Can a Registered psychiatric nurse work in California?

I am currently enrolled in the bachelor of psychiatric nursing in BC, Canada. I have always wanted to live in California but recently I have been told the BPN may not be accepted in the US.

The only ones who can answer your question is the CA BRN:

http://www.rn.ca.gov/

California does have strict educational requirements for licensure, but as long as you meet those requirements you should be able to endorse in as a RN.

Generally specialist educated nurses (adult, child, ID, psych nurse in the UK, psych nurse/RPN in western Canada) not accepted in the US as training is generalist requiring theory & clinical in adult, geriatric, pediatric, OB, and psych

Generally specialist educated nurses (adult, child, ID, psych nurse in the UK, psych nurse/RPN in western Canada) not accepted in the US as training is generalist requiring theory & clinical in adult, geriatric, pediatric, OB, and psych

I learned something new today :)

Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) is recognized in western provinces of Canada, Australia, U.K, New Zealand, and a few states. You will have to contact the state directly and look at their requirements as an above poster mentioned. It may be more difficult in a BPN compared to a BScPN program. A friend of mine was not successful in transferring her psych nursing degree to work as a psych nurse in the states ( I dont recall which state) If your focus is moving to work in California and you are already in an rpn program find out the answer very soon so you can make the necessary changes, transfers etc. if need be. I hope it works out in your favor.