CanNurse06

Hi, First of all don't torture yourself much more than I am sure you already have. It's done, history, and your goal now is to study and pass the June CRNE. People fail this exam, it's tough - several of my class didn't pass the CRNE first round, but they are still talented, smart, excellent nurses that I would allow to take of me or my family anyday. Get the CNA's CRNE practice book with CD. It gives you a good idea of the format of the questions and subject matter that they will test you on. I believe that there are also additional resources available on the CNA website for CRNE-prep. There is a book by Janice Henty similar to the Mosby's book for the NCLEX. It's thick and very in-depth. I tried to get through it prior to my CRNE in 2006, but ran out of time and switched to my pathophysiology, pharmacology books and general nursing texts in the last week. The best advice I can give you though, that may seem obvious to so many, but meant a lot to me, is to understand what you are learning, rather than just memorizing the facts. Explain things to your family, pets, whoever will listen - why this happens, what that means, and what you would do as a nurse. My dog knows a lot about cardiology and pediatrics :) He could identify unstable angina in an instant! What do you feel is an area that you could improve on from the last exam? Community nursing, pediatrics, medications? Start out there maybe, because the other areas you felt stronger in may only need a quick review. See if there is a course in your area that provides a CRNE review. A few of my class did a course with Kaplan I think (not sure) that was a week long and reviewed all the systems etc. They enjoyed it and said that it was helpful. It's not cheap, but may be worth the investment. Good luck! Go in there confident and you'll be just fine.

Hi Tequila, I just reached the same roadblock today and decided to check out allnurses to see if there was any advice on what I should do and saw your post. I am also a Canadian, planning to relocate south for the winter on a TN visa. I have both an MI and TX license, but would ideally like to work in AZ and applied to the board of nursing for that state a couple of weeks ago. I checked online today and was confused to see that they were waiting to receive a copy of my citizenship documentation. I had mailed them a copy of my Canadian passport - so I called to find out more info. To get the AZ license, you need to provide proof of citizenship & documentation to be legally present in the US i.e. TN Visa. BUT, we can't get a TN Visa without a license for the state of expected employment. Chicken and egg dilemma. AZ Board of Nursing said that they can mail a letter for the TN application at the border explaining the situation, so you go, apply and get the TN.....then mail in a copy of the TN to the Board of Nursing. They mail you a temp license so you can start work. Other paperwork is needed for the permanent license. I left a voicemail for the person who organizes this letter at the AZ BON, but want to speak to her in person on Tuesday before I let out a sigh of relief. I'm still waiting for my VisaScreen to come through, and have already lost a job because of the delay in receiving it. I hope that it comes through soon. Hope this helps. I'm glad I'm not the only one struggling with all the red tape!!! Just keep reminding yourself that when it's -30 degrees up here, we'll be all toasty warm in the sun. CanNurse

Shadian, Thank you - you made some really good points. Unfortunately, all my transcripts were sent ground. In hindsight, I should have picked up the papers from the schools etc., in a sealed envelope and expressed them down to CGFNS. That way I would have known for sure that they were mailed and received. Right now, it's anyone's guess. Like you, I did a collaborative program, and had to request transcripts from both the college and university. I'm sure that the California DMV or DOT websites should have specifics regarding the smog emissions test etc. In Ontario we have etest, and I'm not sure how close that is to the parameters expected by California. The US Customs website lists out everything you need to have for crossing the border with your car. As for the TN, the people that I have spoken to assure me that it is fairly straight forward, as long as you have all the paperwork ready. Don't worry about your frequent trips to the US to see your girlfriend. I'm sure that they will understand - it may not even be big deal. Good luck with everything - when are you moving to CA?? Any fears or concerns about working in a US hospital? Thanks again for all your advice regarding the VisaScreen.

Thank you. That's encouraging, but I'm still concerned why my paperwork is taking so long to get there and get processed by CGFNS. I called them and they said that it takes them 10 days upon receipt of a transcript etc., to update the website. Maybe my school, Board of Nursing just took a long time to mail all the papers to them. Thanks again.

