Foreign Nurse to MA HEEELP!

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Hello everyone,

I'm on the latest stages of receiving a MA nursing license as a foreign graduated nurse, but from the point of receiving the license, the nexts steps are completely unknown to me. If there is a fellow nurse who already went through this path I'd really appreciate some help. I have some concrete questions:

1. I have a B1/B2 tourist visa, can I apply jobs and attend interviews with this type of visa and then change my immigration status?

2. I've seen a VisaScreen service by CGFNS but it is quite unclear to me what is the purpose of VisaScreen (is that the next step after receiving a license)

3. How is the application process with hospitals in Boston or the surrounding towns (which is were i'm thinking to settle).

Thank You very much!!!

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

What work visa are you looking at and you will need VSC from CGFNS and if you check out the MA state forum you will see it is hard for most nurses already in MA to find jobs around Boston whether being someone looking for support for visa.

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Hello everyone,

I'm on the latest stages of receiving a MA nursing license as a foreign graduated nurse, but from the point of receiving the license, the nexts steps are completely unknown to me. If there is a fellow nurse who already went through this path I'd really appreciate some help. I have some concrete questions:

1. I have a B1/B2 tourist visa, can I apply jobs and attend interviews with this type of visa and then change my immigration status?

2. I've seen a VisaScreen service by CGFNS but it is quite unclear to me what is the purpose of VisaScreen (is that the next step after receiving a license)

3. How is the application process with hospitals in Boston or the surrounding towns (which is were i'm thinking to settle).

Thank You very much!!!

If your nursing education happened outside of the US you have to go through the full CGFNS process.

I am somewhat confused that you are applying for a license in MA without the CGFNS paperwork.

It is usually the other way around. In addition, MA requires you to pass language tests that include "speaking english" as well.

I can not imagine that you will find a hospital in the Boston area that is willing to sponsor you for a work visa - basically there are enough qualified applicants - so no employer will go through the hassle of sponsoring you unless they are unable to hire qualified nurses...

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Thanks for your comment and concern Nutella, But I already went through all the CGFNS certification program, got my CES report, My TOEFL score (which I met way obove the board's requirement), the only step left is the NCLEX, but I'm waiting for my ATT. As I stated on the very beggining of my post "I'm on the latest stages of receiving a MA nursing license"

I feel more comfortable when I'm ahead of the situation, so that's why I'm asking the previously mentioned questions, so I can be prepared...

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Specializes in Family Medicine, Tele/Cardiac, Camp.

As a Boston resident I'm going to chime in here and second the idea that it's hard to find a RN position in Boston if you aren't already connected. The only RN's I know who manage to find Boston positions are those who have worked as CNA's for many years and end up getting lucky and getting a position at their current facility. I got into my first Boston position because of college connections. I knew someone who knew someone kinda thing.

Contributing to that is the HUGE influx of not only new grads from all the RN programs that are in Boston and the surrounding areas, but also qualified applicants from around the country who have several years of experience as US nurses.

I've seen many many new grads from Boston area schools end up moving out of state to get their first RN job and then try to come back.

I can't answer questions about getting the credentials you need to come work in the US, but I would suggest looking outside of Boston for your first job. The market here is just so saturated. I assume you speak Spanish so that will be a HUGE plus. Maybe look outside of MA in areas that have nursing shortages for positions that would value Spanish-speaking nurses. Even in Boston, MANY healthcare workers speak Spanish.

Best of luck to you.

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Thank you so much for sharing your experience and thoughts. I'll be looking for different options.

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Thanks for your comment and concern Nutella, But I already went through all the CGFNS certification program, got my CES report, My TOEFL score (which I met way obove the board's requirement), the only step left is the NCLEX, but I'm waiting for my ATT. As I stated on the very beggining of my post "I'm on the latest stages of receiving a MA nursing license"

I feel more comfortable when I'm ahead of the situation, so that's why I'm asking the previously mentioned questions, so I can be prepared...

It is good you know what to do and you are prepared - it sounded like you were confused about the steps.

Good luck!

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Hi lopezg RN I have a question for you. It is not concerned with what you were asking but maybe you can help me. As you said that you applied with ces in MA and a high Toefl score.

I'm from Spain living in US and I'm trying to do all the process.... I did the Toefl and I got 93 but 22 in Speaking, Do you know if in Mass is required 26 or with the CES is a requirement anyway in all states no matter what?

I'm really confused and I didn't know till after I got the score and I start the Cgfns process....I don't want to take it again such a pain after 2 years living here.

If you know it will be a huge help.

Thanks a lot and good luck.

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