I am a Canadian Nurse Practitioner. Can I work as an NP in the USA?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

As a Canadian Nurse Practitioner (NP), you can work in the USA, but there are several steps you'll need to take. Here's an overview of the process:

Obtain U.S. RN licensure. To practice as an NP in the U.S., you must first be licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the state where you plan to practice. This means you must go through the process of obtaining a U.S. RN license, which typically involves:

• Credential evaluation. You'll need to have your Canadian nursing credentials evaluated by an organization like the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) or another recognized credentialing body.
• NCLEX-RN exam. You'll need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam in the state where you plan to practice.

Obtain U.S. NP licensure. Once licensed as an RN in the U.S., you can apply for NP licensure. The process varies by state, but generally, you'll need to:

• Apply to the state Board of Nursing. Apply for NP licensure in the state where you plan to practice, providing proof of your NP education, clinical hours, and certifications.
• Board certification. Most states require board certification in a specialty (e.g., family, adult gerontology, etc.). The certification body is typically the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
• Work authorization. If you're immigrating to the U.S. as a permanent resident (Green Card holder) or with a work visa (such as an H-1B), you must ensure you have proper authorization to work there.

State-specific requirements. Nurse Practitioner licensure and the scope of practice vary significantly from state to state, so you must check the specific requirements where you plan to live and work.

In short, you cannot start working as an NP in the U.S. right away unless you go through the licensure process. You must be licensed as an RN first, pass the NCLEX-RN (if required), and then apply for NP licensure.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth