LPN Looking to work in the USA. Where to Start?

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Specializes in Rehab, Dementia, Geriatrics.

Hi, just some questions I'd like to ask about working as an LPN in the USA. I'm an LPN graduate from Alberta Canada but am presently employed in Saskatchewan. I had no problems changing licensing bodies from these two provinces but now I am looking to work as an LPN in the USA and don't know where to start? From what I've read I have to go through some sort of Visa Screen and write another exam to work in the US? Does anyone know where I start with this? Are there websites I can go to to start this process? How do I right this exam and once I have written it, is it good for all states in the US like our LPN National Exam? Can I start the Visa screen without having a job in the US already? So many questions and I have no idea where to start? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

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I would suggest contacting the specific state you are interested in working in, and contacting that State's BON.

Suebird :p

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Specializes in Rehab, Dementia, Geriatrics.

Sorry but what does BON stand for? Also I was looking into travelling nurse which kind of makes it harder as you nurse in more than one state, but thanks for the reply anyways.

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First, I hate to put a damper on your plans. Even if you take and pass the NCLEX-PN, you will be unable to get a visa that will permit you to work in the US. The Visa Screen Certificate requires that you have RN after your name, and the TN Visa is also only available to RNs.

BON stands for Board of Nursing. Each state has their own BON.

But again, you would not be able to get visa that will permit you to work in the US the way that you widh to. My suggestion is to go back to school for the year, and get those other initials after your name.

And for those that think that I do not appreciate LPNs/LVNs? That is definitely not the case, but it becomes a case of US Immigration.

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FYI it takes at least 2.5 years for a Cdn. LPN to bridge to RN.

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Not in the US, it can be done in just one year or little more. That is the other way to work in the US as an LPN, enroll in the RN birdge program, and get a CPT that will permit you to work 20 hours whiel attending school, and then wher you finish, you will have the RN and qualify for the RN and the NAFTA TN Visa.

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