I am a US citizen and a foreign grad from the Philippines. I was there to manage a family business and at the same going to nursing school. I graduated in May 2010. Anyway,  I am extremely frustrated and beyond stressed out with my experiences with the California Board of Nursing. I was extremely happy when I finally got my ATT from them. First, it took such a long journey to get there and for them of having me have the nonstop go arounds. I studied so hard and took the Kaplan Review but when I took the test. unfortunately I didn't pass.  I got a letter from the exam center and I was hoping they would mention there where was my weakness so I be aware next time, but it wasn't there., so that kinda suck.

So I reapply again for my next ATT and paid $150 and my nightmare starts again. The California Board reply to me and asked for the documents in which they should already had in their records. I was bothered by it  and I thought its another go around but i just let it go and submitted it to them. Then the second letter arrived few weeks after and then they told me I have to re-take my Med/Surg class again. I was shocked. I just can't believe thats what I have to go thru again  and spend more money. I really also question the people working there at the California Board of Nursing. I mean why would they even asked you to re submit the  previous documents. Something just doesn't seem right. Feels like they're not doing their job right.  

I made so many calls all over and no one will take someone in my situation. Most schools say you have to be enroll in their entire nursing program.. That is ridiculous for me to do that. Then finally I called one school which is Loma Linda University and they said that they do accept people in my situation.. I am also aware if i go to Loma Linda, that Med Surg class is going to be super expensive and will cost about $6,000+ and more.  But it is what it is. So i scheduled to meet with the Dean today. The Dean wont accept me because there is a long waiting list and it will take about 3-4 years. Wow 3-4 years???? That just made my day.  My stress level is beyond ridiculous. 

I am really so confused and ovewhelmed with all these issues. First California Board is giving me hard time and now most school won't take you and those who can, you have to be on a few years waiting list?!?!? . I feel like there is no direction to go. The California Board of Nursing should assist on finding a solution to this. They should provide some school or program for people like me for them to retake these subjects. Its so frustrating because its bad news after another. I cannot afford to wait 3-4 years for one subject. 

I really hope there is a solution to this. This is very upsetting and depressing. 

 I have the same situation. I finished my nursing from the Philippines too last 2009 and have taken the boards three times. And when I was re applying for the exams again they told me the same thing that I need to re take my med surg and OB cause they said its not compliant with the california standards and I asked them if it's a new policy for 2011 and they answered it's always been like that and I told them why would they let me take the nclex in the first place if its always been like that.. So now I am trying to look for schools that will take my case and just let me study med surg and OB so far no luck yet.. Have you found a school or are you still looking??