Do Employers Value Experience in the USA?

[Finefettle]

I've read a lot of posts about the complexities of accessing the USA as a UK-trained nurse.

My question is (after going through the gauntlet of accreditation, NCLEX, VISA application and finding an employer) whether prior experience is appreciated and remunerated in the US.

I have 5 years post-reg experience, mostly within haematology/oncology and midwifery. I'm currently paid at band 6. By current estimates it sounds as though - starting now - I may not actually work in the USA for ~5 years. By that point I would expect to be better paid and have a masters degree. I would rather not access the USA just to go back to entry-level nursing. Would my experience and expertise be taken into account when applying for work?

Thanks!

[Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN]

If you have a master's degree and have credentials accepted by the USA, IE belonging to honor society, published articles, great management experience yes.

Midwives are Master and soon to have doctorate prepared and pass a credentialing exam.

OCN is another US exam which would be valued in oncology.

If you are employed as staff nurse in a hospital you will have new graduate pay.

[Fiona59]

Whereas, most Canadian provinces will pay you at the appropriate step of the payscale with documented evidence of employment. ie: 2900 hours at hospital A, 3500 hours at hospital B, would bring you to the same pay level as a Canadian nurse 5400 hours of experience.

But I think a better question to ask yourself is why are you contemplating a move to the US?

[Finefettle]

It sounds as though the US would validate a work history, but only if an employer could be found to respect that work history - which means having exceptional managerial-level experience to woo a potential employer. I admit that's not something I've ever aspired to. I've always favoured being a good nurse over being a good system-wrangler. I can see that may be a handicap in the US.

I'm contemplating a move to the US because of love - which is either the only good reason, or the worst reason imaginable. Depends who you ask :)

[K+MgSO4, BSN]

Midwifery in the UK is different to the way the term is used in the US.