Canadian wanting to work in HI

U.S.A. Hawaii

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Hey everyone!!

I visited Honolulu this past fall and fell in love with the island! I graduate with a bachelor's of science in nursing this May and am considering working in HI. I know I have to write the NCLEX but I'm wondering what else would be involved for a Canadian RN. Do I need to write an exam specific to HI? Or do I simply write the NCLEX and have it recognized by HI?

Looking forward to being a part of this fantastic profession!! ;)

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I dug up some good info after posting my original post.. It appears as tho I would need to first get licensed here in Canada as a Registered Nurse, then I would have to write an exam with CGFNS (formerly the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools) in order to be eligible to sit the NCLEX. Then, I can apply to sit the HI NCLEX. Do I have this right? One more q, if I sit the NCLEX for HI is it recognized in other states?

thanks ;)

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After passing the NCLEX in Hawaii, if you want to travel to another state and practice you have to fill out a "Licensure by Endorsement" form. Unlike Canada where you would have to sit the boards for every province you want to practice in, the US is different. You can practice in any state you want and not have to sit their boards, however the original state you got your license in will have to verify that you indeed posess a valid RN license. They will send that info to the state you want to move/travel to and that state will in turn issue you a license. It's a very simple process. Some state's are "walk-through" meaning you can head straight to the local board of nursing, show them your credentials and walk out with your new license right there. Check this link and good luck: https://www.nursys.com/

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Thanks for the info and link!!

If I decide I'd like to work in Hawaii, is it absolutely necessary for me to write the CGFNS exam? Is there any way around it? The cost and time restriction it puts on me may make it difficult to write the exam.

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You don't have to sit the CGFNS only the NCLEX. Here's a link to an agency that can help you out: http://www.healthstaff.org/. I talked with them recently about relocating to Canada and they said they specialize in relocating nurses to both USA and Canada. It's funny I was born and raised on Oahu and now I'm looking to relocate to Canada. You're doing the exact opposite! To funny. I had a question for you. How difficult is the CRNE? Any idea what kind of questions are on there or how many there are? Any idea what a passing grade is? Thanks -Lance

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The CRNE has more psychosocial stuff, compared to the NCLEX, which I found had a lot of medical questions requiring more specific knowledge. IE, the CRNE I could reason through, where the NCLEX stuff had to be memorized. Poor description, but I'm at the end of my 12 hr night shift. Cheers!

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I have reviewed the application for licensure by endorsement as I am interested in travel opportunities in Hawaii. The application indicates a SSN is required. How does a Canadian RN with a Minnesota license endorse to Hawaii without a SSN?

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Great question! I would do it in one of three ways. Hawaii is a walk-through state so you can show up at the board of nursing in Hawaii and walk out that afternoon with your licence provided, of course, that you show your MN licence. Or you can call them and explain the situation over the phone. Lastly you could fill the form out and leave the SSN number blank or write 000-00-0000 which would indicate that you do not possess one. Either way you do not have to provide them with a SSN since you are international. These forms are written up assuming the applicant is a US resident and does not take into account international residents. The SSN is simply a means of identifing you (at least on the app) and your licence is of more value to the board of nursing than your SSN is.

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Nedrager, AnonymousCanadian gave a pretty good description for the CRNE as far as I know. I have not yet written it but I've heard that the NCLEX in comparison is more medical based while the CRNE is related more to critical thinking in relation to practice standards and psychosocial needs of the client.

Good luck and thanks for the info!!

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Specializes in Surgery, Tele, OB, Peds,ED-True Float RN.

nedrager or anyone that can help me...

I am a Canadian RN. I have a MN nursing license (but never worked in the US yet) and have passed the NCLEX (in Maine). I have a CGFNS visa screen as well. I do not have a SSN and need a job offer in order to get a US work VISA. So, my question is can I really fly to Hawaii and walk in to the BON and get a license that day. What else do I have to do before I go? AND do I need to have the NURSYS verification done or do I just need my MN license with me??? Really hard to find info on this...HELP!!! I have being trying to get a license in FL but cannot do so without a SSN, will Hawaii issue one w/o a SSN and do they issue TEMP licenses???

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No. If you get a job offer, you can get a "conditional license" from the Hawaii Board that will allow you to acquire work authorization from US Immigration, and then an SSN. With copies of both of those in-hand the Hawaii Board will remove those conditions and allow you to start work. It's a tough process.

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.... Unlike Canada where you would have to sit the boards for every province you want to practice in, the US is different. . .

Where do people get this stuff?

You write CRNE once and then when you move provinces you submit your credential to the appropriate College of Nurses and get your practice permit.

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