This is in reference to regulation 18VAC90-19-130 Section D1 to change the designation of “foreign graduate nurse” to “RN Applicant “ on name tags or when signing official records just like their American counterparts.

Foreign graduate nurses go through a rigorous process when applying for work in the US. Our nursing academic records are reviewed by CGFNS and we also take the CGFNS exam before taking the NCLEX. We also take the nursing licensure exam from our own county. So, in reality, we are taking three nursing exams before we are awarded our US nursing license. Aside from this we also take English exams to demonstrate our proficiency in the English language.  On top of this, when I applied for my US resident green card, I still had to apply for a Visa Grant wherein CGFNS had to review my records again and had me take another English proficiency exam. Therefore, it is discriminatory to put "foreign graduate nurse" on name tags as foreign nurse are as qualified to work in the US healthcare system as our counter parts who graduated in the US.

I respectfully request to amend this ruling.

~ Jennifer