Working as a travel nurse in the US while being a permanent resident of another country?

[klone, MSN, RN]

Hubs and I plan to retire to the mountains of Mexico. Feasibly, we can do it in 7 years with what we have saved up. However, more and more I'm thinking I want to get out of this rat race. We could do it in 2-3 years, financially, if we can make some income. I'm considering the idea of doing 1-2 travel nurse contracts a year (basically, 3 months on a contract, 3 months at "home" in Mexico, and lather rinse repeat). I'm wondering what the logistics are with regards to one's nursing license when their permanent address is not in the US. Could one have a Mexican address and still have a nursing license in the US, or would I need to use a friend's address in the US as my "permanent" address, anyone know?

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

I bet if you contacted a ravel company they would know all the shortcuts better than we would, and could smooth the way (or tell you its not easy).

[klone, MSN, RN]

Yeah, I know. I was just hoping the collective hive mind would know the answer.

[Coffee Nurse, BSN, RN]

As long as you maintain your CE requirements, there's no problem maintaining a US license while living abroad. I kept up my NH license for the six years I lived in the UK because I knew I'd eventually be coming back. As for what address to use, probably best to get in touch with the specific BON; I used my parents' address but different states may have different rules.

[LibraSunCNM, BSN, MSN, CNM]

The Travel Nurse forum is a great resource as well, NedRN in particular is very knowledgeable.

[guest769224]

I second the idea of posting in the Travel forum and seeing what NedRN has to say.

[klone, MSN, RN]

Now why didn't I think of that?? ?

[harvestmoon, RN]

So, we lived in mexico from 2004 to 2015 but in order to have US bank accounts you need to establish a US address. There are a number of (or there were) businesses dedicated to this and the most popular are in SD and TX (due to lack of state taxes there). I have no idea of the RN licensing requirements WRT state residency so you might have to check your current state to see if that will carry. Additionally, as others have said, the travel company will likely have good info on state requirements.

FWIW, when we lived in MX there was a lady who worked 3 mo at her home hospital, flew to MX and stayed there for a month or so (not sure how long). Not sure if that would be a possibility. She worked in the ER in her hospital.

Sounds like a great "retirement". ?

Also, where in MX are you thinking? (just curious)

Oh, and it takes a while to become a permanent resident of MX. MY son, husband and daughter have it but I and my other daughter and other son do not. Weird. ? I would suggest temporary residency for a while (you will likely only qualifiy for permanent after 4 years of temporary anyway) as it gives you some protections that permanent does not. Course things change there, so that may be moot assivice. ?

[klone, MSN, RN]

Most likely Guanajuato or San Miguel de Allende

I won't have a "home" hospital because my plan is to take jobs as an interim OB director. A 3 month gig will pay for over a year's living expenses in Mexico, plus I get free housing, car, and travel back every other weekend.

[harvestmoon, RN]

SMA is going to be a LOT more expat friendly than Guanajuato but it will also be a lot more expensive (comparatively). It is a gorgeous town and the Bajito is beautiful country. It has grown a lot in the years since we were there - what do you know about Patzcuaro? Depending on how immersed in the culture you want to be, it might be a nice option (without the heat of the coasts). I think you are wise to stay away from Sonora and Coahuila, Zacatecas, SLP and Veracruz these days.

I'm excited for you!

If you can stand the heat, Merida is probably one of my favorite large towns - large expat community without taking over the town, amazing healthcare, close to CUN for cheap flights and good CoL.