How can International Nurses Secure Nursing Jobs in USA?

How Can International Nurses Secure Nursing Jobs in USA?
The USA offers wonderful career opportunities for foreign nurses due to its high demand for healthcare professionals. However, procuring a nursing job in America requires meeting some qualifications, immigration, and licensure requirements. The following is a step-by-step guideline to facilitate foreign nurses to find nursing jobs USA successfully.

1. Meet Educational and Licensure Requirements

Foreign nurses need to ensure that the education they received is on par with U.S. standards. The initial one is obtaining a nursing degree that is the equivalent of an Associate's or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. The nurses then need to pass the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) Certification Program or an equivalent past credential verification system.

The CGFNS Certification entails

Credential Evaluation: Verification of nursing education and licensure from the country of origin.

Qualifying Exam: Pre-predictive exam to determine the likelihood of passing the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses).

English Proficiency: English non-speaking graduates are mandated to sit for an English proficiency test, i.e., IELTS or TOEFL, in most states.

2. Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

The NCLEX-RN is an online test given for licensure to practice in the United States. Nurses may register with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and sit for the test in a authorized test center in the home country or a nearby place of convenience. 

3. Obtain a USA State Board Nursing License

Each state in the United States has a Board of Nursing that determines the licensure requirement. Nurses choose a state and then get licensed after passing the NCLEX-RN. Other requirements might be necessary in some states, for instance, background checks or further studies.

4. Get a USA Employer or Sponsor

Foreign nurses require work visas, and therefore having a USA employer sponsor their immigration is highly significant. Nurses can apply at:

Hospitals

Nursing homes

Healthcare recruiting agencies with experience in foreign hiring

Some of the employers refund visa sponsorship, licensure and relocation expenses.

5. Request a USA Work Visa (Green Card or Sponsorship)

Most of the foreign nurses travel to America on two visas:

H-1B Visa: For specialists care nurses that practice specialist specialities. It is not extensively used.

EB-3 Visa (Green Card): Most of the registered nurses use it and it is an employer-sponsored visa where nurses get a chance to work in the USA permanently

The employer typically sponsors an I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, which eventually leads to consular processing or adjustment of status if the nurse is already in the United States.

6. Adapt to Culture and Workplace

Nurses must possess adequate knowledge of USA healthcare practice, cultural beliefs, and patient care practices. Orientation training is generally included in most hospitals to enable foreign nurses to settle in smoothly.

7. Begin Work and Attain Professional Development

International nurses can begin work in the USA after receiving a visa and state license. Continued education, specialization, and gaining certifications like Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) can help in professional development.

Conclusion

Securing a nursing job in USA for international nurses is a complicated procedure involving credential authentication, licensure, employer sponsorship, and immigration processing. Foreign nurses can have a good career in the USA health care system with proper planning.

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