Frustrated Canadian RN

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Hey Nurses - so I have been trying to swim through all of this information on how to begin the process of getting myself US licensed in order to travel nurse in either Florida, Texas, Arizona or California - basically somewhere warm because this past winter did me in. In any event, I have found the travel companies not entirely helpful in what I need to do first. It seems I am supposed to apply for licensure first and then write the NCLEX-RN - then there is the CGFNS and I am not sure if that is part of the TN-Visa or if that is a separate entity. Texas had something about taking courses *SIGH* :sarcastic: If anyone could advise the best state to work in - the easiest process and what order I need to do all of the requirements I would greatly appreciate it!!!

Thanks in advance ladies and gentlemen

Jen

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Interestingly, NCLEX will be the new standard for Canadian nurse in Canada starting 2015! That doesn't help you of course, but there is tons of info available to Google. Perhaps most US state board sites will also document the steps you need to become licensed.

There are a number of hoops you will have to jump and perhaps others can tell you the details. One of the most difficult is that you cannot get a license without a social security number (tax ID), and you can't get that without an immigration status and a job! Some states such as California have stiffer education requirements than others and some Canadian graduates run into problems with clinical hours in school.

Some states such as Texas and Florida have continuing education requirements for initial licensure (trivial really), and many state have such requirements for license renewals.

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Yes I have read these things - so I am looking at perhaps doing cruise ship nursing instead as I have the requirements and I will be able to travel to warm places without all the hoop jumping - thanks for your reply Ned :)

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Hey Jenny,

I am a Canadian currently doing travel nursing in California. You can get licensed in certain states without a SSN. If you are considering travel nursing, the best way would be to do your first assignment in a state that does not require a SSN and once you start working you will get a SSN. I am traveling through American Mobile right now and they have been very helpful. They do have a few Canadian travelers and are familiar with the documents for the TN visa. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.

Jenn

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