Next Nursing Destination: South Africa

Nursing in South Africa

A lot of nurses  ask the same question over and over: What is the next step after NCLEX, IELTS and Visascreen application?

Due to US retrogression, the media frenzy that comes along with it, the very small portal called H1B, the 5-page resume requirements, a nurse who studied for 5 years, volunteered for a year or two, worked in the OR for another 2 years suddenly feels like she just hit reached the dead end.

So the same nurse signs herself up andwith a “US” based agency promises not to  approach other agents or else she will pay the fine, works in the hospital for a year or three, takes the jeepney home with SLEEPING IN as her idea of “spending the weekend. And then she waits. And then she waits. And then she waits.

Now, why should waiting be boring when you have a whole life ahead of you? Why should you spend your weekend sleeping when you should be partying at the beach or going on a nature trip?

Enter Eastern Cape, Western Cape and the Free State of South Africa.With its huge demand for nurses previously unknown to the Filipino, a new door has opened which brings out the adventurous spirit of the plain ER nurse who at this very moment just woke up from the 1st shift (2p-10p)  in a home she shares with her parents,  her idea of fun is watching the next blockbuster Pinoy movie (boring) with her barkada.

A typical career pattern for a SKILLED NURSE would be similar although not limited to the following:

1. NLE – 1 year

2. WORK – Staff Nurse, ER, Scrub Nurse, etc. (5 years)

3.   NCLEX – Review, Results, Retake (?) ( 6 months)

4. IELTS – 7 in speaking (1 month)

5. Visascreen – 3 to 6 months

6. H1B – 1 -2 years  (Long shot)

7. Go back to work. 2-3 years (Local or Saudi w/ little pay)

8. Go to US

A typical career pattern for a  NURSE with a least a year’s experience would be similar although not limited to the following:

1. NLE – 1 year

2. WORK – Staff Nurse, ER, Scrub Nurse, Call Center, etc. (1 years)

3.   NCLEX – Review, Results, Retake (?) ( 6 months)

4. IELTS – 7 in speaking (1 month)

5. Visascreen – 3 to 6 months

6. Apply for Immigrant Visa -Nurse hits brick wall for a long while.

7. Work in local hospital for 2 to 4 years (Very litte pay).

8. Wait.Wait.Wait.Get married.  Wait.Wait.Wait. Still Waiting.

Now, if a nurse chooses to work in South Africa, the career pattern would be similar to this:

1. NLE – 1 year

2. WORK – Staff Nurse, ER, Scrub Nurse, Call Center, etc. (1 years)

3.   NCLEX – Review, Results, Retake (?) ( 6 months)

4. IELTS – 7 in speaking (1 month)

5. Visascreen – 3 to 6 months

6. Apply for Immigrant Visa -Nurse hits brick wall for a long while.

7. Work in local hospital for 1 to 2 years.

8. Work in East London or Cape Town  for 6 months to three years – high salary, accomodation, safari, the beach, party, pleasant weather, charming, sophisticated hospitals.

8. Go to US.

Working in South Africa does not mean giving up your dreams of working in the US. It equips you with the necessary skills needed for the next big leap without sacrificing your youth, your life, and your economic condition. It immerses you in a very rich culture and beautiful landscape.

In South Africa, you will learn to appreciate, that fun is not a mere trip to the mall and getting that Coach bag you’ve always wanted.  It is about cultural diversity, history, nature and love for people. In the first place, isn’t that the reason why you chose to be a NURSE?

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To Learn more about the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, BloemFontein visit the following sites:

1.http://www.sa-venues.com/eastcape.htm

2.http://www.sa-venues.com/westcape.htm

3.http://www.sa-venues.com/searchfs/bloemfontein.php

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To learn more about registration for South African Nursing Council visit their website at http://www.sanc.co.za/ or call Allgen Review Center at (+63) 2 567 0641 or (+63) 2 567 2749 .

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For opportunities in South Africa, you may visit Light and Hope Overseas Placement Agency ( http://lightandhopeph.com). Tel. (+63) 2 631 -9149/ +(63) 2 637 6049

How Much Do Forensic Nurses Make?

The job of a forensic nurse  may sound so  glamorous due to shows featuring Crime Scene Investigations like  CSI, CSI Miami, and CSI New York. However, it requires more than just caring for crime victims. You also help in the investigation of crimes,  collecting evidence for DNA testing, and testifying  in court. And before you can become one, you need to go back to school to learn how to collect hair, saliva and other fluids.

