to enroll in a Grasp’s or Doctoral program in the US, particular to your chosen specialty.
- Get hold of certification from related our bodies just like the American Nurses Credentialing Middle (ANCC) or specialty-specific organizations.
- Nurses are inspired to interact in steady schooling to take care of certification.
What it’s best to know
Nursing in Nigeria is regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), which units the requirements for schooling, observe, {and professional} conduct.
Regardless of the essential position nurses play within the healthcare system, the occupation is usually stricken by low wages, poor working situations, and a scarcity of profession development alternatives.
These points contribute to a excessive turnover charge and the continual seek for higher prospects overseas.
In response to the rising development of nurse migration, the Nigerian authorities applied a rule mandating that nurses should acquire no less than two years of scientific expertise inside Nigeria earlier than they’re eligible to observe overseas.
This coverage goals to make sure that the native healthcare system retains skilled professionals who can present high quality care and contribute to the event of the sector.
This rule has garnered combined reactions. On the one hand, it helps keep a secure workforce within the nation, making certain that new graduates acquire sensible expertise and contribute to the native healthcare system earlier than contemplating alternatives overseas.
However, it’s seen as a hindrance by many aspiring nurses keen to maneuver to international locations like the US, the place they’ll earn considerably greater salaries and revel in higher working situations.
