PH Nurses for USA (Experiences with Employers)

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · May 23, 2013

Thread moved to advice on immigration in world section as has nothing to do with preparing for NCLEX. Good luck. The market is tight for US citizens/US Educated nurses with high unemployment rates for new and experienced nurses.

Silverdragon102, BSN · May 23, 2013

and retrogression is still ongoing with many nurses already in the queue if lucky to find a employer willing to wait the several years

steppybay · May 24, 2013

Hello my fellow Filipino nurses! How are you? I started this topic so that we can share our own experiences when it comes to getting employment opportunities in the U.S. Obviously, the pay in the U.S. is pretty much higher as compared to our country.
Actually, I'm one of the abandoned nurses before. Abandoned in a sense that a U.S. agency back somewhere in the 2000s wasn't able to give me my dream of working in the said country. Back then, there was a retrogression or the economic downpour in the U.S. and that's why they have backed out. As of now, I think the U.S. is already bouncing back and I already heard a lot of employers who are interested to hire Filipino nurses. I don't have any idea what to do since it involves money, time, and patience. Also, I'm scared if same thing will happen again. Have you heard about MMML or any other agencies?

Who is telling you that the US job market is coming back? Agencies? If so, of course they will tell you the moon is made out of cheese too. They just want to sign you up.

Here's an article from the BBC that there's no demand for PH nurses (or very little): CLICK here: https://allnurses.com/nurse-registration/us-labor-market-779683.html

The above article states the US is already producing too many new nurses and have more than caught up with the demand. Read on......

McLovin' · May 27, 2013

Who is telling you that the US job market is coming back? Agencies? If so, of course they will tell you the moon is made out of cheese too. They just want to sign you up.
Here's an article from the BBC that there's no demand for PH nurses (or very little): CLICK here: https://allnurses.com/nurse-registration/us-labor-market-779683.html
The above article states the US is already producing too many new nurses and have more than caught up with the demand. Read on......

Oooohh... I love cheese. Yummy.

Firstly, it's good to be back! And I see nothing has changed. :roflmao:

In my opinion as a Filipino nurse, although we are all continuously bombarded by statements of negativity and pessimistic thinking in these nursing immigration discussions, we should always look forward to positive outcomes. I am even certain that most will surely say that we Filipinos have a very "magical" way of assuming and presuming situations. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, no matter how vicious and merciless it may be, therefore let them enjoy their posts.

As for you buddy, I think you just have to be careful in looking for legit U.S. employers. Research about them thoroughly. Currently, I have heard of some agencies in the Philippines who're looking for 'abandoned' nurses. But they have a strict requirement, the potential applicant should have at least a 2006 priority date. Clearly because the current PD is Sept 15 2006. Basically they want you there asap.

Another "magical" situation that is happening is that back home, some nurses are still able to leave the country and work in the U.S. One good example is my employer, a NY-based medical center. They continue to hire Filipino nurses, but you have to wait your turn though (PD's). Slowly but surely. ;-) Also, I have read in the news that the U.S. congress is planning to draft a revision of their immigration policies. They will no longer focus on family reunions but rather prioritize skilled workers, nurses included.

These are all speculations and fairy tales. But, I see nothing wrong in being perpetually optimistic. So chin up dude!

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · May 30, 2013

I think a healthy dose of reality, caution, and optimism is needed. Reality in the sense that lifting visa retrogression requires an act of legislation and so far that hasn't happened. That said, I wouldn't doubt that there are facilities that would go the distance to bring in foreign nurses with active priority dates. Not to disparage these places but do bear in mind that these could be places where staffing is never sufficient because either the area is tough to attract nurses or the employers pay below industry standards. Use caution when signing up with agencies in the Philippines. We all know this by heart - some of these places will take your money and run. Lastly, optimism is a good thing and will help keep your drive and ambition.

greenjungle · Jun 23, 2013

Are there still employers actually hiring philippine nurses for here in America?

There are so many new graduates here.

misswoosie · Jul 2, 2013

Who is telling you that the US job market is coming back? Agencies? If so, of course they will tell you the moon is made out of cheese too. They just want to sign you up.
Here's an article from the BBC that there's no demand for PH nurses (or very little): CLICK here: https://allnurses.com/nurse-registration/us-labor-market-779683.html
The above article states the US is already producing too many new nurses and have more than caught up with the demand. Read on......

I don't believe that article has much credibility. It's more what it doesn't say than what it does.

The nursing shortage may have temporarily decreased during the recession because some nurses have returned to work and the US is training more nurses.

BUT- the healthcare employment has continued to grow throughout the recession.

On March 9, 2012, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that job growth in the healthcare sector was outpacing the growth realized in 2011, accounting for one out of every 5 new jobs created this year. Hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other ambulatory care settings added 49,000 new jobs in February 2012, up from 43,300 new jobs created in January.

and the department of labor predicts that the number of nursing positions will grow by 26% between 2010 and 2020. It is expected that the number of employed nurses will grow from 2.74 million to 3.45 million.