While criminal cases arise in the community, forensic nurses are becoming popular. It offers great opportunities for nursing graduates and experienced Registered Nurses looking for a career change.

Forensic nurses are commonly found at the Emergency Room. For example the case of the distraught mother who brings in her son who is complaining that his leg hurts.

The mother says that his son fell down the stairs when he tries to catch the basketball. Check vitals and get an x-ray of the leg to see if it’s broken right?

Did you make the child change into a gown? Did you get a complete head to toe assessment? Because without it, you would have missed the evidence of previous contusions on his arm from two weeks ago when he was beat with a wrench for not cleaning his room right.

When a Forensic nurse take cases which is not under a criminal investigation, but was caused for example a natural calamity like typhoon, earthquake or landslides, it will fall under Medico Legal Death Investigation

There is no standard salary for a Forensic Nurse. It may vary from area of the country as well as the experience level of the nurse. Some hospitals offer a minimum of $1-4 dollars an hour for on-call nurses. If the SANE is called in for a case, the nurse will receive one to 1 1/2 times their base pay rate. Some organizations will not pay in hourly, but on a per case basis, it will range from $150-$400 depending on the agreement. In one website, it has sited that a forensic nursing salary starts at around $26 per hour and can reach as high as $100. These rates are typically higher than a standard nursing wage, due to the advanced training and education that is involved in becoming a forensic nurse, as well as the compensation for being on-call.

Forensic nursing can be a thrilling profession. They treat patients on criminal cases and usually worked with victims of violent crime and can help in scene investigations

1st ENCORE OPEN HOUSE

ENCORE Local Nursing Review, held its First NLE Open House last August 26, 2009 at ALLGEN Review Center. The “openhouse” was open to all students and nursing graduates who will be taking the Local Board in the future.

Our goal for this seminar is to give a Holistic Approach to all students in preparation for their NLE as well as giving some test taking strategies.

Our first speaker was Mr. Jef Menguin, a national speaker and training consultant on leadership, communication and personal development. He discussed the top 8 reasons why we fail the NLE and  how we can prevent failing.

Mr. Alex Imperial, RN, USRN our  ENCORE instructor shared a lot of  tips on how to answer NLE questions correctly. Participants realized that it is not a matter of INTELLIGENCE but strategies that make an NLE passer. He also discussed our ENCORE Local Nursing Review programs and packages.

Another speaker Mr. Duston Barto of NEAC discussed the NCLEX application process.Parents and students were very appreciative of the information  given to them during the event.

Here are some pictures of the openhouse:

Participants registered on ENCORE Log Sheet

Participants waiting for our Speaker

Highlights on our Openhouse: "Tips and Strategy to pass the NLE"

Participants enjoyed our snacks after listening to Speaker

Interactions between the Participants and ALLGEN staff

ENCORE LOCAL NURSING REVIEW STARTS SEPT. 7 2009

encore local nursing review

ENCORE LOCAL NURSING REVIEW is brought to you by Allgen Review Center, Most Innovative Nursing Review Center in Asia today and maker of the renowned 17 NCLEX REVIEW Program. ENCORE has the following features:

1.)    8-Week Comprehensive and Intensive Live Lectures Plus NLE “Art of War;”

2.)    Free 3-Day Final Coaching;

3.)    Up to Date Nursing Topics;

4.)    High Caliber Instructors;

5.)    30-Seat Maximum Capacity per Class;

6.)    State-of-the-Art Facility;

LOCAL REVIEW starts SEPTEMBER 7. For more info contact us at the following numbers:

Telephone:         (02) 567-2749

(02) 567-0641

Mobile:             (+63) 918 468 8222 (Smart)

(+63) 923 528 2339 (Sun )

(+63) 916 626 2469 (Globe)

Email: inquiry@allgen.net

You may also visit us at:

Suite 507 TM Kalaw Center Bldg.

667 TM Kalaw Avenue

Ermita Manila.

At ENCORE, You are SOMEBODY!

