First time looking for a job in the US

[jennyzu]

Hello Everybody,

I am looking for a job as a registered nurse in Seattle area. since it's going to be my first time looking for a job in the US I would really appreciate some good advice.

Some info about me: I am an Israeli RN (and BSN), living in the states for 3 years. we came here with my husband's student visa and I couldn't work. now we are in the middle of Adjustment of status to Green card (family based) and I received an EAD card (work authorization) until I'll have the actual GC in my hands. hurray!!! I can start looking for a job.

I also just transfered my RN license from NY state (which I have made years ago but never used) to WA state by endorsement.

In Israel, I graduated in July 2005 but only started working in June 2006, because I was on bed rest with my eldest daughter.

I worked in the Pediatric Hemato-oncology and bone-marrow transplantation unit for a year. and then quit because I just couldn't stand seeing children dying. I then went to work for a pediatric physician's clinic. I actually was also the administrator in that clinic. I held that job for a year and then we moved to the states. since then I have been a stay at home mom.

Fortunately I am able to work and eager to do so, but have little idea what do I start from:(

I have tons of questions and if you are still reading this long post and still have patience I would love to hear some good advice.

1) I need to find a day shift only job. my husband is going to be traveling a LOT at his job and we don't have any help.

How hard is it to find a good day shift job?

2) I really don't want to go back to the pediatric oncology, but I don't have any other experience. how can I make a switch in my career? I don't have any specific field in mind. I just would really prefer working in Pediatrics. maybe in the ER or the operating room. but really anything except from the pediatric ICU would be great.

3)would the HR consider my 2 years of foreign experience in terms of the salary I am going to get?

4)what am I going to be asked during the interviews? I am going to refresh my knowledge, but still it's not the same after 3 years at home. how are the employers going to react to the fact that I wasn't in the loop for such a long time? also since I have never worked in the US, am I going to get some training before I am going to get thrown in the deep water?

5) Are there any courses I should do before applying for jobs, that can help me get my foot in? I know that I need to do a BLS, but should I also do a PALS certificate now?

6) I really need a job with health care benefits for me and my family, can per diem jobs provide the benefits?

ooohhhh that's a lot of questions, hope someone will be able to provide some answers. and thanks in advance!!!

[roser13, ASN, RN]

I am not from the Seattle area, so cannot answer as to the current nursing employment situation there. However, nationwide, times are rather tough for nurses. You do have experience, which is in your favor if the employer will accept non-US experience.

Yes, of course you will receive orientation before being "thrown into the deep end.":lol2:

Day shift jobs in hospitals are often highly-prized and sometimes must be "earned" by working less-desirable shifts and earning seniority.

"Per diem" positions often pay more per hour than a full- or part-time position with a facility. But the reason that they pay more is because there are no benefits offered.

If I were you, I would sign up for a refresher course at your local hospital or community college. Not only will you "refresh" your skills, but it would serve to acquaint you with the US healthcare model.

[nurse2033, MSN, RN]

If you have a limitation for working days, look for work in doctors (pediatrics) office, day surgery center, GI lab, infusion center, dialysis or whatever. Look into taking a refresher course and any other certs you might need. Your lack of recent experience will make you less attractive compared to others with current experience. Do everything you can to overcome this by boosting your other attributes. Good luck.

[nurse.sandi]

Ideas off the top of my head...yes to pals. It can not hurt. Fill gaps in with education and taking care of your family. If you have experience ...home health is the way to go to get a day shift job. Tell the company what you can offer them that they may not have ie..can you speak two languages? In health care its good to have interpreters and be bilingual. I wish I was biligual. I do not know about the Seattle area so I can not help you there. Remain positive. It will work when its the right fit. At least thats what everyone is telling me.

[jennyzu]

Ideas off the top of my head...yes to pals. It can not hurt. Fill gaps in with education and taking care of your family. If you have experience ...home health is the way to go to get a day shift job. Tell the company what you can offer them that they may not have ie..can you speak two languages? In health care its good to have interpreters and be bilingual. I wish I was biligual. I do not know about the Seattle area so I can not help you there. Remain positive. It will work when its the right fit. At least thats what everyone is telling me.

Thanks!

I actually speak 4 languages (English, Russian, Spanish and Hebrew). What is Home Health? what do nurses do in that position? am I required to have some kind of certification for that?

[jennyzu]

I am not from the Seattle area, so cannot answer as to the current nursing employment situation there. However, nationwide, times are rather tough for nurses. You do have experience, which is in your favor if the employer will accept non-US experience.

Yes, of course you will receive orientation before being "thrown into the deep end.":lol2:

Day shift jobs in hospitals are often highly-prized and sometimes must be "earned" by working less-desirable shifts and earning seniority.

"Per diem" positions often pay more per hour than a full- or part-time position with a facility. But the reason that they pay more is because there are no benefits offered.

If I were you, I would sign up for a refresher course at your local hospital or community college. Not only will you "refresh" your skills, but it would serve to acquaint you with the US healthcare model.

Thanks for the idea of the refreshing course. however, all the courses i looked in to are VERY long (6 months long). and I don't have that time. what if I start doing one online and in the process apply for jobs. stating that I am enrolled in a refreshing course currently? would that help me find a job?

[roser13, ASN, RN]

Thanks for the idea of the refreshing course. however, all the courses i looked in to are VERY long (6 months long). and I don't have that time. what if I start doing one online and in the process apply for jobs. stating that I am enrolled in a refreshing course currently? would that help me find a job?

Again, this is just my opinion. But I'm afraid that you DO have the time. There is a glut of American nurses on the market right now and jobs are very difficult to find. Given your time off from nursing and your lack of familiarity with the US healthcare system, I imagine that a refresher course is an absolute minimum for your hiring success.

As to whether someone will hire you while you are enrolled in the course, I have no idea. I hope that I am wrong and that you find an employer willing to hire you and orient you to the position and to the US.