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How to Work in the US as a Foreign-Educated Nurse

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Summary

This article outlines the eight key steps foreign-educated nurses need to take in order to work in the US as a registered nurse. Steps include meeting educational requirements, completing a foreign-educated nurses course, passing an English language proficiency test, passing the NCLEX-RN exam, obtaining a credential evaluation, finding a nursing recruiting agency or US-based employer, applying for and obtaining an RN immigrant visa/green card, and accepting an RN position. The article also notes that while Licensed Practical and Vocational Nurses (LPN/LVN) cannot obtain a work visa, some states have varying degrees of information on how foreign-educated LPNs can work. Finally, the article states that individuals who have committed a crime, lack two years of experience, lack a four-year nursing degree (state dependent), or lack sponsorship from a reputable nursing agency are not eligible to work in the US.

Q&As

What are the requirements for foreign-educated nurses to obtain a job in the US?
The requirements for foreign-educated nurses to obtain a job in the US include graduation from an accredited Registered Nursing program (Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)), licensing as a Registered Nurse (RN), experience practicing as an RN for at least two years, completion of a Foreign-Educated Nurses (FEN) refresher course, and passing an English language proficiency test (if mandated).

What is the CGFNS and what do they do?
The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) is a company employed by State Boards of Nursing to ensure that applicants meet the basic requirements and are fit to take the NCLEX. It provides the basic information for the State Board of Nursing and only a handful of states accept this.

What types of work visas are available for foreign nurses?
The types of work visas available for foreign nurses include the TN visa for Mexican and Canadian nurses, the H-1B temporary work visa for nurses who hold a four-year degree and fulfill a specialized nursing role, and the permanent work visa (green card).

Are foreign-educated LPNs eligible to work in the US?
No, foreign-educated LPNs are not eligible for work visas in the US.

What steps should nurses take if they want to work in the US?
Nurses who want to work in the US should complete New York State’s infection control coursework requirement, submit an online application for licensure, have their foreign nursing credentials verified, pass the NCLEX if they haven’t already, find a nursing recruiting agency or US-based employer, and obtain a nursing employment visa or “work visa”.

AI Comments

👍 This article provides an excellent, comprehensive overview of the requirements and steps necessary for foreign-educated nurses to work in the US. It is very informative and provides straightforward explanations of the different visas and credentialing services.

👎 The article does not provide sufficient information for foreign-educated Licensed Practical Nurses or Licensed Vocational Nurses on how to obtain work visas to work in the US.

AI Discussion

Me: It's about the steps foreign-educated nurses need to take in order to work as a Registered Nurse in the US. It goes through each step in detail, including what educational requirements must be fulfilled and what paperwork needs to be completed. It also discusses different work visas and goes over the credentialing process.

Friend: Wow, that's a lot to consider. What are the implications of this article?

Me: Well, it's important to note that there are a lot of regulations and requirements that foreign-educated nurses must meet before they can work in the US. They need to make sure all of the paperwork is in order and that they fulfill all of the educational and language requirements. It's also important to note that only RNs and APRNs can obtain work visas in the US, so LPNs and LVNs are not eligible. Additionally, some states may offer alternative licensure options for foreign-educated LPNs, but it's best to check with the individual state's nursing board for more information.

Action items

Research the requirements for obtaining a work visa in the US for foreign-educated nurses.
Contact a staffing agency or immigration lawyer to ensure all laws are followed when applying for a work visa.
Research the requirements for obtaining a nursing license in the US for foreign-educated nurses, including any necessary exams or courses.

Technical terms

Registered Nurse (RN): A healthcare professional who has completed a nursing program and passed a licensing exam.
National Council Licensing Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN): An exam that tests the knowledge and skills of a nurse in order to obtain a license to practice.
Foreign-Educated Nurses (FEN) Course: A refresher course consisting of 120 hours in the classroom and 120 hours of clinical practice under the supervision of a licensed Registered Nurse.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): An English language proficiency test.
Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC): An English language proficiency test.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): An English language proficiency test.
Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS): A company that is employed by State Boards of Nursing to ensure that applicants meet the basic requirements and are fit to take the NCLEX.
Credentials Evaluation Service Professional Report: A report that provides the basic information for the State Board of Nursing and only a handful of states accept this.
CGFNS Certification Program: An evaluation that is the same as the Credentials Evaluation Service Professional Report but requires the applicant to take the CGFNS Qualifying Exam.
VisaScreen: Visa Credentials Assessment: The same requirements as the CGFNS Certification Program but will qualify the individual for a Work Visa after successful completion of the NCLEX.
TN Visa: A special visa for Mexican and Canadian nurses who have an offer of employment, a license to practice in their home country, and pass the NCLEX and state licensure requirements.
H-1B Temporary Work Visa: A visa for nurses who hold a four-year degree and fulfill a specialized nursing role.
Permanent Work Visa: A visa, also known as a green card, that needs to be obtained before immigrating legally.
Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs): A nurse who has completed a vocational nursing program and passed a licensing exam.
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs): A nurse who has completed a practical nursing program and passed a licensing exam.