Canadian RN to work in USA (No NCLEX yet)

[v.wolf, BSN]

Hi everyone, 

I am a RN who lives in British Columbia, Canada and looking to obtain US license. I graduated in 2010 and have both a perioperative specialty and a neonatal specialty.  I have 4 years labour and delivery experience and my last 7 years of work has been in a large level 3 NICU working in all roles including PICC insertion and management, charge nursing, and clinical support nursing. I also worked for a local college in the neonatal nursing specialty training program as a clinical nursing instructor.

I am looking to relocate to the US to be with my long term American partner. I am hoping to obtain a nursing license in Oregon but from what I read sometimes it makes more sense to start with initial license in a different state that may be easier to secure (please correct me if I am wrong). We also have ties and family in Hawaii, which is another option, but I am unsure if Hawaii would be more difficult. In 2017 Canada switched from the CRNE to the NCLEX, which unfortunately was years after I graduated, so this is something I need to complete as well. I am currently enrolled in a prep course, but I know I cannot write the NCLEX until I have been approved by a state. 

After reading countless threads, I am still finding this process confusing. I know I would need to apply to the state, complete a visa screen, CGFNS, write the NCLEX, etc, but am finding it impossible to find clarity around this process and order of steps. I also realize this may take over a year. If anyone has insight and would be able to  advise me on next steps (or a reputable company to help assist me with this process), that would be incredible. 

Thank you in advance for your help. 

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

Probably better to apply directly to Oregon and if you click this link on trained internationally it will tell you the steps. I wouldn’t register with Pearsonvue straight away in case there are any delays. Once you have sat and passed NCLEX then apply for visa screen certificate 

https://www.oregon.gov/osbn/Pages/apply-NCLEX.aspx

[VikkiPink, RN]

I believe you can opt to write your NCLEX at any time. You can choose to even write it here in Canada at any testing center. Those results are easily accessible afterwards, via your college of nurses which they can submit to the USA. 

The first step as far as I am understanding (and I am currently going through this) is to apply for your CGFNS which is your visa screen. It requires you to complete an applicant profile. Once you're done with that you submit it into the shopping cart and pay the 500$+. They will then send you a message that tells you all the documents you need to prepare and submit. 

These files are found on the CGFNS website and must be sent to the school you graduated from, anywhere you hold licenses and depending on how long its been, your high school transcript. 

Concurrently, it is a good idea to start the application process for your license in the state of your choice. I have read and heard that you should start with somewhere you don't require an SSN. However, I don't think Oregon needs an SSN. 

Your SSN you apply for once you are entered into the USA with your VISA screen. 

They then require a lot of the same paperwork. It's a good idea to have both going at the same time, then you will avoid as many delays as possible. I still haven't chosen the state yet I want to apply to but am currently submitting my CGFNS documents. 

I have heard it is a quick process ONCE they receive your documents from all the locations required so it really just depends on the college of nurses, your educational facility and high school. 

I saw another girl on here she got everything sorted in about four months time.

 

Hope this helps! 

[sbrn]

Were you able to figure the steps out by any chance? I'm currently going through the same process and OMG it's SO confusing what to do first, and when to pay!!