If I did an RPN to RN program, will that cause CGFNS application issues?

[wonderstruck]

I'm a Canadian nurse trying to get into US travel nursing. I started as an RPN, did a bridging program, and became an RN (RPN license has been expired since 2018). I had to submit a CGFNS application and when I first sent it, I only included my RN education/work experience because I figured that's the only title I plan to work with in the US.

My bridging journey consisted of 3 schools (College for 2 years in Practical Nursing, another College for 1 year in "Bridging to University Nursing", and then a University for 2 years for "Post-Diploma Nursing [BScN]). Obviously it's not the traditional route and I realized after submitting my app (and after requesting my University - where I got my BScN - to submit my transcripts) I realized there's a chance my transcripts might not be approved since a majority of my most important nursing courses (I.e. acute care, geriatric care, etc) occurred in my previous nursing programs, whereas the last 2 (at the University) consisted of courses such as Ethics, Nursing Research, etc - ones that I don't think match American nursing curriculum. 

So I guess my questions are:

1. Am I required to provide my RPN license/employment history? And if so, do I have to request my licensing board to submit licensure verification for that too?

2. Does anyone else have experience applying for CGFNS with a "RPN Bridging to RN" education background and know if this will affect my chances?

I would call CGFNS directly; however, they do not have a toll-free long distance number and I've heard wait times can be long, so I was wondering if anyone would be able to give me advice/knowledge on here first.

Thank you!

[hypnotizer90, BSN, RN]

Hi @wonderstruck I did the same route as you!

1. I didn't need to submit my RPN registration when I applied for CGFNS Visa Screen in 2019. I also confirmed with CNO/CGFNS since I was only applying for RN licensure. 

But my colleague recently said CGFNS needed her RPN certificate when she requested for CGFNS CES. So it depends on on the State you're applying and if they needed either CGFNS Visa Screen certificate vs. eDAS vs. CES. 

2. Sadly, CGFNS needed any relevant nursing education (RPN diploma and bridging) that lead to your RN title. So you either need to send CGFNS a message via your CGFNS account (My Messages ➡️ Contact Us) on how to modify your application and add those schools. (I thought you can still modify your application until before your application is under review!)