Canadian Nursing Student planning on taking NCLEX

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Hello all!

I've been trying to find out this information for a while, and haven't had any luck! Forgive me if my research skills are lacking and I've been blind.

So, I am a fourth year BScN nursing student in Edmonton, Canada. In April of 2013 I will be graduating, and then taking the CRNE so that I can work in Canada. I plan on working in Canada for at least 1-2 years to gain experience and confidence, but I have a life goal of travel nursing and living abroad. It has been suggested to me that I should take the NCLEX this Spring after I have studied for my CRNE so that everything is fresh in my mind. I realize the two tests are very different, but I still think this is a great idea. However, I have a few concerns.

Once you take the NCLEX, do you have to register in a specific state in a specific amount of time? Or could I take the NCLEX, wait a few years, and (assuming I pass) then use that NCLEX pass to register in a state of my choosing?

I don't really have any idea which state I would want to work/live in, especially since I

don't even know what area of nursing I want to pursue! I wouldn't want to have to decide on a state, pay for registration, then have to let it lapse as I gain experience in Canada.

Does anyone have any input on this? I'd really appreciate it! (and I'll be sharing it with my Canadian nursing friends :p)

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Moved to Nurse Registration in World

To be able to sit NCLEX you need to apply to a state, meet their requirements and receive eligibility to sit the exam. Nothing stopping you applying once you have graduated school and maintain the license until you start working in the US.

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Thank you for the move, I wasn't sure where it was best suited.

So, I would apply to take it, and then I suppose with the results you have to register with a state? There is no way to just keep the results and "sit on them" until you decided what state you wanted to register in?

Has anyone else gone through this process as a Canadian graduate? (taken the NCLEX a few years before living in the states)

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

You can not take NCLEX without registering with a state first

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

You don't apply to take the NCLEX, you apply for a nursing license, writing the NCLEX is just part of getting your license.That's why you have to pick a state first.

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