It is a great time to dream of becoming a registered nurse in the US. Due to varying reasons, the demand for nurses in the US is rising. Besides the competitive salary and attractive benefits package, there are many other highlights like flexible working hours, improved lifestyle, paid opportunities for educational advancements etc.
But many qualified nurses stumble on the question of how to apply.
Are you a registered nurse, looking to apply for nursing jobs in the US? Here’s a step by step guide that will make your application process 10x times easier.
Let’s Cover the Basics
If you are a foreign educated nurse looking to work in the United States of America, you must follow the US Federal Immigration Law and meet the basic educational and professional requirements. Let’s see what are those requirements:
Education:
Nursing degrees and diplomas are accepted in the US but it varies according to the hospitals.
Nursing education from an accredited university is a must.
Licensure:
Nurses must be licensed as a Registered Nurse in their home country.
Experience:
Minimum requirement is generally 2 years but this differs from hospital to hospital. Nurses should be equipped with proper bedside experience.
English proficiency exam:
If you are a nurse holding the citizenship of the UK, Canada or such English speaking countries or educated from these countries, you are exempted from the language proficiency test. But if you are not, passing any of the common language proficiency tests (IELTS/ TOEFL/OET/PTE) is a requirement. The passing marks for these exams are listed below.
| TEST | MINIMUM REQUIREMENT |
| IELTS | Overall Band Score – 6.5Speaking – 7 |
| TOEFL | Paper Based Exam – Minimum 550-600Internet Based Test (iBT) – 80-90(May vary based on the state) |
| OET | Minimum C+ – Reading, Writing, Listening Minimum B – Speaking |
| PTE | Overall Score of 55 and no score below 50 for individual |
Another notable point for nurses with degrees from English speaking countries is that they have the scope of clubbing their scores by combining marks from each section.
These qualifications are unavoidable and must be a first priority if one is looking to be a nurse in the US. Get started on your IELTS/OET training to crack your US nursing career.
The Credential Evaluation Journey:
Like every foreign country, the US has strict migratory laws and when it comes to foreign nurses, the State Boards of Nursing requires nurses to apply to CGFNS International In. The academic and professional credentials will be evaluated and has to be proven authentic and comparable to the US Nursing standards.
Let’s get into the credential evaluation journey.
CGFNS has a prescreening which involves a education review, authentication of licensure from home country, an English language proficiency test, a qualifying exam that is a precursor to the NCLEX(US National Licensure Exam). These are the main steps of the CGFNS Certification programme and qualifying this programme is a criterion for approval to take the NCLEX – RN exam.
The processing time in total takes around 16 weeks. The processing and evaluation time actually takes about 2 weeks on average. The 14 weeks time is for collection of the complete documents.
The application fee for the CGFNS Certification Program is $495 and this application has an expiry date. The fee amounts are subject to change which will be updated on the website. The application will be considered active for 12 months until it expires but note that the CGFNS Certificate is valid for life.
Navigating this step may be complicated as there is a strict time schedule for submitting your documents, the failure to adhere to this rule might result in application expiry. You can reach out to Global Nurse Force for Licensing service to make your processing faster.
Passing the NCLEX-RN Exam
The NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) is a standardized exam that every nursing graduate must pass to become a licensed registered nurse (RN) in the United States and Canada. This exam is essential as it ensures that candidates possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform safely and effectively as entry-level nurses.
To be eligible for the NCLEX-RN, you must first complete an accredited nursing program and receive authorization to test (ATT) from the state board of nursing.
The registration process involves applying through Pearson VUE, the testing service provider, and paying a fee that typically ranges from $200 to $300, depending on the location and any additional services required. The fee for US is $200 which is non-refundable. Explore the fee structures for NCLEX. Note that the fee is subject to change.
After registration, candidates can schedule their exam at a convenient testing center. The NCLEX-RN is a computer-adaptive test, meaning the difficulty of questions adjusts based on the test-taker’s performance.
Results are usually available within a few days, and passing the exam is the final step to obtaining an RN license and beginning a career in nursing.
Read more about the NCLEX application process.
Obtaining the State Licensure:
Each U.S. state has its own nursing board, and the requirements for licensure can vary.
When choosing the right state for licensure, it’s important to consider factors such as the state’s demand for nurses, cost of living, salary expectations, and whether the state is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing for multistate practice.
