US Nursing Experience

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Hi Everyone,

Wondering if any fellow canadians could share their recent experience with regards to obtaining a job and VISA in the US. I am thinking of a move to

Florida and wondering how long the process takes between obtaining a job offer to actually going down to start work. How were the NCLEX and CGFNS exams? Any info greatly appreciated.

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First, lets get you moving in the right direction. You do not need the CGFNS exam for Florida, only the Credentials Verification done by CGFNS. You need to apply to Florida for licensure, once they receive the documentation form CGFNS and you receive a letter from FL BON that you have met all requirements, you submit payment to Pearson-Vue for the NCLEX exam. Once they receive payment and verification form your state, they will send you an ATT letter. This letter is only good for 90 days. Druing this time, you should also apply for the Visa Screen Certificate. It will take about four months after you complete the NCLEX exam for you to receive this certificate in the mail.

Since you have a Canadian passport, you are eligible for a TN Visa, under the NAFTA Treaty. Which means that as soon as you have your Visa Screen Certificate in hand, you will be able to begin work in the US. You are looking at about two to four months before you will get your ATT letter, then taking the exam, and another four months or so for the Visa Screen Certificate. You will need to have that in hand to cross the border for a job.

Hope that this helps.............

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Where in Florida are you thinking of going? And where in Canada are you? I. too am canadian thinking of going to Florida...

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Where in Florida are you thinking of going? And where in Canada are you? I. too am canadian thinking of going to Florida...

We have really enjoyed the Orlando area when we have been there. From Edmnton and thinking of going in the next year. How about you?

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Just a quick note as for registration for the board of nursing. I heard from lots of recruiting agencies that the Minnesota nursing board is the fastest to let you register for ATT. I applied through this board and got ATT in a week. I live in Manitoba, and we are planning to go to Hawaii. Well, all depends on the result of NCLEX in April!

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hi rikomama,where in manitoba are you from?i am in winnipeg and planning to move to the states in the future too.just not sure where.

Just a quick note as for registration for the board of nursing. I heard from lots of recruiting agencies that the Minnesota nursing board is the fastest to let you register for ATT. I applied through this board and got ATT in a week. I live in Manitoba, and we are planning to go to Hawaii. Well, all depends on the result of NCLEX in April!
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Either way, which ever state that you get initial licensure in, don't forget that you will need to have a Visa Screen Certificate to cross the border. Also take into account the amount of time that it will take you to endorse to another state. Simple one is Florida, allow a few months for this. They are not the fastest...................and the fees for licensure in the new state.

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Either way, which ever state that you get initial licensure in, don't forget that you will need to have a Visa Screen Certificate to cross the border. Also take into account the amount of time that it will take you to endorse to another state. Simple one is Florida, allow a few months for this. They are not the fastest...................and the fees for licensure in the new state.

Suzanne4, do you happen to know how long it takes for the endorsement in the Hawaii board? Is it better to start register for visa screen even though I haven't passed NCLEX? I appreciate your advice!

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hi rikomama,where in manitoba are you from?i am in winnipeg and planning to move to the states in the future too.just not sure where.

I live in Winnipeg, too. Did you already pass NCLEX? How are you studying?

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i haven't started anything yet,rikomama.i work at hsc.i have cgfns but that was from long time ago before i even came to canada.i did my bsn in my country.did you attend the jobfair last sat?i am going to start my visa screen application in summer and i am planning to take the nclex in minnesota.

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i haven't started anything yet,rikomama.i work at hsc.i have cgfns but that was from long time ago before i even came to canada.i did my bsn in my country.did you attend the jobfair last sat?i am going to start my visa screen application in summer and i am planning to take the nclex in minnesota.

I thouht if you have CGFNS, you don't need NCLEX? I didn't go to the jobfair, but I have been to the same one 1 year ago. Did you find any interesting spot? Remind you, once you have been accepted by the board of minnesota nursing, your time range for taking NCLEX is within 3 months. So, if you don't think you have enough time for study, don't proceed for application yet. It's hard to make time for study with job, isn't it? If you need more than 3 months to review the course, start study first. I also have a baby, so I am really trying to concentrate on studying whenver I get time. Well, my first step is NCLEX, anyways. I will start visa screen after the result. Good luck to you! :chuckle

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thank you for the good advice.i have kids too and working full time.i really need a long time to study for nclex just to make sure i'm not wasting money and time if i take it.it was my first time to attend last sat.there were canadian hosp,n.carolina,california(north and central)texas,arizona and some recruitment agencies.i am very nervous to move but i really love to try and see whats in the other side for me.i know it will be hard especially for my family but i just wanna be in a warmer place,better salary,better opportunity i guess.i have a friend fr.florida in fort lauderdale in the administrative posn so just in case you're interested.goodluck to us.

I thouht if you have CGFNS, you don't need NCLEX? I didn't go to the jobfair, but I have been to the same one 1 year ago. Did you find any interesting spot? Remind you, once you have been accepted by the board of minnesota nursing, your time range for taking NCLEX is within 3 months. So, if you don't think you have enough time for study, don't proceed for application yet. It's hard to make time for study with job, isn't it? If you need more than 3 months to review the course, start study first. I also have a baby, so I am really trying to concentrate on studying whenver I get time. Well, my first step is NCLEX, anyways. I will start visa screen after the result. Good luck to you! :chuckle
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