Are you interested in getting a nursing job in the USA? Then, this guide is for you. In this blog, I aim to educate and provide you with the tools and information you need to apply for work as a registered nurse in America. My name is Rosemarie Tamunday Casanova and I am honored to share my extensive experience as a registered nurse and successful entrepreneur in the healthcare industry.
The Importance of Migrating to the US
The US has a rapidly aging population, with over 350 million people and a projected 70% of that population aging by 2050. This aging population, combined with the aging Baby Boomers, has led to a shortage of registered nurses in the US. As of 2020, there was a need for over 1 million nurses, which has since risen to 1.2 million. This shortage is only expected to continue to rise, with the demand outpacing the supply.
The US is now turning to foreign-educated nurses to fill this gap, making it an excellent opportunity to acquire nursing jobs in the USA for foreigners.
Filipino nurses have been a crucial part of the US healthcare system for decades, filling in the gaps when shortages occur. Their migration to the US started in pre- and post-World War II, when exchange nurses were brought to the US to help the Americans. These nurses stayed for a few months before returning to the Philippines. However, the demand for Filipino nurses has continued throughout history due to their caring, dedicated, hard-working, disciplined, and skilled nature.
Filipino nurses are known to have more hands-on training compared to American nurses, which has been a contributing factor to their continued demand in the US.
The 3 Steps on Applying for Nursing Job in the USA
Here are three ways to get to the United States and work as a Registered Nurse.
First Step: Making a Decision
Making a decision is the first and most critical step in the process of becoming a registered nurse in America. Without a clear and committed decision, nothing will happen. It is essential to have a mindset shift and to be fully committed to your decision, as the process of becoming a registered nurse in the US takes time, energy, and effort.
Once you have made your decision, the next step is to gather information and resources to assist you in the process.
Second Step: Getting Licensed in the United States
There are several requirements for foreign nurses to work in the USA. And, in order to work as a registered nurse in the United States, you must first obtain a license from the state in which you will be working. This license is granted by the state board of nursing and is based on the results of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). With 52 states in the country, you have plenty of options for where you would like to take the NCLEX and become licensed.
Preparing for the NCLEX
Taking the NCLEX is a significant undertaking, and it is important to be well-prepared for the test. There are many resources available to help you prepare, including study guides, practice exams, and review courses. You can also find a wealth of information on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) website, which is the organization responsible for developing and administering the NCLEX.
One of the best ways to prepare for the NCLEX is to take advantage of online review courses. These courses are designed specifically for aspiring nurses and provide a comprehensive overview of the material that will be covered on the NCLEX. They also offer practice exams, so you can get a feel for what the actual test will be like.
Third Step: Choosing the Right Agency
Once you have passed the NCLEX and obtained your license, your next step is to find a job as a registered nurse in the United States. There are many international nurse staffing agencies that can help you find a job and obtain a visa to work in the country. However, it is important to choose the right agency, as not all agencies are created equal.
Some agencies are new, while others have been around for a long time. Some are small, while others are large. It is important to do your research and choose an agency that will provide you with the support and resources you need to succeed. This may include help with finding a job, obtaining a visa, and navigating the complex immigration process.
Unfortunately, not all agencies are trustworthy, and you may encounter unscrupulous individuals who are looking to take advantage of you. This is why it is so important to choose an agency that has a good reputation and a proven track record of success.
Finally, as a foreign nurse wanting to work in the USA, it is important to be patient and persistent in your job search. The process of finding a registered nurse position in the US may take some time, but with dedication and hard work, you can achieve your goal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pursuing a career as a registered nurse in the US is a challenging but rewarding path. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can increase your chances of success and achieve your goal of working as a registered nurse in America.
In my next blog of this 3-part series, we will talk about preparing and passing the NCLEX in a very short time. I will also share with you the effective technique that I developed to finally pass the test.
But if you’re interested to watch the full detailed 3-part videos in advance, here is the way to register and get your exclusive access:
About the Author
Rosemarie Tamunday Casanova, RN, BSN, MHA – CEO
I have been a nurse for over three decades and have worked in various settings, including long-term care facilities, teaching hospitals, and trauma centers. Over the years, I have held several critical care positions and even earned a master’s degree in Health Administration. My journey in entrepreneurship began in 2000 when I co-founded a staffing and recruitment agency with my partner, Health and Technology Professionals.
After relocating to Florida, I established my own Home Care Agency and have been operating it successfully for over a decade. Despite our success, I have always been aware of the ongoing need for registered nurses in the US. This led us to reignite our recruitment services and assist international registered nurses in finding employment in the US.
