Canadian Psychiatric Nurse wants to go to USA

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Hi there, new to this forum.

I am a Registered Psychiatric Nurse trained in Canada. I have heard rumours that there are some states we can practice in.

Does anyone know someone who has done this or have you done this?

Could I write the NCLEX and then work as an a RN(diploma) there. Our course is 2 and half years and we get a diploma. I was thinking of going to Texas or hawaii.

Thanks a bunch,

2525

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

Contact the Board of Nursing in the state(s) that you are interested in. Find out what their requirements are for practicing RN's from other countries.

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Thanks roser13, will do.

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Specializes in Psychiatric, Detox/Rehab, Geriatrics.

I think almost all of the states require you to sit for the NCLEX. Good luck to you!

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Moved to the International forum

I think you will find it hard as most if not all states require you to be general trained. Definitely contact the BON but do not be surprised if they say no. Also check what requirements are for NAFTA otherwise you can't work

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Are we talking about someone exclusively trained as a psychiatric RN, without general nursing education? The US trains and licenses RNs as generalists -- you would need to have a specific number of hours (as specified by the specific state BON to which you're applying) of didactic (classroom) and clinical education in adult med-surg, peds, OB and psych in order to be eligible for licensure in any US state. (And all states require passing the NCLEX exam as a condition of licensure.) Best wishes!

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Nah, our RPNs have a general background education with their focus being mental health. They do medicine and surgical rotations in the course work. Not sure of the hours involved.

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Nah, our RPNs have a general background education with their focus being mental health. They do medicine and surgical rotations in the course work. Not sure of the hours involved.

Thanks -- it's so hard to keep track of the nursing education & licensure systems in all the countries! :D

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