thanks suzanne and silverdragon
i do understand that the VSC is different from the actual visa issued by the embassy. i just wanted to confirm a few hearsays about the VSC's validity period.
i am currently unemployed but i have reason to believe that i'll get hired in a local hospital before the year ends.

since the beginning i planned to take the necessary exams (nclex&ielts) before i start working since i might find it hard to juggle things if i didnt. i also plan to look for an employer/agency to sponsor me to the US. but since i dont have any relevant experience yet, im thinking if being a visa screen certificate holder could compensate for that or at least help me get considered, since it's also a "requirement" like the exams. as of now, the frame of mind goes: the more boxes i tick under the requirements for US employment, the better (yep, i am aware about Suzanne's advisory re: 5-year wait for the visa

) and i'd like to make use of my free time working on the things that i have direct control over at the moment, such as the exams and the VSC.
but should i even apply for the VSC, now? or would it be better for me to wait for an agency/employer in the future? put another way, will the VSC help me, given my circumstances?
appreciate all the help!