GLOBAL NURSING REVIEW PROGRAM
www. iep.ucr.edu
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIARIVERSIDE
2008 – 2009
UC Davis • UC Irvine • UC Los Angeles • UC Riverside
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAExtension Consortium forGlobal Partnerships
University of California,RiversideInternational EducationPrograms
Part of the University of Californiasystem, UC Riverside campus isconveniently located approximately 50miles east of Los Angeles and withineasy driving distance to most of themajor cultural and recreational offeringsin Southern California.
Its International Education Programs(IEP) division offers a wide variety ofEnglish language and professionaltraining programs.
COPE Health Solutions
This program is offered in cooperationwith COPE Health Solutions. COPEworks closely with hospitals and healthsystems to develop customizedstrategies for the development of adiverse and sustainable health careworkforce that is both technicallycompetent and culturally sensitive tothe specific needs of the surroundingcommunities.
WELCOMEThe University of California Extension Consortium for GlobalPartnerships
The University of California Consortium for Global Partnerships (UCCGP) is made up of fourUC campuses: UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Los Angeles and UC Riverside. UCR’s GlobalNursing Review Program is intended to be a model for other members of the Consortium.
The Global Nursing Review Program (GNRP) will be held on the UC Riverside campus thefirst year. Beginning the second year, the GNRP may be held at other campuses of theUCCGP.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Overview 2
Requirements 3
First Quarter 4
Second Quarter 5
Third Quarter 6
Fourth, Fifth, Sixth,Seventh Quarters 7
After Program 8
Application Procedures 9
General Information 10
GLOBAL NURSING REVIEW PROGRAM
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OverviewThe Global Nursing Review Program (GNRP) is offered byInternational Education Programs at the University ofCalifornia, Riverside, one of the largest and most reputableprograms of its kind in the United States, in cooperation withCOPE Health Solutions (COPE), one of the nation’s premiernonprofit health care organizations.
GNRP combines and enhances programs the University ofCalifornia Extension, Riverside, and COPE Health Solutionshave been doing for many years. UCR Extension has over 32years’ experience working with international students andprofessionals and many years doing courses for RegisteredNurses (RNs).
COPE has over 10 years’ experience developing and replicatingproven, sustainable solutions to the health workforce.
Who should attend?This program is designed for those who are licensed nurses intheir own countries and would like to know more about westernmedical theory and practice.
What is GNRP?The program is a combination of NCLEX review, culturalcommunications and experience in an American healthcaresetting.
What is NCLEX-RN?The NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse) is a computer-adaptive test (CAT) of entry-level nursing competence.
Passing the exam is required of candidates for licensure as aRegistered Nurse (RN) by all US state and territorial Boards ofNursing.
Could you describe the program?Yes. The program consists of three 10-week quarters ofacademic study and four quarters of Optional Practical Training(OPT) in a healthcare setting. The academic study consists of596 in-class instruction hours and 338 independent lab hours,for a total of 934. In addition, there are approximately 80hours of volunteer work in a healthcare setting in quarters twoand three. OPT is usually up to 40 hours per week.
Is this different from other NCLEX reviewprograms?Yes, very different. Other programs help students pass theNCLEX, which is only the first step toward being a successfulnurse in a Western healthcare setting. Among other traits, asuccessful nurse should be able to communicate well withmedical personnel and patients, should have practicalexperience in a Western healthcare setting, should have amentor to go to with questions and concerns while on the job.Passing the NCLEX exam alone is not enough to ensure success.
What will be some of the specific benefitsI will get if I enroll in the program?The program is designed to help you do the following:
• Develop a clear understanding of the philosophy and practiceof nursing in the U.S.
• Prepare for the NCLEX-RN Examination
• Develop an extensive working vocabulary of medical terminology
• Develop communications skills in English
• Be able to analyze concepts, processes and skills essential tothe nursing profession in the U.S.
• Improve employment possibilities in your own or other countries
• Experience working in a U.S. hospital or clinic with ongoingfeedback from a mentor
• Help your organization achieve the Joint CommissionInternational (JCI) accreditation.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
How long is the program?The program is 21 months long, nine months of classroomstudy and 12 months of on-the-job training. The academic yearat UCR is divided into three quarters, with each quarter being10 weeks long. The entire program is seven quarters long.
Must I meet any requirements before I amadmitted to the program?Yes, you must meet professional requirements, languagerequirements and health requirements.
What are the professional requirements?• You must be a licensed nurse in your home country.
