Travel nursing in California

[LourdesRodrigo]

Hi Everyone,

I've been a nurse for 15 years in Ontario and have decided to finally write my NCLEX and do travel nursing for at least a year in US. The state I would like to go is California. But I have hit a brick wall during this process and would like a little helping hand.

The issue is:

To write the NCLEX through that state I first have to fill out an application to be considered to write the test. In that application they need and is mandatory to have a Social Security Number. Which I don't have. I don't have a job lined up yet and the agencies I have contacted need me to have the licence prior to hiring me, therefore I don't have a letter from a employer that the social security offices need in order to obtain the SSN.

Have any of you encountered this issue? and if so can you please guide me through this process? I don't know of any nurses that have gone through this process personally to ask.

Thank you in advance

Lourdes

[danisweetcheeks]

i am from british columbia and had the same issue. you have to go to a state that does not require a SSN first. there are about 12-15 states that dont. I went to texas. new york is close by you and they dont require one. once you apply to that state and take a job there, you will get a job offer letter and can then take that to the social security office. other than that, if you can find someone in california to offer you a job without a SSN and license, give you a job offer letter, then you can apply for a SSN. california is very strict and can actually fine you for applying without a ssn. they are also extremely strict on their educational requirements to be accepted for your license. they also take their sweet time with everything and obtaining a license from them will take months.

[LourdesRodrigo]

Thank you! I just saw your comment. I made it!!! I started travel nursing in November and is doing a contract in Hawaii and starting the application process for California now.