If I get a BSN in nursing from a college in canada, what do I have to do to work in the US as a nurse?

I want to get my BSN in Canada because it is the closest school to my home in WA state, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to take the RN test in WA with a Canadian degree. Can I do this, is it complicated, is it worth it, does it cost more, and how do I do it if I can.

First thing to do is to contact your state board of nursing and find out what they need from a foreign educated nurse. Even if Canada is just down the street from where you are in WA. Next, talk to the school in Canada. Being so close to US, I am sure they have some insight into this problem. All I know is that with the shortage of nurses, I can't imagine it would be too difficult. Have worked recently with RNs from Canada in SE of US. They were able to get the state RN licensure very easily. Just be prepared to ask a lot of questions and get everything in writing. It will cost more because you are going from one country to another but I am willing to bet that the college has incentives to get Americans to its campus. Just ask, find out and get it in writing.

Call the RN Board for your state and ask if they would honor it straight out or what other things you would have to do to get them to.

contact the state boards in any case they will tell you what to expect there such a lack that they should be over joyed to hear from you

Try contacting the Washington State Nurses Association. They will probably know what requirements you would have to have to work as an RN in America.

Their address is:
575 Andover Park West Suite 101
Seattle WA 98188
ph - (206) 575-7979
fax - (206) 575 - 1908
website address: http://www.wsna.org/snas/wa/

Good Luck.