Australia to US with Med Pro Staffing?

candabeth · Aug 1, 2013

Hi Booha,

I have not heard of MedPro Nursing before but I'm kind of on the same boat as you. I am also an Australian nurse, just passed the NCLEX and am getting my registration with HI BON. I have recently contacted Cirrus Medical and they have said that they're able to help with the E3 visa. When I spoke with the company's lawyer she said she'd worked with E3 visas for Aussie RNs before and that it wouldn't be a problem. I've also just heard that general RNs don't actually qualify for this visa though- I am very confused! Have you heard anything like it?

booha · Aug 1, 2013

Dear candabeth,

Congratulations in passing the NCLEX! Yep, E3 is the way to do it. I won't say that general RNs won't qualify for the E3. It is just that as far as i know, the E3 is for Australian citizens wishing to work in the US in a specialty occupation. Therefore, the more specific and specialised the occupation the better. For eg, ICU, ER and critical care. If the agency say they can help, then I am sure they have ways to get you sorted. :) Cheers.

candabeth · Aug 2, 2013

Thanks for the info booha! I actually decided to give MedPro a call as well just to keep my options open, they sound pretty decent? I'm waiting to get more info from the company. If they could really help with the visa then I think I'll most probably sign up with them, travel nursing just sounds so amazing.

Btw, have you got your CGFNS visa screen sorted already? If so, how long did it take you to receive the certificate?

booha · Aug 2, 2013

My pleasure. Not yet. I am planning to leave mid-late next year, so lotsa time. Plus, no point doing it now because I am converting my immigration status. Fortunately, the agency is happy to wait for me. Meanwhile, I need to solidify my CV, and maybe do a lil bit of research. As for the agency, I have got no idea. My dealings with them at this point have been pretty decent. However, I have got no other company to compare them with as of yet, and reviews online haven't been forthcoming, hence this thread. If you find any, including any other prospective agencies, please direct them here. :) Cheers.

globetrotterRN · Aug 2, 2013

Just wanted to share what I've learned from doing the travel thing as an international candidate :) It's the recruiter not the agency that makes the difference. You want to make sure that whoever you deal with is up to date with immigration laws and who is willing to fight with the hospitals to get you a contract. (Booha-I'm not sure how you have a contract without your visa screen in place, and not planning on going for several months?) I'm Canadian and my recruiter has gotten a lot of push back from hospitals because I am "internationally trained" and previously didn't have American experience. I spent 3 years working in Australia and I can tell you that nursing there vs in the US is completely different, so be prepared for a massive work culture shock (I know I got one when I started in Sydney!).Also, you guys will need to get American Heart Association BLS/ACLS, the Australian certificates are not accepted by the hospitals here. Good luck :)

booha · Aug 2, 2013

Thanks for the input, globetrotter! I am well aware that the US and Australia both have very difference systems in nursing. I think it would be an awesome experience. Even so, I do agree with you, I WILL have a MASSIVE culture shock. :) As for the visa screen, I can't imagine why I did not apply for it. It has been so long since I started the application process that the reason eludes me now. However, I have taken the CGFNS qualifying exam, accredited by the BON of DC, including passing the NCLEX, and subsequently securing the license. Therefore, satisfying section 343. I may still need a visa screen. In that case, the visa screen expedited service allows me to secure one in 5 days. It is true that it will be some time before I embark on the journey, but I assume it is because I have done most of the legwork that the recruiter is offering me a contract so early on? Most of my peers would be starting from scratch when they contact the recruiter. Furthermore, the contract is with the recruiter instead of the hospital. I imagine that they would have to work hard when the time comes to secure me an assignment. In either case, I am taking this opportunity to absorb as much work experience as I can in my current specialty. I am so looking forward to travelling next year!! :) :) :)

candabeth · Aug 10, 2013

Thanks so much booha and globetrotter for sharing your stories!

A bit of update from me: It took more than a week for MedPro to get back to me that I thought they weren't interested at all. I had an interview with another recruitment company during this time and they quickly offered to sponsor me- however, they also recommended me to apply for a greencard. The company would take care of all the paperwork for me BUT it would cost about $7000 (ouch). They wanted me sign the job offer letter and the employment agreement within a few days- not wanting to lose this precious sponsorship offer, I signed the papers and emailed everything back. And of course MedPro offered me an interview the next day.......

I have also just met a nurse who got the hospital to sponsor her for the greencard and the hospital paid for all the fees involved. It was 10 years ago when she moved over though, most of the hospitals probably don't do that anymore? I have an interview with MedPro next week but just thought I would check with you anyway (so I can withdraw from the other company ASAP if I need to!): Would you by any chance know if MedPro pays for the cost of the greencard?

I am sooo exhausted with this whole process atm! Hope you're doing fab!

booha · Aug 11, 2013

I do not have enough experience in the matter to say, candabeth. I heard rumours and myths that green cards are difficult to get in this day and age, if not impossible, and the application takes forever to process(years even), as you are competing with every hopeful in the world who wants to work and live in the US. If you want to work in the US(and is an Australian), E3 is the only way to go, as we are not eligible for the H1B(unless you are applying for a nurse manager position, or anything higher).

In addition, I am not sure paying them monies is the way to go either. As far as I know, I don't have to pay anything to the company, unless I break the bond. Of course, I had to pay for my own license and the accreditation, etc. I am not sure how the rest works yet, but I am pretty sure I won't have to pay beyond the visa application, which I am happy to anyway. If they require i take any other exams, other than to fulfil sec 343 (the CCRN for instance), I was told that they will pay for it. But $7000? That is quite hefty if you ask me.

Furthermore, I am not sure if you can rescind a contract once you have signed it. As far as I know, most contracts have several restrictions in that regard, as mine does. That is why I still haven't sign mine, but I am more likely to, as so far, I am pretty happy with the answers they have supplied for my over-abundance of questions. All I can say is, don't rush to sign anything. They need you as much as you need them. At the end of the day, only commit when you are entirely comfortable.

Just so you know, I went through Australian Nursing Network(google it), who is their contact here in Australia. They are based in Australia, so if you have any questions, you can call them during our(Australia) business hours. All the best.

candabeth · Aug 13, 2013

Wow, thank you soo so much for sharing all that Booha! This company that I'd signed up with is partnered up with another company, I have just googled them and found this terrifying lawsuit video on them back in Jan this year. I really regret signing up so early I hope it isn't too late to get out of it. Thank goodness that we're having this conversation!!

I will be having an interview with MedPro this evening, will have a good chat with them and explore my options.

Keep in touch and thank you thank you thank you! xo

Chelley01 · Jun 25, 2016

Hi!

I have recently had an interview with Medpro ang thought of signing the contract as well. But before doin so, id like to kno some feedbacks from you guys. How have you been doin so far? Thanks!