Originally Posted by
cruss74
the only state in the US, the last i checked, that only takes a BSN is New York.
Well that makes sense, since that is the state I was thinking of.
My mother (a an RN who now has a MSN and a MBA) used to work in NY and the restrictions were quite stringent. She now teaches in a 2 year program in Nevada.
You can get financial aid from the US to go to some schools in New Zealand, I know for a fact you can use it to go to Massey (as that is what I am doing). It is loans but it can be a load off of your mind at the same time.
My husband and I decided we wanted to move to NZ in late 2004. We looked at our options and it seemed the best plan was for me to finish my bachelors and get into the vet school here (since I was planning on becoming a vet anyway). That's exactly what we did. We got here July 3rd and are quite happy with the choice at this point (even though I feel like my brain is going to explode with all the information I have to learn).
I can understand that in your situation (with children) you have to look very closely at what you do, as going into an unstable situation can have more consequences for you. I would say try to get into a nursing school here, they may accept most of your previous credits so you only have to take a few more years. If they would force you to take it from the beginning I would finish in the US (if you decide this is really what you want to do).
It's a lot to think about. Moving this far away is a monumental task, but I think it has been worth it for me (but I may still have my rose tinted glasses on).
Good luck!
PS. I'm sure you've seen this page- but here's a link to the list of schools that you can take courses at to be a registered nurse in NZ
http://www.nursingcouncil.org.nz/educa.html#inst. I go to Massey University in Palmerston North, so if you have any specific questions about that school I am more than happy to try to answer them for you.