American Traveler

NedRN · Jun 14, 2013

Immigration specialist? What is your status?

Travel_Lusting · Jun 14, 2013

Canadian RN. Just issue TN visa screen certificate yesterday.

NurseRies, BSN, RN · Jun 14, 2013

Canadian RN. Just issue TN visa screen certificate yesterday.

I have talked with American traveler. They seem nice but limited jobs for dialysis nurses. Check inbox.

Travel_Lusting · Jun 16, 2013

Anyone have any experiences working with this company?

NedRN · Jun 17, 2013

Canadian RN. Just issue TN visa screen certificate yesterday.

Does that certificate allow you to work for any agency without being locked in? If so, why not shop around? Having a Plan B and a Plan C is always best. Signing up with three to five agencies covers your butt when one of them lets you down before, during, or after an assignment.

Travel_Lusting · Jun 17, 2013

Hi Ned,

I can work for any agency. I've done some shopping around and I would have preferred to go with a smaller agency but they tend not to have immigration consultants. For the first few assignments at least I would like to have someone to contact if I have any trouble with visa issues. Was looking at NurseRx originally but was warned to stay away from them . . . and I can see why. So, if you have any recommendations on any of the bigger companies with immigration specialists, I'd be happy to hear. Many thanks.

NedRN · Jun 17, 2013

As you can tell from my question, I don't know very much about Canadian nurses coming here. Nor about the best agencies. You might try PHP. They have had a section in the past recruit foreign nurses on a large scale and have a pretty good reputation for US travelers.

You might also try the Canadian or International nursing forums on Allnurses. Both have similar questions posted from time to time and you might find some real help.

ukjenn231 · Jun 19, 2013

I worked with American Traveler for one assignment, my first. My experience was mixed. I like my recruiter (I don't think she works there anymore) and she got me the location I desired for the pay I needed.

However, when I got dumped on and put in a bad situation that I had never been told would be expected (specifically, I was to be the only RN on a unit supervising LPNs, which included signing all of their charts, speaking with drs about their patients, and giving all IV meds). I was at the same time expected to have 5-6 of my own vented, total care patients. I called the "nurse liasion" who was as unhelpful as possible. Her reply was, "Oh, you can trust LPNs, they are great!" I will say my recruiter called me the following Monday (this happened on a weekend) and did send a message to the DON to convey my concern, but I was still assigned to "supervise" the LPNs after that.

I was excited about the housing at first because I got a 2 bedroom. But, the condition of the complex and amenities was a lot poorer than I have since experienced. The second day I lived there the apartment next door was broken into, and American Traveler's housing didn't offer to make a change when I complained about it.

And finally, when it was time to get a new contract, they were unable to find anything for more, tried to convince me to extend even though I was blatantly clear that I was not interested. Then, my recruiter called me one day and said, "oh yay, I found something for you!" This hospital she was referring to, she herself had told me NOT to apply to when I was first looking to travel because it was so awful. I called her out on it.

So... I would say, I think there has to be better out there but it did get me a fun summer in Florida with decent pay, so I can't say it was a total wash.

danisweetcheeks · Jun 22, 2013

why do you need to have an immigration consultant?

Travel_Lusting · Jun 23, 2013

I may not need a consultant, but it seems that any of the recruiters I've spoken with do not know much about Canadian nurses traveling in the US and the requirements for licensure in different states of international nurses. I have spoken with an immigration consultant from nursesRx several times who has been much help. Unfortunately, the recruiter at nursesRx was no help at all. I am looking for a company that can help guide me through the process. I guess an immigration consultant isn't necessary but would certainly be a bonus. If you can make any recommendations on companies, it would be appreciated.