Hi Shadian725, Thank you so much for your post. I requested all my transcripts, ON license etc., back at the beginning of August, and all the CGFNS website is showing as received is my MI license and NCLEX. I know that the requests have been received and processed by the schools and CNO (credit card bill), but can't understand why they are taking so long to get there. Have you received the VisaScreen certificate yet? About importing a vehicle, check out the US Gov Customs website. I believe that you have to a) show proof that the vehicle meets EPA standards i.e. sticker on the engine and b) meets DOT specifications. You can get a letter from the US manufacturer of your vehicle stating that the car meets these requirements. I also believe, but don't quote me on this, that you can import the car duty-free to the US, as long as you do not sell it within 1 year. Check all this out with another source to be sure - I've read so many documents online lately. Thanks again for your information re: visascreen processing times. It's encouraging that I'm not the only one wading through the paperwork!!! CanNurse

Hi Bullseye, The CNA publishes a CRNE review guide complete with CD, and then there is Mosby's CRNE review book, which provides an extremely detailed and comprehensive review of pretty much everything! I used Saunders Comprehensive NCLEX-RN review book for the NCLEX and in retrospect, I think that this would be helpful with the CRNE too - except beware that lab values differ between the US and Canada. Still, it provides an excellent review of everything from labor & delivery to IV infusions. Good luck! I'm sure that you'll do fine. CanNurse

Hi, Can anyone tell me approximately how long it takes for a VisaScreen certificate to be issued to a Canadian RN? I requested all my transcripts etc to be submitted around a month ago, and am now wondering if the work start date of November 1st is a little optimistic. Any feedback would be very much appreciated, so I can consider changing my move date. Thank you, CanNurse

You know what, the first time I went, I wasn't too crazy about it either, but then it grew on me. The sunsets are the most amazing I have ever seen, and the sunshine can't be beat. It will be a fun change....new experiences, new people. Still, my heart is up here in Canada though. I'm sure that this will always be home for me.

Thank you so much for your suggestion. I searched a couple of the Phoenix hospital websites, and you were right - they do recruit for contract and seasonal positions. They even provide housing etc., which I did not expect. Thank you again.

Hi Everyone, I'm seriously considering going down to Arizona for the winter, and coming back to Ontario in the Spring. I love living here, but last winter....well, it was long and cold. I have family down in AZ, so figured this might be a nice change. Has anyone ever travelled down to the US for the winter months? Any recommendations on travel nursing agencies to use or avoid? I have 2+ years ER experience, and already have my NCLEX, US licenses in place, and would prefer to work in an ER setting. Any advice and recommendations would be very appreciated.

Hi RNGrad2006, Thank you so much. I never had any idea that it was so complex to make the reverse move from the US to Canada. Yes, it is a lengthy process, but definitely worth it, and I understand why there have to be so many steps for security, credential checks. And you're right, I don't take it for granted how lucky I am to be able to work in Canada and potentially the US. However, the whole BC License preceptorship requirement - that's something different. Would it be possible for you to get an Ontario license and then transfer that to BC? Good luck with your license and visa screen.

Hi Suzanne, Thanks again for your reply. 212® certified statement is a form of the visa screen. Please see CGFNS website for specifc details. It is only eligible for certain applicants who meet very specific requirements. It just cuts out a lot of the extra paperwork as it presumes, through evidence, that the training and current RN license are similar to those of a US license. The Michigan application for license form states that they require the a) transcipts and b) proof of current license. They do not require a CES of CFGNS exam for Canadian applicants. I agree that a VisaScreen certificate is a MUST for the TN Visa and an applicant without one will more than likely be refused admission at the border. Thanks again for all your advice and info.

Hi Suzanne - Thanks for the reply. Actually, I believe Michigan is slightly different. For Canadian applicants they only require: a) transcripts of nursing education b) current verification of RN license They do not require CGFNS checks prior to applying for the license or taking the NCLEX. However, if the course was taken outside of Canada, then a CGFNS check is most definitely required. Also, graduates of Canadian nursing schools who have a license from Michigan, Florida, Georgia etc ( a few states) are eligible to apply for the certified statement 212® (don't quote me on the name - from memory), which, in the eyes of the immigration service, is a visa screen certificate. This is much cheaper and omits the need for the CGFNS exam. CanNurse

Hi - Thanks for the reply. Yes, I have thoroughly researched the long and lengthy process for Canadians who wish to work in the US. I am currently studying for the NCLEX.....wow.....very different from the CRNE, but a fantastic review of everything! I will definitely go back and read that post though, as there may be some tips in there. Good luck to you too and thanks again. Can Nurse

Hi Everyone - Can anybody help me with a couple of questions I have with regard to applying for a Michigan License? 1) I live in Toronto and do not have a US $ bank account. The Michigan Board of Nursing website doesn't state how Canadians should pay the license fees. I guess it would boil down to either a Canada Post US Money Order vs. TD Bank US Money Order. Do you think it matters which? 2) I completed my nursing degree with a collaborative college/university 4-year program. Should I have transcripts sent from both schools or only the university? Thank you so much. Finicky questions I know, but I am soooooo detail oriented CanNurse