Canadian RN to the states

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I am a new grad and just recently passed my NCLEX for state of Arizona, I am just wondering if anyone in this forum who were Canadian RN experienced of applying to the states and after being licensed from that state decided to endorse it to another state without really working on the first state who initially granted you the license. I am aware that Arizona belongs to compact states. I also want to know if its mandatory to use an agency in all states to apply for a nursing job positions. I prefer working in rural areas and trying to stay away from the big cities. I already have some information which I have gathered from friends and families and from previous readings but I also want to expand my collected information and gather more from the people who have personally experienced the process. All information provided are greatly appreciated. Thank you.

PS. Working as an undergraduate and graduate nurse since 2nd year of nursing school in different areas of nursing would that count towards at least 1 year experience in the states?

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

No work as an unlicensed nurse is not experience

Compact status only applies if you legally reside in the compact state. If you are physically in Canada or maintain Canadian citizenship compact status won't apply to you. You get a single state license.

No one is mandated to use an agency for anything any more than you are in Canada.

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No work as an unlicensed nurse is not experience

Compact status only applies if you legally reside in the compact state. If you are physically in Canada or maintain Canadian citizenship compact status won't apply to you. You get a single state license.

No one is mandated to use an agency for anything any more than you are in Canada.

Ok. I get the work experience part. As always in all cases with other jobs too. I am now wondering how some previous students graduated like 10 years ago will even get a job as an RN if they just recently passed their exam.

That is an interesting fact with regards to compact status. I will have to do more research on this then.

I just used the word mandatory because it seemed like when you punched in the google "jobs" everything seemed to come up through agencies. I was an IEPT as well and it seemed everything always end up using agencies.

thank you.

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

You can obtain a compact (multistate) license if you…

Legally reside in a NLC state. See map above.

Hold an active RN or LPN/VN nursing license in good standing. Note: APRN's are not included in this compact.

Declare a NLC state as your primary state of residency. *

Meet the licensure requirements in your home state. When working in a remote state, you will also be held accountable to the nurse practice act of the state where the patient is located or where practice occurs.

Nurse Licensure Compact | NCSBN

You aren't entitled to compact status unless you move and become a resident of a compact state. I don't live in a compact state. If I get a MD or AZ license it will be a single state license without compact privileges

Look at job sites like indeed, simplyhired, careerbuilder rather than google.

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Specializes in Post-Op, Cardiology.

You can always apply directly through the hospitals' websites too. Did you work as a PCT?

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You can always apply directly through the hospitals' websites too. Did you work as a PCT?

My experience are being a Graduate Nurse (temporary license, in rural hospital, ER and homecare), Undergraduate in long term care and surgical, home care aide in home care, physiotherapist in hospital and private clinic, and physiotherapy assistant in hospital. Clinical instructor in university overseas (Korea).

I am assuming PCT is patient care technician. I did check all the listed hospitals but never really check it. I will just never hard the time yet. Been checking out agencies and still wanting to travel up there to get a feel of the state. Would be possible to drive up there, walk in, and hand in resume to the HR?

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

Very rarely are in person applications accepted. HR is often off site. Most applications are online only

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Very rarely are in person applications accepted. HR is often off site. Most applications are online only

That's what I thought also. That's why I am starting with agencies. I will still look around and I always believe their something out there. I am very adaptable and will do more research.

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blackbee

if you want to work in the states as long as you are a Canadian citizen & have a BSN and CGFNS Visa Screen a job offer from the state that you are licensed in all you have to do is go the POE (port Of Entry) with all your supporting documents and apply for a TN Visa the hardest thing out of the whole process for you is to get someone to hire you since you are a new grad.

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blackbee

if you want to work in the states as long as you are a Canadian citizen & have a BSN and CGFNS Visa Screen a job offer from the state that you are licensed in all you have to do is go the POE (port Of Entry) with all your supporting documents and apply for a TN Visa the hardest thing out of the whole process for you is to get someone to hire you since you are a new grad.

I am Canadian citizen, as matter of fact I am a Korean citizen and British too. I am part Korean and part Welsh. Anyway, I did some research on TN visa, easy is not always a word to use with TN. There are some cases according to immigration lawyer where an immigration officer will not grant you because he decided he doesn't want to due to many reasons. Reasons like you got an offer longer than TN visa duration, etc. Not all borders are the same according to immigration lawyer. But I found some agencies and places where they still accept new grads or with no experiences. But I will.still look around. Thanks

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