RPN operating room nurse in Canada moving to USA

Published

Hello my name is Anthony I am a registered practical nurse in Canada and just recently obtained my certificate to work in the operating room as a scrub nurse. The reason I am messaging on here is because I am seeking advice. I am planing to move to California and want to work in the operating room but don't know how to transfer my profession since USA don't have RPNs but LPNs and no scrub nurse but operating room tech.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

RPN will not qualify you for a work visa.You would need a BSN to do that.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Also many nurses in California are struggling to find work

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If you haven't already done so, look at the vocational nurse license application forms on the California board of vocational nursing & psychiatric technicians (BVNPT) website.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It's not the work visa I'm worried about. I want to know if Its possible for me to work as a scrub nurse in the operating Room with my certificate and license without having to take the RN program.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

O ok il look into that thanks

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.
It's not the work visa I'm worried about. I want to know if Its possible for me to work as a scrub nurse in the operating Room with my certificate and license without having to take the RN program.

But in order to work in California you need a work visa and you will not qualifty as an RPN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

The only way really is ask in the California state forum (under US tab above) and see what requirements are for working in the OR. Even then with current job situation in the US especially CA you may be hard finding employer

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.
The only way really is ask in the California state forum (under US tab above) and see what requirements are for working in the OR. Even then with current job situation in the US especially CA you may be hard finding employer

And how would he do it with no visa?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
And how would he do it with no visa?

He hasn't indicated one way or another. May already have a immigrant visa via another source either way we can try and answer questions. Jobs being what they are in California expect things to be very hard and I wouldn't be surprised if requirement is RN rather than LPN/LVN for OR

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion