Canadian RN wanting to work in California

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Hello there,

I just registered on this site hoping i would get some more help here from some experienced nurses in regards to my topic. I graduaded almost two years and currently I work in Ontario as an RN. I always wanted to do travel nursing but i was told that its better to get some experience first and so here i am after almost two years of working trying to start my travel nursing career in the US. However, i m confused with this new NCLEX-RN exam. Should I register for it through the Canadian Nursing Regulatory body or American one? And any suggestions on what books or prep guides to buy/study? Also do any of you know which are some good US travel nursing agencies I could contact? Any help would be highly appreciated.

Thank you

Tina

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

Since you are already an RN you won't be able to take it for Canada. You cannot register until your credentials are assessed and approved by a board of nursing.

If you do not have a valid US social security number your application will be automatically rejected by CABRN with no refund of fees paid. CA (and a few other states) requires a valid SSN for professional licensing. Only citizens, permanent residents, and those with a work authorized visa are eligible for SSN in the USA.

Once you get licensed and a job offer you are likely eligible for the NAFTA TN visa (assuming you are a Canadian citizen).

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I am a Canadian RN who is now living and workin in California. It's true, the biggest obstacle to coming down here is not having a US SSN. There are a lot of steps and documents you will need to work here and it can be quite the commitment but it's worth it. There are many steps to go through, even though you have experience as an RN in Canada, the documentation doesn't transfer over .

You need,

-NCLEX - can only write it by applying for a license by examination in a state that doesn't require a US social security number (SSN)

-Visa Screen Certificate - done by CGFNS, can take months to process unless you pay an extra $500 expediting but then still takes months. This paper essentially verifies your schooling and canadian/us licenses.

-Job offer/letter of employment from US hospital

Once you have those, you can drive to the border and apply for a TN visa which they give you on the spot. I got mine as I was driving to my first travel assignment. It's getting all the documents in order that takes a long time. And since I didn't have an SSN, I had to work in another state first before I could even apply for a California license which also takes a long time to process.

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Thank you so much. That helps a lot! Which state doesnt require US SSN?

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