California Board of Nursing Seems Impossible!!

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Hi there,

I am a Canadian RN working in long term care. I am looking to transition out to California, USA but the process seems so complicated/long. I haven't written the NCLEX yet, but I realize I need to apply to the California Board of Nursing first to even get my exam registered. My questions are:

1) How do I apply without a US SSN?

2) Someone told me that they require a minimum of 135 clinical hours in the undergraduate program in different specialties to quality for the board's license. However, when I looked on the website, I didn't see anything about this there.

3) Someone actually told me it will be impossible to register with California, and they do not let foreign nurses in easily.

Can someone please help me! I am so lost and confused. Every time I call the Cali BON they don't answer, and do not even put me on hold.

Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

You cannot apply for a license by examination or endorsement in CA without a valid SSN. Unless you have citizenship, permanent resident status or a valid work visa you are not eligible for a US SSN. There is no option.

Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Moved to the Nurse Registration forum

As mentioned you can't apply to CA without a US SSN so other way would be apply to another state meet requirements pass NCLEX then look for a employer in CA who is willing to wait for you to endorse your license but will provide you with a letter of employment and along with visa screen certificate apply for TN and then apply for a US SSN which means you can then submit application to CA BRN.

CA is strict and not just with International nurses but nurses that trained in another state

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