• Your nursing studies in your home country must fulfillCalifornia State nursing requirements.
• You must undergo a background check to prove that there areno prior convictions or disciplinary actions against you or yourlicense in your home country.*
• Applicants must take the Nursing Knowledge Entrance Exam intheir own country and score at least 55%. (Any nurse that hasalready passed the NCLEX-RN exam for the USA will be exemptfrom this test). You will be given information on how to takethis exam once you apply to GNRP.
• You should preferably have one to two years’ nursing experiencein your home country.
What are the language requirements?You must have one of the following:
• TOEFL score of 523 (paper) or 193 (computer)
• TOEIC score of 700
• IELTS score of 5.5
• MPT score of 95 and TSE score of 45
• Successful completion of level 600 in UCR’s Intensive EnglishProgram and TSE score of 45.
What are the health requirements?• You must be in good health with no communicable diseases.*
• You must undergo a health examination in the U.S.*
*Required by hospitals and California Board of RegisteredNursing http://www.rn.ca.gov/
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A comprehensive Nursing Knowledge Entrance Exam will
be used as part of your eligibility process. This 3-hour
online exam consists of 180 multiple choice questions
based on previous nursing knowledge and experience with
the following content areas: Maternal-Newborn, Pediatrics,
Medical-Surgical, Nursing Leadership Related to
Assessments, Prioritizing Care and Delegation to others,
Pharmacology, Medication Calculations and Infection
Control. Additional exams will be available at the end of
each quarter for a progressive and personalized study plan,
and as a predictor for the final NCLEX-RN examination
(fees may apply).
COURSE DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW – FIRST QUARTER
Diagnosis, Intervention and Documentation Strategies, Part I:An interactive course designed to help students practiceauthentic nursing situations and use nursing terminology incontext through role plays, presentations, and discussion andanalysis of reading materials. (60 hours)
NCLEX-RN Exam Preparation, Part I: A three-quarter coursedesigned to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN examination.The course will include an explanation of the test structure andframework, test-taking strategies, an intensive review ofessential topic areas, practice tests and analyses, and a finalcomprehensive simulated NCLEX-RN test. (60 hours)
Nursing Culture in the US: A discussion-based seminardesigned to provide students with a framework to betterunderstand the philosophy of the nursing profession in the USand the cultural expectations in the American nursingcommunity. (40 hours)
Medical Terminology and Pronunciation, Part I: A two-quartercourse designed to provide students with a comprehensive reviewof medical terminology and pronunciation. One of the primaryapproaches of this review is the analysis of word parts, i.e.,affixes and roots. Students will cover key vocabulary categorizedinto body systems. A CD-ROM accompanies the course text forpronunciation modeling, which will be done in the CALL lab.(40 hours)
Computer-assisted Practice in Nursing Applications (CAPNA)Lab, I: The CAPNA portion of the curriculum is an importantcomponent that reinforces course work. Each class has specificCAPNA lab assignments, and students will fill out lab progressreports each week. (100 hours)
And also in the first quarter. . .
• Application to BRN
If you haven’t already applied in your home country, youshould apply to the Board of Registered Nursinghttp://www.rn.ca.gov/applicants/lic-exam.shtml so that you areeligible to take the NCLEX examination in the 3rd quarter.Please read Board requirements carefully (especially sectionsfor foreign applicants, page 14 and following) so that you fulfillall requirements such as fingerprinting, TOEFL exam, etc.
Quarter Break/VacationBetween each quarter, there is a quarter break. The break timecan vary from one week to one month, depending on theprogram and the time of year.
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Fundamentals in Nursing Through Virtual Clinical Excursions: Acomputer-assisted course that reviews the fundamental skills innursing by navigating through a virtual clinic where studentsencounter a variety of realistic situations that occur in a clinicalcontext. In this virtual environment, students work on refiningkey nursing skills such as communication, documentation,assessment and critical thinking. Students have the opportunityto discuss and review concepts, processes and skills that arerelevant to the American nursing community. (60 hours)
Diagnosis, Intervention and Documentation Strategies, Part II:A course designed to enable students to present theirknowledge of the nursing field in peer-lead discussions androle-plays. The presentation format is a tool to stimulatediscussion and foster an interactive learning environment.(40 hours)
NCLEX-RN Exam Preparation, Part II: See description under“First Quarter.” (60 hours)
Medical Terminology and Pronunciation, Part II: See descriptionunder “First Quarter.” (40 hours)
Computer-assisted Practice in Nursing Applications (CAPNA)Lab, Part II: See description under “First Quarter.” (100 hours)
Nursing Simulation Lab, Part I (25 hours): Simulation Labshelp the students by closely reproducing the patient experiencewith high-tech mannequins that mimic life-like medicalscenarios. The Nursing Simulation Lab provides a safe learningenvironment for students to practice critical thinking anddecision-making via simulations, and students have theopportunity to learn and enhance their skills through the use ofclinical case scenarios.
