California RN working in Canada or different states

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi All,

1) Does anyone know what the process is for a California RN to work in Canada? Is another board exam needed? I've heard RN's are in high demand in Canada and I sure wouldn't mind working there -although I am a new grad.

2) Does anyone know the process of how a California RN can work in different states? Can I apply to job postings in different states with my california rn license and then apply for the state licenses once I get hired at that specific state? Because it seems tedious to get licenses in different states without even having a job at that specific state. However I don't know how it will look on my job application/resume if I apply to various states with only a California RN license.

Please let me know. Very much appreciated :nurse:

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Nurses are not in high demand in all provinces. Believe Alberta has a freeze on and the demand is rather low in BC as well. I suppose one could try Northern Canada, but the living conditions can be rough and at times not a safe place--and Yes I have resided in Northern Canada, as far North as Uranium City, and my Air Force travels has taken me further North than that on patrols!

Believe one has to pass the CRNE, which they say is different than the NCLEX, not sure, as I did my schooling in the USA, but both my smarter, better looking sisters are Cdn RN's! Keep in mind the taxes are a bit higher in Canada. I would move back in a heart beat!! Best of luck

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Specializes in NICU.

I don't know about Canada, but most job postings here in the US will have as a requirement something like "RN licensure in XYZ state, or eligibility for licensure upon hire." I don't think they expect you to have the appropriate license in hand, but you do need to be able to acquire it PDQ if they make you an offer.

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Specializes in Pedi Rehab,Pediatrics, PICU.

I would advise against applying for multi licensures before interview/hire. If they don't call back/hire you, you're out of a lot of money. Initial licensure can be very costly; I'm talking like $200/state! The cost varies, but it can add up. Just put that you are eligible for immediate licensure upon hire. That way they know your license is unrestricted. I had to travel for my first job and wasn't required to have a license prior to employment offer, but as soon as it was made, I had to apply for recirocity so I'd have a temp license before my start date. Also know that some states take longer than others to process licensure endorsement requests.

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Have you checked out the pay exchange? I have heard that you lose money when paid in Canadian dollars.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Canada now requires a BSN for licensure as an RN as well as passing the CRNE which I have heard is very different from the NCLEX.

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Am (proudly 100% Cdn) but live/work in the USA. Canada is no different than any other country--there are $$$ places to live and cheaper places to live. Exchange rate varies, very recently the cdn $$ was around par with the USA $$ and think it was last yr, it was actually worth more.

RN's pay varied between provinces. At 1 time, the pay was much less in Canada than in the USA, but pay has drastically improved for many provinces.

I do belive for many provinces, BSN is required, but ADN with experience may be ok for others, but honestly I do not know for sure, as I have not looked into that. But I have heard the CRNE is very different than the Ncelx. cheers

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Specializes in education.

University degree is minimum entry requirement for all provinces for registered nursing. Quebec may be an exception - not sure about that.

While there has been a temporary downturn in the number of jobs available because of funding shortfalls - all predictions are for a continuing long term nursing shortage in Canada. If you go to any of the union websites, or the health authority websites , even the Canadian Nurses Association website there are predictions for a nursing shortage well into the future and they are all working on strategies to address this.

You must write the Canadian Registered Nurse Examination in order to get a nursing license. It is offered 3 times per year and you must come to Canada to take it.

The exam tests the 148 competencies that are required for entry level nursing in Canada including community health nursing theory.

All the competencies are listed on the CNA website in the CRNE section.

Wages are pretty good . Quebec is lowest and I think Alberta or Ontario are the highest. All hospital and community health nurses are unionized so the unions tend to keep track of all recent contract settlements so they can make the same demands in their province when negotiations take place. This keeps the wages relatively on par across Canada although there are some regional differences.

I would NOT recommend nursing in the north for a new graduate.

Hopefully someone from the US can answer your questions about nursing in different states in the US. - I can only offer info on the Canadian picture.

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