HYGEA

Luckily, you've received some good and correct advice here already. May I add another piece - write your CNATs. If you skip this Cdn exam and go directly to the USA with the CGFNS exam (and then the NCLEX), you will not have anything to fall back on if you ever have to work in Canada. You'd still be writing 2 exams, CNATS and NCLEX, rather than the CGFNS exam then the NCLEX. I've seen quite a bit of change in the TN work status, and am really glad that I have both the CNATS and the NCLEX. Suggestion #2, write your NCLEX through MN BON. You don't have to go to MN to write the exam, but the turn-around for Cdn RNs is really fast, and you can phone in for your NCLEX results after about 2-3 days (or at least you could two years ago!) Word of advice - really, REALLY, investigate the hospital you're going to before you make the big trip. California wages may sound like really great stuff, but it's really expensive to live in some parts, exp LA. I'm a travel RN who's worked in TN, LA (Louisianna), NC, and OH, so I can speak with experience. Good luck working in the USA. Deb - Cdn Peds RN, currently in Columbus, OH, soon to be heading west again to CA! (sun, surf ... $2+ a gallon for gas!)