Internship in a Healthcare Setting, Part I (40 hours): Studentsacquire working experience as unpaid interns in a healthcarefacility as they become members of the patient care team,provide immediate support to current staff, and create a localand culturally diverse cadre of future OPT employees.
Interns become familiar with workplace duties andresponsibilities of RNs in a US healthcare setting and learn howto document, follow orders, develop critical thinking skills andeffectively interact within the culture of a U.S. healthcare setting.At the same time, they contribute to the cultural and linguisticdiversity of hospitals and healthcare systems.
In order to become interns, students must participate in a24-hour training program and pass a test in the training beforethey will be granted an internship.
And also in the second quarter. . .• If student has not received a TOEFL score of
550 pBT / 79 iBT, he/she should retake it.
• Schedule to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
COURSE DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW – SECOND QUARTER
COURSE DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW – THIRD QUARTER
Introduction to the US Healthcare System: This course helpsstudents to identify contemporary health and health policyissues in the United States. Issues such as the uninsured,quality and costs of care, health status disparities, publichealth concerns, matters of equity in the U.S. health caresystem and specific health issues are discussed in depth.Students will learn about major health professions andoccupations and major education pathways. They will explorethe practice and professional culture between medicine, nursingand other providers and understand the organization ofprofessional services, licensure and work hierarchies. (46 hours:32 hours lecture, 14 hours lab)
Communication for Health Care Professionals: Students learn tocommunicate effectively and practice contextual situationsusing anatomical and disease process terms. Use of appropriatelanguage and an understanding of suitable cultural behavior incommunicating with health care providers and patients.Learning and practicing assertiveness skills to give and getproper information. Examination of how cultural diversity(nationality, age and gender) in the medical environment canaffect communication. Responding appropriately to patientverbal and non-verbal body language. (88 hours: 64 hourslecture, 24 hours lab)
NCLEX-RN Exam Preparation, Part III: See description under“First Quarter.” (150 hours: 100 hours lecture, 50 hours lab)
Nursing Simulation Lab, Part II: See description under “SecondQuarter.” (25 hours)
Internship in a Healthcare Setting, Part II: See descriptionunder “Second Quarter.” (40 hours)
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AFTER THE THIRD QUARTER
What happens if I do not pass the NCLEX-RN?If you do not pass the NCLEX-RN, you will not be placed in ahospital. You may retake the NCLEX-RN within a month. At theend of the third quarter, you are eligible to take a vacation for
one quarter; you may prepare for the NCLEX-RN at this time.Or, if you like, you may enroll in GNRP for one additionalquarter. For fees on one-quarter repeat enrollment, pleaseconsult IEP Student Services.
FOURTH, FIFTH, SIXTH AND SEVENTH QUARTERSOptional Practical Training (OPT)Upon successful completion of the NCLEX-RN exam andsuccessful fulfillments of all other language and CaliforniaBoard of Registered Nursing (BRN) requirements, students willbe placed in a hospital or clinic for Optional Practical Training.
Will I have to find my own job when I do OPT?No. You will be placed in a hospital or clinic according to yourinterests, skills and languages spoken.
Do I need a special visa for OPT?Yes, you do, and UCR will help you with that process.
How long is OPT?Your placement will be for up to one year (12 months).
Is OPT different from my volunteer internship?Yes, very different. You will be working as an RN.
Will I get paid for OPT?Yes. Your salary will be commensurate with salaries paid toCalifornia nurses with similar education and experience.
How much will I earn?Full-time RNs working in a hospital or healthcare setting usuallyearn $40,000 and up, per year. They also receive other benefits(such as health and vacation benefits) as well.
Online Mentoring During OPTYou will be assigned an online mentor when you begin practicaltraining. Your mentor will communicate with your hospital orhealthcare setting, your supervisor and you on a weekly basis.Your mentor will always be available to you for advice and tohelp you solve problems or to answer your questions.