The application process typically involves submitting a completed application form, proof of graduation from an accredited nursing program, passing the NCLEX-RN examination, and undergoing a background check. Required documentation often includes official transcripts, identification, and proof of residency if applicable.
Fees for licensure can range from $50 to $300 depending on the state. Note that the fee is subject to change.
Processing times vary, with some states issuing licenses within a few weeks, while others may take several months, particularly if additional requirements such as fingerprinting or endorsement from another state are necessary.
It’s advisable to begin the application process well in advance of your intended start date to ensure timely licensure.
The Job Hunt: Searching and Application
Nursing job search is an important task which involves a lot of risk. Finding nursing jobs might be easy. But to find the legit and authentic options that’s worth the time, effort and money is hard. Nurses put their life’s work into this American dream and therefore should navigate through the most safest paths.
There are multiple ways through which nursing jobs can be found in the US. You can explore online, for starters. Going through well known nursing job sites or nurse specific job portals is a good first step.
Another way is through establishing solid connections with healthcare professionals. This is an individual’s journey, solely dependent on their circle, both professional and personal.
The third and most effective pathway to find nursing jobs in the US is through recruitment agencies. Recruitment agencies, like Global Nurse Force, connect nurses to the most reputed line of hospitals. You will be assured with transparency, result and fast track procedures. Moreover you will be presented with the best options available in the country.
To secure a nursing job in the US and receive updates on vacancies, apply now.
The resume of the US includes sections such as personal information, professional profiles, detailed work experience, education, professional qualifications, and continuing professional development. US resumes are generally shorter, spanning 1-2 pages.
A good resume is comprehensive with the relevant experience tailored to the job specification.
The Judgement Day: Job Interview Preparation
Performance in job interviews is a major pain point to everyone. It’s a struggle with anxiety. We know it very well. Even right answers might come out wrong in such situations. That’s why we provide our candidates with professional interview training as they prepare for the defining moment of their career.
With the right mindset, every skilled nurse has been rightly put in the best positions in different hospitals across the US. Our candidates have transformed from nervous to best performers and passed with flying colors.
Dressing confident, preparing efficiently and having the performer mentality are the additions you need as a skilled nurse to become USRN.
Work Visa Sponsorship:
Once you have gained a job offer, your employer will act as your sponsor. Employers would prefer their candidates to be VisaScreen received or applied.
VisaScreen is a screening service for healthcare professionals seeking occupational visas to work in the US. Once you complete the screen, an official ICHP certificate will be issued.
EB-3 Green Card (Permanent Work Visa) allows internationally educated nurses to be employed in the US as permanent US residents. Nurses can bring their spouses and children under 21 as dependents on their EB-3 permanent work visa.
Nurses are also offered H-1B Visa. The H-1B visa is a temporary work visa that allows internationally educated nurses with a bachelor’s degree in nursing to work in the US for 3-6 years. It’s reserved for specialty nursing roles that require advanced education and skills beyond the standard RN designation. Nurses can bring their spouses and children as dependents on their H-1B visa.
Learn the difference between EB-3 and H-1B visas in detail.
The US based employer will act as your petitioner, the VisaScreen certificate will be included on every visa or green card petition on your behalf.
The fee for VisaScreen is $740. Other related fees are listed here.
Our experts provide seamless visa processing that can fast track your journey, and apply now.
Relocation and Settling in
It would only feel real until you have reached there. Your dream to work as a nurse in the US will finally feel real once you have checked into your accommodation and workplace.
The journey might feel like a shift but in no time you will get accustomed to the new ways.
Understanding the culture is key in this shift. Familiarizing the nuances of the language will help a lot. Practicing regularly will get you on track. Being updated and ready for tasks will set you good in the long run. Also remember, establishing a strong and lasting impression should be the goal.
Connecting with your own communities will ease the transition and your agency can assist you in regards to this. Global Nurse Force provides relocation support and assures your smooth transition.
Conclusion
Your USRN dream is closer than ever! The growing nursing shortage in the United States has created an urgent demand for skilled professionals, opening opportunities for nurses from abroad. Global Nurse Force is committed not only to bridging this critical gap but also to realizing the aspirations of countless dedicated nurses who have long nurtured the dream of working in the U.S.
It is to these dreamers and dedicated professionals that we are devoted. Their passion and commitment inspire us to deliver on our promise.
Connect with Global Nurse Force today itself and take that first step towards your nursing career.