International Travel Nurse

I have been getting some questions about how to be an international travel nurse. Mostly, how can a Canadian or other foreign nurse travel in the United States. The first thing you should realize is that it can be a lengthy process so plan ahead.

United States Licensure Requirements:

There is a two-step process for obtaining a registered nurse license for foreign nurses here in the United States. This process is SEPARATE from the process necessary for obtaining a work Visa. For information regarding temporary or permanent Visas, contact the U.S. Department of State at US Immigration Visas Services and the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service at US Department of Immigration

There is a type of Visa that allows you to enter the U.S. for the express purpose of working as an foreign travel nurse. You have to be sponsored by an employer such as a nursing agency or hospital for example.

First Step:
Contact the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS). CGFNS prescreens foreign educated nurses wishing to practice in the U.S. Prescreening involves a review of the nurses education, licensure in the home country, English language proficiency testing or TOEFL,  and a predictor exam that provides an indicator of the nurse's ability to pass the U.S. national licensure exam (NCLEX).

Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools
3600 Market Street, Suite 400
Philadelphia, PA 19104-2651
U.S.A.
Telephone: 215-222-8454
Fax: 215-662-0425
Website: www.cgfns.org

Second Step:
In the U.S., every nurse must meet additional state requirements and take the NCLEX as established by the State Board of Nursing. Each state has its own Board of Nursing.

There are some state boards of nursing that will accept the Canadian Nurses Association Testing Service (CNATS) or the Canadian Registered Nurses Examination (CRNE).

There are also a few state boards of nursing that will directly endorse foreign educated nurses who have never take the NCLEX. Because this information can change, it is necessary to contact the state board of nursing to determine if they have a policy regarding direct endorsement for foreign-educated nurses.

For contact information for a specific state board of nursing go to my page on state boards of nursing at State Boards of Nursing

Once you have this process started you can start applying to a travel nurse agency. Some agencies will help you through the process so it may be worthwhile to get the help from the beginning.

In summary the main items you need to work as a Registered Nurse in the united states are:
1) a visa to enter the country
2) Proficency speaking, writing and reading English.
3) you need to be screened by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS)
4) you need to obtain Registered Nurse licensure in the state you will be working in.

 International Travel Nursing to countries other than the U.S.

There are some countries that are easier than others to get work Visa's for if you are interested in being an international travel nurse.  Finding a reputable agency can ease the the way.  Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand seem to be three popular locations for nurses who are international bound.  I have found a neat guide to getting a Visa and working in Australia that you may find useful.

Nursing In Australia-A Guide To Working & Living As A Nurse Down Under A Step-by-step Guide To Getting A Visa, Job And Registration & Relocating And Settling In Australia. In 3 Parts, An Invaluable, User-friendly Guide For Overseas Nurses, Midwives And International Nursing Students Wanting To Work, Study & Live In Australia.