Australian wanting to work in USA

[JessBalson]

Hello,

I am an RN currently in my grad year. I have a few questions about the process of finding work in the us.

- Is it advisable to use a recruitment agency to assist with everything or are the fees / being placed in a contract not worth it

- I did not complete paediatric or maternity units in my degree. How do I found out which units I need to complete to satisfy various nursing boards? I know Deakin offers these units (which do not meet the Californian requirements) has anyone taken these units or some similar that have been successful?

- Do I need to complete the CGFNS Qualifying Exam as well as the NCLEX/

- If I chose not to use an agency, am I correct in saying that first I need to sit the NCLEX Then I need to apply directly to employers to get an LCA to then apply for the E3 visa. However, where does becoming registered in the perspective state come into this process?

Very confused about the entire process and would appreciate any help!!

Thanks

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

Each state has their own requirements including clinical and theory hours. CGFNS exam is only accepted by a handful of states most just require CES report which is a breakdown on your transcripts and you can not sit NCLEX until deemed OK by the state once requirements are met.

Look for posts by ghillbert as they have gone through the process and offers excellent advice on the E3 process

[ghillbert, MSN, NP]

1. No you do not need an agency if you are willing to do the legwork yourself.

2. Apply for licensure to the state you want a license in. Taking NCLEX is just one of the licensure steps. They will tell you what you are missing.

3. Depending on the state you probably won't need CGFNS (some do still require it for foreign-trained RNs ie. Pennsylvania)

4. Sometimes even after passing NCLEX and fulfilling state requirements, you won't be issued a license until you have a social security number. So you have to fulfill the requirements, then find an employer to offer a job. Take LCA and job offer letter to get E3 visa.