AT THE END OF THE SEVENTH QUARTERAt the end of the seventh quarter, students who havesuccessfully completed the program will graduate and receivetheir certificates.
Students will also take the NCLEX-RN exam and should receive results within two to four weeks.Students should have a TOEFL score of 550 pBT / 79 iBT.
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What if I wish to continue working in an American hospital aftermy one year of OPT? Can my OPT be renewed?No, it cannot. If you wish to continue to stay in the U.S., youneed to follow immigration requirements and obtain a workvisa. Sometimes an employer will assist you in the process, andsometimes you should hire a lawyer. It is not advisable to do ityourself.
What is the CGNFS Visa Screen?If you wish to work in the U.S. as a nurse, after OPT, you mustapply for a work visa. Part of this process is completion of theCGNFS Visa Screen. You must submit your documents to theCommission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFSA).The Visa Screen process includes the following:
• An assessment of an applicant’s education to ensure that itis comparable to that of a U.S. graduate in the sameprofession
• Verification that all professional healthcare licenses that theapplicant ever held are valid and unencumbered
• English language proficiency (TOEFL iBT)
• Verification that the nurse has passed the NCLEX-RNexamination
Applicants who successfully complete VisaScreen® receive aCGFNS/ICHP VisaScreen® Certificate, which satisfies allFederal screening requirements. The CGFNS/ICHPVisaScreen® Certificate can be presented at a consular officeor, in the case of adjustment of status, to the AttorneyGeneral as part of the visa application process. TheCertificate must be received before the Department ofHomeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and ImmigrationServices (USCIS) will issue an occupational visa or TradeNAFTA status to applicants to work as a professional in theirrespective fields in the United States. Application to CGFNSdoes not guarantee a job or a work visa.
(This information can be found onhttp://www.cgfns.org/sections/programs/vs/)
Is the Visa Screen different from the CGNFS exam?Yes, it is different. You do not need to take the CGNFS examsince the California Board of Registered Nursing does notrequire applicants to pass the Commission on Graduates ofForeign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) examination in order to belicensed in California.
AFTER THE PROGRAM
How do I apply for the program?The application process has many steps and each isimportant, so please take care with your application.
1. Go to our website www.iep.ucr.edu/Nurse_Program.html.On the upper right of the page are two applications youcan download. One is the program application (4 pages)and the other is the application for an I-20 (1 page). Youshould fill out and submit BOTH of these.
The program application is very detailed. It is based onthe application you will need to file with the CaliforniaBoard of Registered Nurseshttp://www.rn.ca.gov/applicants/lic-exam.shtml.
2. Submit a copy of each of the following, along with yourapplication fee:
• Your transcripts and course descriptions in English.
In order to conduct a complete assessment, we needcourse descriptions, hours and/or units for each course inthe program.
We are specifically looking for the content andhours/units contained in Fundamentals or Basic Nursing,Medical–Surgical Nursing (all of the courses in thiscategory), Pediatrics/Nursing of Children, MaternalNursing and Women’s Health Mental Health/PsychiatricNursing and Geriatrics/Gerontological Nursing/Care of theAged. If yours is an integrated curriculum, we need toknow the number of hours of theory and clinical devotedto this content.
• Your language test scores
• Your Nursing Knowledge Entrance Exam score
• Statement from a doctor that you are in good health withno communicable diseases
3. UCR will do a preliminary, non-binding review of yourtranscripts. Only the California Board of RegisteredNursing can do an official review of your transcripts. Sinceyou will need to have the BRN review your transcriptseventually and since the process takes several months,you should begin the process in your home country sinceyou must be in touch with your schools. To do so, go tohttp://www.rn.ca.gov/applicants/lic-exam.shtml.
4. After the application process is completed and yourapplication has been favorably reviewed by UCR, you willreceive an I-20 for the program.
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APPLICATION PROCEDURE
GNRPApplication Checklist
�Professional:
� Global Nursing Review Program 5-pageapplication (available athttp://www.iep.ucr.edu/Nurse_Program.html
� A copy of nursing license or diplomaNursing Knowledge Entrance Exam scoreof at least 55%
� Copy of nursing school transcripts inEnglish
� Full course descriptions from nursingschool catalog (in English)
� *Copies of any certificates for midwifery orpsychiatric nursing, if any
� *Document stating years of nursingexperience in your home country
Language: (Check (√) the one submitted.)
