Canadian RN going to Tennessee

World Registration

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Hello!

I just recently got a job in Tennessee. I am writing my Canadian NCLEX-RN at the end of July and I am wondering if anyone knows if I have to write another NCLEX to get my license in Tennessee or if I can just use the my Canadian license and pay to be a temporary RN or pay for a license endorsement? Any input would be very helpful!

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

You have no US license to endorse. You have to apply to the state for initial application and ask the state whether you have to sit NCLEX for the US if you have passed the NCLEX for Canada. You do realise the process for International nurses can take over 4 months (generally Canadian nurses are classed as International but check to see what the BON state on their website) and if you require a visa to work in the US you have to also obtain visa screen certificate which can also take a few weeks and for that you do require a pass in NCLEX

Moved to the Nurse Registration forum as applying to a country you did not train in

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Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.

You would really have to contact the Tennessee Board of Nursing to ask their specific requirements. Occasionally, a state might be so hungry for nurses they will hire Canadian nurses without writing US NCLEX. A friend of mine moved to Texas in 1987 under such an arrangement. However, I have not heard of this since and it is extremely rare. In addition, many states require that you write the CGFNS exam prior to being eligible to write the NCLEX (Commission for Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools). And of course you need a US work visa, which I believe is now issued by the Dept. of Homeland Security. (Check with your nearest US Consulate).

If you've already received a job offer, it is surely contingent on being eligible to work in the US and licensed as a nurse in Tennessee. Please contact the Tennessee BON and the US Consulate before making any additional moving plans. The whole process can be a bit time-consuming and expensive.

Good luck.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
In addition, many states require that you write the CGFNS exam prior to being eligible to write the NCLEX (Commission for Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools). And of course you need a US work visa, which I believe is now issued by the Dept. of Homeland Security. (Check with your nearest US Consulate).

Only a small handful of states now require the CGFNS exam. Most will accept CES report from CGFNS which is a breakdown of nursing transcripts.

If a Canadian citizen then a NAFTA application is accepted at the border and as long as they have the relevant documents they will receive it at the border and renew it I believe now every 3 years

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