American Association of Colleges of Nursing | Nursing Shortage

With and ageing population and more emphasis on prevention this makes complete sense. Also- how many of these 1,000,000 new nurses will actually stay in nursing? I'm betting less than two thirds.

I'm not from PHL but I have aROW PD of Jan 2008 (so my date is current) and am living in the US now as husband has a work visa. I contacted the hospital that sponsored me originally are they are still keen to give me a job (they have over 200 RN job vacancies) and have agreed to pay the fees for adjustment of status for myself and family.

Here's something else to look at. Predictions for nursing shortages by State.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CDEQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitalcommons.unl.edu%2Fcgi%2Fviewcontent.cgi%3Farticle%3D1148%26context%3Dpublichealthresources&ei=XknTUayEPZPU9QTikYG4Aw&usg=AFQjCNGEPLo0rW_72g5SSOpTooVkQPFeOA&sig2=ePIYPPxulRnj65CNGNyUNg

Of course- the US knows all it needs to do is say the word and make Green cards available and RNs will come flooding in from the countries where their wages and conditions (as well as the political climate)are bad. Some planning in advance might be a better way though.

McLovin' · Jul 2, 2013

I have been following the demand trend for quite sometime now and I clearly agree with these numbers.

Whether you like it or not people, sooner or later, IEN's will arrive again in the U.S.

McLovin' · Jul 3, 2013

I don't believe that article has much credibility. It's more what it doesn't say than what it does.
The nursing shortage may have temporarily decreased during the recession because some nurses have returned to work and the US is training more nurses.
BUT- the healthcare employment has continued to grow throughout the recession.
On March 9, 2012, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that job growth in the healthcare sector was outpacing the growth realized in 2011, accounting for one out of every 5 new jobs created this year. Hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other ambulatory care settings added 49,000 new jobs in February 2012, up from 43,300 new jobs created in January.
and the department of labor predicts that the number of nursing positions will grow by 26% between 2010 and 2020. It is expected that the number of employed nurses will grow from 2.74 million to 3.45 million.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing | Nursing Shortage
With and ageing population and more emphasis on prevention this makes complete sense. Also- how many of these 1,000,000 new nurses will actually stay in nursing? I'm betting less than two thirds.
I'm not from PHL but I have aROW PD of Jan 2008 (so my date is current) and am living in the US now as husband has a work visa. I contacted the hospital that sponsored me originally are they are still keen to give me a job (they have over 200 RN job vacancies) and have agreed to pay the fees for adjustment of status for myself and family.
Here's something else to look at. Predictions for nursing shortages by State.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CDEQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitalcommons.unl.edu%2Fcgi%2Fviewcontent.cgi%3Farticle%3D1148%26context%3Dpublichealthresources&ei=XknTUayEPZPU9QTikYG4Aw&usg=AFQjCNGEPLo0rW_72g5SSOpTooVkQPFeOA&sig2=ePIYPPxulRnj65CNGNyUNg
Of course- the US knows all it needs to do is say the word and make Green cards available and RNs will come flooding in from the countries where their wages and conditions (as well as the political climate)are bad. Some planning in advance might be a better way though.

I know a lot of IEN haters here will blow their tops off and **** their pants but, here you go..

http://judiciary.house.gov/news/2013/06272013_2.html

and its origin...

Senate OK's sweeping immigration overhaul - MarketWatchead 'em and weep. It would appear that it was sooner, not later.

To my fellow magical thinkers... Enjoy!

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Jul 3, 2013

I know a lot of IEN haters here will blow their tops off and **** their pants but, here you go..
http://judiciary.house.gov/news/2013/06272013_2.html
and its origin...
Senate OK's sweeping immigration overhaul - MarketWatchead 'em and weep. It would appear that it was sooner, not later.
To my fellow magical thinkers... Enjoy!

What you say is true...however employers are not sponsoring and if they are it is rare and if you have a valued skill/experience.

While the VISA approval, with the new immigration bill just passed (which I am extremely disappointed by with so many naturalized citizens as unemployed nurses), has been increased to 55,000/yr....it will not guarantee you a position or a guaranteed permission to sit for NCLEX. Many states have concurrent stipulations and many more states are following California's example. California has a 47% unemployment rate for nurses especially new grads/inexperienced nurses..

steppybay · Jul 4, 2013

I know a lot of IEN haters here will blow their tops off and **** their pants but, here you go..
http://judiciary.house.gov/news/2013/06272013_2.html
and its origin...
Senate OK's sweeping immigration overhaul - MarketWatchead 'em and weep. It would appear that it was sooner, not later.
To my fellow magical thinkers... Enjoy!

I, too, am from PH, but I beg to differ on your link from the Judiciary House, it does NOT pertain at all to nurses. This law is aimed more for the high tech and science markets and fields. I could be wrong, but maybe you can show us where this includes nurses per se.

The new proposed act is great for those wishing to work for Google, Yahoo, Microsoft, computer industries, internet companies, the electronics world, but nurses are not considered to be highly skilled employees when compared to those that studied under the hard sciences and more technical colleges.