For many international nurses, working in America is a dream come true. It is a major step in their careers that opens up, not only better profit opportunities, but also better educational choices. Many professionals eventually get married and start families in the US, returning to their home country only for occasional visits.
While the prospect of becoming a US nurse may sound alluring, it requires a great deal of courage and resilience to achieve this goal. Even before setting foot in the States, a person has to get all the necessary documents and pay exorbitant fees. Although hiring an international nursing recruitment agency may help with some of the challenges, it doesn’t completely eliminate them.
To have a better understanding of what’s ahead of you, we’ve decided to create an ultimate guide for international nurses. We will explain the process of getting a visa and transitioning into a different society, hopefully helping you in your journey.
Getting a Visa
If you’re serious about the whole story, you have to find a legitimate way of staying in the country. The good news is that nurses, and medical professionals in general, are considered a deficitary profession. The entire process of acquiring a visa is usually quick and streamlined, so you shouldn’t have much problem with it.
Here are a few areas you should focus on when preparing the documents:
- Credentialing: Most foreign nurses do the credentialing process through the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS). After evaluating your nursing education, the organization will determine if you meet the prerequisite standards for working in the country.
- Licensure: Once the government confirms you have proper education, you’ll undergo a process of licensure. Nurses take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), which allows them to work as licensed practical nurses and registered nurses. It’s worth noting that you might have to travel to another country to do the exam.
- Language Tests: Nurses can take IELTS or TOEFL exams to confirm their English is good enough to work in the US. If the NCLEX was in English, you won’t have to do language testing.
Even if you’re a medical veteran, you shouldn’t take these tests lightly. They are rather expensive, so you should properly prepare for them.
Entering the System
The entire process of verifying your knowledge will cost you more than $10,000. But the challenge doesn’t stop there. Once you arrive in the States, you might feel homesick and miss your family. On top of that, if you’re working in a busy hospital, you might start feeling burned out.
Luckily, there are a few things you can do to ease your burden:
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- Orientation Programs: Many US hospitals have a practice of hiring foreign nurses. They usually have onboarding programs where you’ll learn more about the organization’s policies and system of work. This will make your daily life much easier.
- Mentorship: Approximately one-third of the US medical staff are foreign nurses and doctors. This makes things much easier nowadays, as you often have a colleague from your general region. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll meet a person from your home country who can catch you up to speed.
- Equipment and Software: Handling modern equipment and software is a major issue for all medical practitioners, not just foreigners. It is generally recommended to get acquainted with the main devices and programs to make your life easier going forward.
- Housing: Finding an affordable place to live is one of the biggest challenges for foreign nurses and doctors. With apartments being so expensive nowadays, you might struggle with the upfront payment. If you used an agency, and several of you came to the States, we recommend finding a roommate among your colleagues.
The important thing to remember is that although transition is hard during the first few months, things eventually get better. We recommend that you avoid any type of conflict at work during the initial period and that you slowly start working toward renting your own apartment
Continuing the Learning Process
Whether you’re a veteran or a newbie, you should explore educational opportunities in the US. The country offers you the opportunity to enhance your knowledge or specialize in a different field. You can easily find deficient positions in healthcare that don’t require prolonged specialization.
Here are a few options worth checking out:
- Bridge Programs: By undergoing these programs, you can upgrade your credentials or set the basis for an advanced role. For example, you can become a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, followed by a master’s degree. A lot of these programs can be done online and are suitable for working professionals.
- Speciality Certifications: Perhaps the best and quickest way to increase your market value is by obtaining specialty certifications. By finishing these courses, you can work in critical care or oncology. Informatics nursing, in particular, is difficult and highly sought after. Patient advocacy is another branch worth examining.
The great thing about America is that you can cash in just about any knowledge you’ve accrued over the years. For example, some hospitals are willing to pay extra for nurses who have worked with different software and devices. Talking several foreign languages is also a major plus, especially if one of the languages is Spanish.
Acquiring Advanced Skills
Truth be told, you can progress through the ranks just by being better than your colleagues, without having to take expensive and arduous tests. However, to assume one of these roles, you’ll have to work on your critical thinking, leadership, communication, and tech skills.
To become a charge nurse or unit manager, you should improve your emotional intelligence, allowing you to lead large teams. Strategic planning and scheduling are also essential, as they help you deal with both patients and employees.
Becoming a Nurse Leader
You have to tackle numerous challenges before assuming a leadership role. However, through continuous education and improving soft skills, you can fulfil your ambitions and earn more money for your family back home.
