Foreign Nurses in the U.S.

Question:
I am an RN in my own country and hope to move to the U.S. What are my options for finding a job in the U.S.?

Answer:
In general, obtaining a job in the U.S. can be tricky. Fortunately for you, the U.S. is experiencing a nurse shortage, which might make the process easier for certified nurses. To be an RN in the U.S., you traditionally need to take some exams. First, you should pass the NCLEX-RN or CGFNS exam, or both, depending on the state you wish to work in. These exams are designed to ensure that foreign nurses' RN training is equivalent to U.S. RN licensure.

You may also need to pass English language-proficiency exams approved by the Department of Education and Health and Human Services. The NCLEX-RN or CGFNS and the English language proficiency exam typically need to be taken within two years of each other to be valid.

The Medscape Today article "Credentialing Requirements for Migration" provides information about these exams and the entire process. CGFNS International is another great source. You should also read "Transfers of Foreign Nurses in the United States," which provides specific information about the U.S. immigration laws a foreigner must abide by when working in the U.S.

There are many institutions that recruit foreign nurses to work in the U.S., and who might be able to help you through the process. These include the O'Grady Peyton International and Nurse Immigration USA. Good luck!