NURSE TALK WITH THE EXPERTS

Hey y’all! Long time. I know. I’ve been really busy.E4 Events is holding Nurse Talk with the Experts on JUne 30th at the SM Manila Cinema 9.Allgen will be ther too. So, hope to see you all

For more details please read the article below:

“..Its all systems go for Nurse Talk with the Experts at SM Manila on Tuesday June 30, 2009. Nurse Talk from 10am to 530pm is a 1-day FREE ADMISSION seminar aimed to make a big difference to every aspiring and professional nurse as they target an out of the country practice of their profession. The 6-hour inter-active affair will allow Filipino nurses including nursing students to have a better understanding on what awaits a graduate after college and also familiarize professional nurses on the process for those aiming to work in the US. Highlight of the event is the participation of Atty. Gali S. Koren a professional lawyer based in Anaheim California devoted exclusively to practice U.S. Immigration law. Her law firm is the top choice for the health community and has helped thousands of healthcare professionals achieve their goal of working legally and immigrating to the U. S. Likewise respected speakers from other credible organizations like Dr. Rusty Francisco of NC-CLEX, American English Skills Development Center Inc., British Council & IDP Philippines, HCCA International ALLGEN Review & Nurse Exam Application Center (NEAC) were also invited to conduct a talk on their field of expertise. In long-term Nurse Talk with the Experts via a school tour intends to establish solid partnerships with academic institutions offering nursing courses to equip in advance their students with the necessary education needed to guide them in advance for a possible US nursing career. Want a sure seat for Nurse Talk Seminar visit e4ph.com or call/text us now at 567-1783/0923 to reserve a ticket…”

4th ALLGEN Open-House – March 28, 2009 (SATURDAY)

Due to popular demand, Allgen The Intelligent Review will once again open its doors to all nurses and/or parents who are interested.

Listen and learn as industry experts guide you on the ff:

1. The NCLEX Application Process, how do I go about it?
2. The Visascreen Application Process.
3. The role of NCLEX and IELTS in the ICHP/CGFNS Visascreen Application Process.
4. Preparing for the NCLEX RN
5. Introduction to ALLGEN

This 3-hour informative activity includes snacks & drinks and is absolutely FREE of charge. If you’re interested, please Call us at (02) 567-2749, (02) 567-0641 or 0918-4688222 or email us at allgenreview@gmail.com.

You may also visit ALLGEN Review Center at Suite # 507, T.M. Kalaw Center. Bldg., T.M. Kalaw
Ave., Manila.

Hurry, the ALLGEN Open-House offers limited slots, so call us now for reservations.
Website: http://www.allgen.net

Souvenir shot of the speakers and the participants.

Nurses listening intensely to speakers.

Mr. Ruben of Allgen giving a 10% discount award

Duston Barto of NEAC Exam Application Center

Nurse participants enjoying the cozy athmosphere of Allgen's classrooms.

Step-by-Step Guide to the NCLEX-RN Online Application Procedure

This post is created with the assumption that you have met all of the board of nursing’s eligibility requirements to take the NCLEX Examination. If you’ve already processed your application with NEAC, you can disregard this information as they will do everything for you.

Here’s a steb-by-step guide on the Pearson VUE online NCLEX-RN Online Registration Procedure:

Step 1: Visit the Pearson Vue website:

Pearson Vue Webpage

Step 2: Access information by selecting the program NCLEX Examination as shown:

Step 3: Select the option “REGISTER” on the right column as shown:

Step 4: Select Credit Card Option as shown ( If you’re using a debit card, you still have to choose this option):

Step 5: Create your Account Profile as shown:

Step 6 Enter your home address and telephone information:

Step 7  For future account verification, enter your security information (if you’re not an American, a US Resident, or a holder of a working visa , then you do not have a Social Security Number ( SSN) yet. Leave this form field blank and answer the next form fields as shown. If you have a CGFNS certificate type in your CGFNS number):

Step 8: Create your username:

Step 9: Select NCLEX-RN Examination. The application fee is $200.00 (Be careful when you make the selection because any later request to change the examination type will charge you $50).

Step 10: Select Philippines (this is assuming that you’re taking your NCLEX-RN in the Philippines):

Step 11: Answer the registration question. This is the tricky part. If you do not know where to find your course code, this step will consume a lot of your time. For your information, the course code can be found in page 42 of the NCLEX Candidate Bulletin 2009 which can be downloaded from the Pearson Vue website. I have provided you with the codes as shown in the image below for your convenience. Once you type in the code, click on the search button. The program name and code for the Philippines will then appear. You need to select this code. Enter your graduation year. Select the Board of Nursing from which you’re taking your licensure. Click Next:

CLICK on the above image for a bigger view

Step 12 Enter your billing information (The card security code are the last 3 digits that can be found at the back of your credit/debit card.An example is shown in the image below) Click Next:

Step 13 Confirmation. In this last step, you will need to confirm your registration. Your name and application number with the amount you need to pay will be provided. Read and tick the confidentiality agreement and then click the “Confirm Registration” Button.