� TOEFL score of 523 (pBT), 193 (cBT) or69 (iBT)
� TOEIC score of 700
� IELTS score of 5.5
� MPT score of 95 and TSE score of 45
� Successful completion of level 600 inUCR’s Intensive English Program and TSEscore of 45.
Health:
� *Statement from a doctor that student is ingood health with no communicablediseases.
For I-20 (student visa):
� Completed 1-page application for I-20/Global Nursing Review Program(included in 5-page GNRP app. above)
� Payment of application fee of $90 ($150beginning in January 2009)
� Copy of I.D. page of passport
� Financial guarantee for $28,900 for asingle person with no dependents
Other:
� *NCLEX-RN approval letter
� *2” x 2” passport-type photograph
*Not required for I-20
�
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GENERAL INFORMATION
VisasParticipants accepted for study need an I-20 form (Certificate ofStudent Eligibility) so that they may obtain a student visa (F-1) at thenearest United States Consulate.
Although the IEP office processes I-20 applications within fiveworking days from the date received, it may take up to several weeksfor students to receive the I-20 through regular mail, depending onthe destination. Please send your application for I-20 well in advanceto ensure proper time to process your visa.
If you send your application for an I-20 within 30 days or less fromthe beginning of your program, your I-20 will be sent by express mailservice and you will be responsible for the fee.
Starting DatesJune 19, 2008 March 25, 2009September 25, 2008 June 18, 2009January 8, 2009 September 24, 2009
Application DeadlineApplication deadline is no later than two months before the startingdate of the program in order to give UCR time to review applications.
LocationClasses are held in the UC Riverside Extension Center. Some courseswill also be held in computer or Nursing Simulation laboratories.
CertificateUpon successful completion of the program, a certificate will beawarded from the University of California, Riverside, Extension.
Housing AssistanceIEP’s own housing office provides housing arrangements throughoutthe year with the following options.
• On-campus International Residence Center (IRC): Furnished and air-conditioned hotel styled rooms
• On-campus International Village (IV): Furnished and air-conditionedapartments
• American Family Homestay: Family hosted housing
Please see fees at www.iep.ucr.edu
Immigration Assistance
IEP offers immigration assistance for F-1 student visas and OptionalPractical Training (OPT).
English Language Programs
IEP has one of the largest English language programs in the U.S. Pleasecheck our website for information about programs offered.
Payments and Refund PolicyAll program fees must be paid on or before Registration Day. Fees canbe paid with cashiers check/money order made payable to “UCRegents,” cash, travelers’ checks or with VISA or MasterCard.
Full tuition can only be refunded upon receipt of the following beforeclasses begin: a written request for withdrawal from the program andthe original I-20 issued by UCR Extension, if applicable.
No refunds will be granted after the program begins.
Please visit our web site at:http://www.iep.ucr.eduApplication form is online.
Or contact the IEP office at:
International Education ProgramsUniversity of California, Riverside1200 University AvenueRiverside, CA 92507-4596 USA
Tel: (1-951) 827-4346Fax: (1-951) 827-1074E-mail: [email protected]
FeesThe total cost for the 3-quarter Global Nursing Review Program is$19,400 and covers the following:
• Assistance in understanding the requirements of the CaliforniaState Board of Registered Nurses (CSBRN) including theaccurate filling-out of all documents, required procedures andtests.
• Tuition for 3 quarters
• All instructional materials and texts
• Placement as a volunteer in healthcare settings during 2nd and3rd quarters
• Health and accident insurance for 9 months
• Airport transfer LAX-Riverside
• Placement in Optional Practical Training hospital for 1 year atU.S. salaries
• Follow-up on-line mentoring during 1-year OPT
It does not include:
• Application and housing placement fees
• Miscellaneous nursing, USCIS and language test fees (see Website for list)
• Housing
• Meals
• International or daily domestic travel
• Nursing content class fees needed because of deficiency innurse's curriculum
Courses, dates, fees and other expenses are subject to change without notice. www. iep.ucr.eduInternational Residence Center
www. iep.ucr.edu
For more informationInternational Education Programs
University Extension
University of California, Riverside
1200 University Ave.
Riverside, CA 92507-4596 USA
Telephone: (1-951) 827-4346Fax: (1-951) 827-1074E-mail: [email protected]
UC Davis
UC Riverside
UC Irvine
UC Los Angeles
GLOBAL NURSING REVIEW PROGRAM
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIARIVERSIDE
UC Davis • UC IrvineUC Los Angeles • UC Riverside
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAExtension Consortium forGlobal Partnerships
