Nurse demand in the US has steadily increased over the last several decades. With so many vacant positions, the government eventually had to introduce policies that would expedite the immigration process. For the most part, these types of situations are handled by CGFNS or the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools.
The organization was founded in 1977, and since then, it has been recognized as the primary entity for certifying and credentialing foreign professionals. Although they slightly changed their policies and approach over time, their main priority remains the same. CGFNS aims to introduce as many capable nurses to the healthcare system as possible, expediting their immigration.
In this guide, we will talk about the entire process of nurse credential evaluation, as well as the role that CGFNS plays. We will also explain why it pays off to hire an international nurse recruitment agency to help you out with the onboarding process.
What Is CGFNS?
This non-profit organization is situated in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are the governing body for certifying and evaluating the credentials of foreign-born nurses. Regardless of their name, they also conduct assessments for other medical experts.
Their main goal is to ensure that the foreign professionals meet local and US healthcare standards. After going through a thorough assessment process, the organization will determine whether this person has the right skills to practice medicine effectively and safely, not only in the US but also in other countries that recognize CGFNS’s authority.
In a way, the entity serves as a bridge between the medical requirements in North America and the education of future immigrants. Although CGFNS is a dominant legal entity, there are also other certification authorities in the US, including ERES, IEE, and JS&A.
Why Is Certification Important?
It’s worth noting that there’s more to certification than simple quality assurance. This is a basic legal requirement that will determine if a person is ready to work in the US, according to the local standards. In fact, according to the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, every healthcare professional must obtain clearance from this or a related authority.
On top of legal compliance, the certification provides several advantages to nurses and other healthcare professionals:
- The process ensures that you meet the local standards, which is especially important for hospitals that get a lot of applicants.
- Once you finish the process, you will receive licensure eligibility. In other words, you will be able to take the NCLEX-RN exam in the US.
- Overall, having this certification will make employees trust you more and increase your career mobility.
The certification process applies to various documents, including:
- Verification of licenses, transcripts, and diplomas
- Analysis of past experience
- Comparing clinical hours and coursework
- Translation of all relevant documents that aren’t in English
Once CGNFS processes your documents, it should have a better understanding of whether you worked, how long, and what kind of education you received.
When to Certify Your Documents?
Although we’ve focused on the importance of diploma certification from the perspective of foreign nurses, the process is also important for the locals. Specifically, it is used by all healthcare professionals who are looking to get LPN/LVN and RN licenses.
You should also certify your documents prior to taking the NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN exams. The accreditation is also done by medical students who want to pursue advanced nursing degrees.
It is also worth noting that, while each state has its unique requirements, most of the medical boards will take into account CGNFS’s opinion. In some cases, you might also require additional certifications from other local entities.
4 Tips for Easier Evaluation Process
Although the process of evaluation is nowadays streamlined (especially if you’re using the services of a hiring agency), there are still a few things you should focus on:
- Get an Early Start
Start the evaluation process early, as you don’t want it to drag on for years. We recommend that you do it a few months before the actual visa submission, job application, and exam dates. That way, you’ll have enough wiggle room to manage your other obligations without having to worry whether CGFNS will accept or reject your diploma.
Keep in mind that the process of collecting, translating, and verifying documents often takes longer than people expect. This is especially true if you have to coordinate between several organizations.
- Hire a Nurse Agency
If you wish to live and work abroad, but you don’t have a job offer, you should consider hiring a nurse agency to help you out. These companies will manage the entire verification process, as well as find you an employer, handle logistics, and arrange travel.
Although nurse agencies sometimes charge a significant amount of money and may take a percentage of your paycheck while you’re with the current employer, things will get easier once you reach the U.S. The Important thing about these agencies is that you’ll have time to work in your home country, without having to run around handling documents.
- Be Careful With the Document
CGFNS is precise when it comes to documents and other requirements. Therefore, you’ll need to ensure that the documents accurately represent your current professional situation. Among other things, you must prepare your nursing degrees and diplomas, proof of clinical hours, licensure verification, and academic transcripts.
- Hire a Certified Translator
As a foreign nurse, you’ll have to translate all your documents into English. To do so, you’ll need the services of a translator who is certified to perform this task. Even if you have a great command of the English language, you’ll still need a person who can put an official stamp on all your translated diplomas and other documents.
Expediting Your Credentialing
Although credentialing can take quite some time, it is a necessary process that confirms your experience and expertise. The good news is that, once you do it, you won’t have to repeat it in the future.
