working in the US

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Hello,

Ive been an RPN in Ontario for 20 years and am interested in looking in the states for a job as an LPN. Does anyone know what the first step is in proceeding with this?

Appreciate any information.

Thanks

Bonnie

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

LPN does not meet the qualification for a TN or work visa. Do you have work rights in the US? Have you contacted the BoN of your intended destination state to determine if you meet the requirements for licensing as an LPN by examination as an internationally educated nurse?

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Hello,

Thanks you for your reply. I do not have a work visa to work in the US

I wanted to know what the steps were first? Do I apply for a visa first? Or do I find out about qualifying fist?

Im new to this.

Thank you

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

You won't be able to secure work rights with an LPN. There is no visa available for an LPN. Many Canadians use a TN visa to work in the US but LPN does not qualify.

First get licensed, then find a job. However an employer cannot sponsor an LPN for a work visa and you will be hard pressed to find an employer willing to go through the time and expense to attempt to sponsor an LPN.

The other big issue is that Canadian LPNs generally have a much wider, independent scope of practice than US LPNs. Most US BoNs are significantly more restrictive of practical nursing scope of practice than Canadian colleges of nurses. Many LPNs work in home care, outpatient settings and long term or subacute care. It's not common for LPNs to work hospital or acute care in the US due to practice restrictions and an abundance of qualified RNs.

You can check the state board of nursing of your destination state for qualifications to apply for a nursing license by examination as an internationally educated nurse. Once you submit your credential verification , fee payment, and your application is approved you then need to pass the NCLEX-PN to be licensed.

If you don't have work rights, then you don't have a valid social security number. This will limit the states where you can apply AZ, CA, VT, MD and other states require a valid social security number to be submitted with your application or you will be rejected and your application fees forfeited. (Per federal law all states are to require a valid SSN to grant professional licensing but not all states have implemented this requirement) other states will accept your application but not release your license until you submit your valid SSN. You cannot obtain a SSN unless you are a US citizen, permanent resident, or have a valid work visa.

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Specializes in Home Care.

I lived in Florida for close to 20 years before returning to Alberta.

Your first issue is immigration, I suggest you read some of the many threads on immigrating to the US. There's no point in applying for a license is you can't get a work permit in the States.

Now I'll be completely honest about what its like living in the States compared to Canada.

I worked part-time in LTC for $18 an hour with no benefits at all. That's right, I had no health insurance. So if I got sick or had to have surgery then I'd have to come up with a way to pay for it myself. If I got cancer I would not be treated because I had no ability to pay. This is the reality of the US healthcare system.

I could have got private coverage but I couldn't afford it. $300 a month plus out of pocket expenses of $10,000 before the insurance would cover 80% of the bills.

Even with the new Obamacare medical insurance is a major expense. You can read more about the issues with medical insurance in the States under other forums.

The grass is not greener on the otherside. I can give a multitude of reasons why my sons and I returned to Canada.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

You cannot get a work visa for the US until you have your BSN.

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