Canadian LPN now in Washington -- Please Help!!

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Hello! I am a Canadian LPN -- educated in British Columbia but currently licensed in the province of Ontario. I am now living in the USA in Washington State. I am VERY fortunate to have my Permanent Resident status and my Green Card. However, I am struggling with the licensing process here. Has anyone on this forum been through the application/NCLEX routine in Washington? I get conflicting information from the Department of Health and from Pearsonvue. Frustrated beyond belief....

From what I understand, I have to apply to the DOH at the same time that I apply to write my NCLEX exam. I've been told that my education credentials will have to be assessed by Pearsonvue. I have been told that I will have to pay extra because I am a "foreign trained" LPN. I have also been advised to consider applying to a different state (one with less stringent criteria), write the NCLEX and then transfer that state's license to a Washington one. What to do?!!!

I would be most grateful for advice and guidance that anyone on here might be willing to share. I am very proud of my Canadian LPN education/training and experience, and know that I have much to offer. I am also in the process of completing my RN via distance education. But for now, I need to get my state license so that I can go back to work!!

Thank you! :)

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Why haven't you gone straight to the horses mouth: The Washington State Board of Nurses? They would have the direct answer.

As a Canadian working in the US you will have to have your credentials evaluated as a "foreign" nurse. Just as Americans are treated as foreign when they move North.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

All information should be here on the state board of nursing

http://www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/Professions/Nursing/forms.htm

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Thank you for your kind responses. I have contacted the State Board of Nurses and Pearsonvue. They've both given me conflicting information. I am hopeful that there might be someone here who has recently gone through the process and can share their experience with me. Otherwise, I'll perservere. Thanks again! :)

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Personally, I'd work with what the Board of Nurses told me, because ultimately they are the ones issuing the practice permit.

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