Any tips for international nursing students graduating soon in LV?

[morrislam]

To make a long story short, I am an international nursing student about to graduate in LV. I am aware of the fact a regular RN position is not eligible for H1B petition before the USCIS makes any change to the visa policy after the public consultation. Therefore I am looking at specialty positions like ICU, ER or OR where a BSN is normally required.

Still, as a new grad it is not that easy to step into the specialty field as there would be many more exams to be taken, if experience can be less important. So if there is any alien like me who is looking for jobs at LV, or better yet is already working in the city, please let me know if employers are willing to sponsor H1B for a specialty opening.

Excuse my ignorance, if there is something too obvious for me to overlook.

[steppybay]

A bit more information please.....

1). You say you're about to graduate from a nursing program in NV? So assuming that's the case, you will taken your clinicals along with the classroom curriculum, so have you asked your preceptor there? Or spoken with the nursing managers of the different units to gather some support?

2). What's your current citizenship status or visa in hand?

3). Based on your comments, you will receive your BSN from a US nursing program, so you'll not have to get your country's nursing license as part of the NV BON requirement, that's a relief for you. I think, but check with the NV BON for a better answer.

4). Are you looking for a hospital job or a non-hospital position (personal care giver, work in a nursing home, LTC or SNF or ???")?

[morrislam]

Thanks for the reply steppybay.

1. Did ask but no clear answer. I was told that yes they are hiring(but new grads?) though I haven't had a chance to tell them I need visa sponsorship.

2. F-1 and my OPT application is in process now.

3. You are right, and NV does not require me to go back :)

4. Oh well that is a tricky one. I have done some research on whether nurses at non-hospital settings (e.g. LTC) are eligible for H1b petition but there is just too few information for me. Plus many nursing homes in fact do not require a BSN from their employees (red flag). My favorite is definitely the ED in a hospital but hey life is full of twists and turns so I will take whatever opportunity to begin working as a nurse in the US.

[steppybay]

Thanks for the reply steppybay.

1. Did ask but no clear answer. I was told that yes they are hiring(but new grads?) though I haven't had a chance to tell them I need visa sponsorship.

2. F-1 and my OPT application is in process now.

3. You are right, and NV does not require me to go back :)

4. Oh well that is a tricky one. I have done some research on whether nurses at non-hospital settings (e.g. LTC) are eligible for H1b petition but there is just too few information for me. Plus many nursing homes in fact do not require a BSN from their employees (red flag). My favorite is definitely the ED in a hospital but hey life is full of twists and turns so I will take whatever opportunity to begin working as a nurse in the US.

Well, that's up to you whether or not, if you wish to tell them that you do need a visa sponsorship, I'm sure they know that, but if they don't and you're offered a new grad spot, they could reconsider the offer if they know that they must all and any expenses of the sponsorship cost and will make an offer to the next qualified person in line that can immediately start their orientation within a couple of weeks versus waiting for months or years at no cost to them.

It's good though you're starting the other paperwork now.

Yea, I'm not sure if the nursing homes can make themselves qualify for H1B status for the reason you mentioned. With so many ready-to-go new grads and many unable to find hospital jobs, nursing homes at least helps many to start to repay their student loans or for daily living expenses. Unless you find yourself with a teaching hospital that can qualify for H1B petitions.

However, being a new grad, means you'll be lacking the minimum nursing years of experience to qualify for a H1B visa, but I could be wrong.