Any advice for fresh foreign BSN graduate?

PaulineJill · Apr 13, 2011

And I would really want to advance and jump start my career through education, possibly through qualifying for scholarships, but with the immigration problems, I really don't know how what should I do first. Knowledge is my passion, but I don't know how to navigate in the complex new system of US education entangled with maintaining a valid status, plus possible part time or full time employment, and hopefully, green card sponsorships. I am up for competition, but I am hesitant because every minute I am scared to be breaking some kind of law, and I want it all to be legitimate. So what should I do to get out of my dilemma?

Please help me.

Silverdragon102, BSN · Apr 13, 2011

Moved to the International forum

Many things come into play, main problem will be finding a employer willing to go through the immigration process with you. Depending on country of birth will depend on whether you are affected by retrogression even after you have completed a masters program and find a employer willing to employ you in that category. Just having a masters will not make it easier to get a GC you need to be in a job that meets that category's requirements EB1 is current for everyone at the moment but you need to be employed in that category to go through AOS and get GC. OPT is applied for just before you graduate and used post graduation but CPT may be an option which allows you to work whilst studying but you really need to talk to your International student advisor

If you are on F1 you can apply to work and it will be restricted however it means you can apply for a SSN

tummyhealer · Apr 13, 2011

Hi! I'm also a Filipina nurse. I will try to answer your question in the best way I could...

I am losing hope for my nursing career future here in the United States. You have gone so far to lose hope.I'm sure you know how many nurses are still in the Philippines that are not even close to getting a passport (that might be an exaggeration :)

I don't know what to do and I feel so stuck. I already earned my Bachelor's degree in the Philippines, and I am already here in Houston through an H4 visa, which I've already changed into F1 non immigrant visa. I would love to take the NCLEX exam, but I fear I can't get my license because I do not have an SS Number. And getting an H1B work visa is very impossible because I have no work experience. I'm not very familiar with the different visas, but I'm guessing your best bet right now is to get done with your NCLEX. Where I work, we have programs for new grads. They train newly graduate nurses for 6-10 months depending on the area that they chose to work in. I'm thinking if you passed the NCLEX, you'll have a better edge of getting a training and then eventually getting a job.

I would love to advance my education and enter a Nursing Masters program, but most require 1 year RN clinical experience, which I can't have because I have no license. You are right most of the school requires work experience and for you to be currently working at with at least so many hours.

And I don't know if my status as a foreigner would allow me to participate in internship. Aside for hospital volunteer work, I just have no concrete and solid idea on what should I do--a game plan, at least-- to gain stability in the profession. Should I acquire certifications, and am I eligible to acquire them, a foreign student? same as post grad school, I think certifications require certain number of years of experience

Should I take the NCLEX already? I would say this will be your best bet...

Can I get into a master's program, and will that give me the edge in getting a green card(as I've heard and read)?Can I qualify for scholarships? Am I eligible for internship programs while taking my master's or whatever? Should I first make sure that my Phil BSN degree is equivalent to US BSN degree? Most school will ask you to have WES validate your school credential and it will let you know what is the equivalent of you Phil degree to US degree (which is most of the time the same)

while taking courses, will I be qualified for an OPT? Oh my God, I really don't know what to do, and I think I'm losing time. And I've applied in houston community college for the fall semester to take prerequisites but have no idea what to take...so please, please, please, can anyone give me any advice in my situation? I'm not really sure if I helped you in any way, but I tried my best. There is a Filipina here that care to her fellow Filipina... I hope that you'll find answers and I will keep you in my prayers. God bless!

chiandre · Apr 30, 2011

hello paulinejill:

the best thing is just start doing something. do not get discouraged! you are in the right profession!

my suggestion is to take the nclex. you may not get a job immediately but at least you will have the license to practice nursing. i like your suggestion about going back to school. depending on your finances, this will be a good idea. however, i suggest finding out if your bsn is equivalent to us bsn. so, start that process immediately.

in nursing, any experience is better than no experience. look for opportunities to practice, do not turn down any nursing job! apply everywhere especially the nursing homes and home health agencies. let them know that you need sponsorship! you never know, somebody may help you that way. if you go back to school, speak to your professors. they may know who can help you.

as long as you have the passion, faith, and desire to be a nurse, you will be okay!

so no more procrastination, just start doing something! all will be well.