If your credit card went through you will then be redirected to a confirmation page. A confirmation will also be sent to your email as well as your log-in information. When you’re ready to take the NCLEX, simply log in to your Pearson Vue Account and schedule your NCLEX-RN. Good Luck!

About ALLGEN The Intelligent Review

The NCLEX-RN is an examination that helps predict your future as a nurse.

Allgen’s innovative approach in delivering effective NCLEX and IELTS Review gives nurses and other professionals the confidence to trust us as a review center. We use an intelligent process to identify and prioritize a candidate’s needs, and then we deliver winning test taking strategies to help them pass the NCLEX and IELTS examinations.

For more information about our company please visit our website at http://allgen.net….

To schedule a visit please contact us at (02) 567-2749/(02) 567-0641 or text us at +63 916 6262469.For directions to our office click on and print the map below:

Are you a “YES” Nurse?

As I watched the movie “Yes Man” with Jim Carrey as the lead actor, I couldn’t help but look around me and see the silhouettes of the viewers’ faces. I was looking for the not-so bright twinkle in their eyes. That same not-so-bright twinkle that I have. An affirmation of guilt that in each and everyone of us Filipinos, is a dominant “NO” person. The movie inspired me to ask this question to all of you nurses and nursing graduates . Are you a “Yes” nurse candidate?

1. When you live in Pasay City and there’s an upcoming expo at the Gateway Mall for nursing careers, you:
   (a) call to inquire;
   (b) let it pass and tell yourself there’s more expos to come nearby;
   (c)  Wait for your friends to decide whether or not they will come with you.
2. When  you’re invited to a recruitment agency’s open house, you:
   (a) Call for reservations right away. Who knows the US employer might be present;
   (b) Say no, they might be illegal recruiters and only want your money;
   (c)  Ask for your mother’s opinion since she’s the one who wanted you to become a nurse in the first place.
3. When you’ve just  passed your local board exam, your next step would be to:
   (a) Look for an NCLEX Reviewer right away. Time is gold;
   (b) Look for a job right away, what is the value of an  NCLEX score if there’s crisis in America;
   (c) Let your friend go ahead and take her review, see where it leads her, then you’ll decide.
4. When you read an article in a newspaper and you see a company involved in a Medical Mission, your first reaction would be:
   (a) That’s great! I’m really very interested.Maybe I can join their next mission;
   (b) Publicity,publicity,publicity. These companies are so full of $%%$#;
   (c) I don’t read newspapers. Therefore, I don’t know.
5. In a one-on-one interview with a representative of a US employer you froze and had a mental block and lost your chance of getting hired. Your immediate reaction would be to:
   (a) Walk up to the representative, explain to her you had a mental block and ask for a second interview;
   (b) Go to the receptionist and tell her you didn’t make it while your cold hands are clasping each other. I’m sure there’s more interviews to come;
   (c) What? Interview? What time is it? Oh my G%$#! I’m late for my interview!

If you answered “A” to 3 or more of the 5 question then you’re a “YES” nurse candidate. You are not afraid to ask questions. Neither are you afraid to take chances. By asking questions, you learn about the the validity of certain information. You are not afraid to ask for a second chance because nobody will ask for it in your behalf. You will end up in your dream job faster than the “NO” candidate.

If you answered “B” to 3 or more of the 5 questions, then you are a “NO” candidate. Being a “NO”  doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a negative person. It only mean you’re suspicious of a lot of things and most of it are related to our culture and history. You are intimidated by people of authority, because that’s how our culture dictated us to be. Remember, you are aspiring to work in a country where “practicality” comes first.You’d rather play safe than take the chance. Remember, opportunity knocks only once. If  you don’t try and  find out, how will you know if an agency is credible or not? There are  so many people who wanted to take up nursing but do not have the means. I f you wait  for your chance, it will pass on you. So, try and keep a positive attitude and watch miracles happen in front of you.

If you answered “C” in 3 or more of the 5 questions, you are in the wrong path. There is still hope for you to change, but you need to weigh your options. Do you really want to be a nurse? If your answer is no, then you need to make changes as early as possible.

Please comment on this article and let me know if this has been a helpful activity to you. Good luck in all you job interviews!

The VisaScreen® Application Process FAQs

I joined a chatroom last Sunday and encountered a topic regarding the application for VisaScreen^® Process. In one instance a nurse candidate was concerned about a near expiration IELTS result and was clueless about the Visascreen procedure.  Unfortunately, nobody in the chat room was well equipped with information at that moment and the best help that the candidate got was a series of links to sites related to VisaScreen^®.

This incident pushed me to research more about the VisaScreen^® process. The results of my research are summarized in an FAQ format for the candidate nurse’s convenience. I have omitted information which I feel requires common sense to know the answer. Please feel free to comment on the following article:

Q1: What is the VisaScreen^® Process?

A1: The VisaScreen^® is a screening program for foreign health care workers seeking an occupational visa in the United States. An NCLEX passer cannot apply for a job in the US without the Visa Screen Certificate (VSC).

Upon acquiring the  VSC, the candidate submits her job application together with her VSC and  NCLEX result through an agent or through direct employment. She will then apply for a working visa.

After her visa is issued, she will then apply for a social security number (SSN). Then she will submit her SSN to the US Board of Registered Nursing after which she will receive her USRN license.

Q2: How can I  apply for a VisaScreen^® certificate (VSC)?

A2: The are three (3) ways to apply for a VSC.

1. First  is to apply online through the CGFNS website;
2. Second is to download the VisaScreen^® Application Handbook. In this handbook you will find the application form and instructions;
3. Third is to write or call the CGFNS  for application from CGFNS International by mail or phone (YOU DONT WANT TO DO THIS.)

Q3: What are the requirements for VisaScreen^® application?

1. Complete your VisaScreen^® application form;
2. Complete the forms to be sent to your nursing school. Your school will be the one to submit your Transcript of Records to CGFNS. However, you must include a photocopy of your diploma, certificate, or external exam certificate from your secondary school and nonprofession-related, post-secondary school in your application submission;
3. Complete the forms to send to your licensing authority (in this case the PRC). The PRC will be the one to submit your license validation to CGFNS;
4. A passing IELTS score to be forwarded by the testing agency (in this case the British Council) to the CGFNS/ICHP. Courier is free from The British council. Your IELTS must not be near expiration and must be valid within the time frame of  the CGFNS’ receipt of  all your documents, otherwise a you will need to retake the same examination;
5. A passing score of either the CGFNS International Qualifying Exam^SM or the NCLEX-RN^® examination if you are a registered nurse (you only need one test);
6. Enclose an international money order or certified bank check in the amount of Four Hundred Ninety Eight Dollars ($498.00) payable to CGFNS or pay online at CGFNS Connect — Apply/Check Status with one of the following credit cards: Visa, MasterCard or Discover/Novus. Payment must be received within 60 days of applying. For those who have relatives abroad, a check drawn from a US bank is acceptable. For a schedule of other fees (eg. renewal)  please see http://www.cgfns.org/sections/programs/vs/.

Q4: What is the average length of time to receive official transcripts and licensure verifications after receipt of application?

A4: The average length of time to receive official transcripts and licensure verifications after receipt of application is 85 calendar days.

Q5: What is the Average CGFNS/ICHP file review and processing time, after receipt of all required documents?

A5: The Average CGFNS/ICHP file review and processing time, after receipt of all required documents 30 calendar days.

Q6: I’m working . I’m too busy. I don’t have a credit card to pay online. I don’t want to make a mistake in my application. I want to do this fast. Is there a company that can assist me in all this process?

A6: NEAC Application Center can help you with the Visascreen Application Process . They have branches is Manila, Cebu and Davao. For more information you can visit their website at http://applynclex.com.

This article is a summary. For all other information you can visit the CGFNS website at http://www.cgfns.org/sections/programs/vs/.

Goodluck to All.

US Nursing Schools adrift? Philippines overwhelmed. Obama’s reform.

While the Philippines has an overwhelming number of nursing graduates (close to 160, 000 board takers last year ), the United States only had 2.0 percent (2%) enrollment growth from 2007 to 2008 according to a press release by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).

This report is based on an actual data submitted by 428 nursing schools who participated in a survey in 2007 and 2008.

Number 1 reason affecting this slow enrollment growth is FACULTY SHORTAGE. Faculty age continues to climb (average age between 51 to 58 ). More and more US nurse educators are expected to retire within the next ten (10) years. Because of this, about 28,000 qualified students were turned down in 2008 by US nursing schools.

Tomorrow when Barack Obama is sworn into presidency, more health care jobs will  open in 2010 due to his economic reforms. In relation to the shortage of US nursing students, President Obama will have to turn to other countries to fill these positions. It also means, more Filipino nurses will be deployed sooner.

An oath taking ceremony in the Philippines