Foreign BSN getting started

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Hi everyone,

I am a Spanish nurse who moved to the States seeking for a job. I have a NJ RN license, and a temporary CT RN license. In addition , i have a BCSL and ACLS courses. I also have a Master's degree in Critical Care and i would like to know how and where to start looking for a job in CT . I find this process quit overwhelming at times and i would appreciate some help/advice/guidance through all this process.

My goal is to work in critical care, i am aware that having no experience in the field, that will be very hard/impossible at this moment, but i just want to get a job(not a per diem job/travel nurse job). I don't need any visa since i was born in the States.

Thanks everyone for your help

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Start applying? Not requiring visa sponsorship will be to your advantage.

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Start applying? Not requiring visa sponsorship will be to your advantage.

The problem is that although i speak several languages, i don't have much experience(

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

You will never get a job if you don't apply. It's tough and you will have to send out hundreds of applications, but not impossible. Perhaps cast a wider net instead of only focusing on critical care, consider long term acute care hospitals (LTACH) which are long term ICUs.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

How can you have a masters degree in critical care and no experience? Just curious.

And yes, the way to find a job is to start applying. If you're bi-lingual (and I understand the difference in European Spanish and 'American' Spanish) you should stand out as an applicant.

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Specializes in Home Care.

Get your foot in the door somewhere so you are working as a nurse and building your resume.

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I don't have 'real' experience. During the master's i did have to go through a practium, but i don't have any experience after that. And yes, there is a difference between 'American' Spanish and 'European' Spanish, but i understand both since we have to study them at school.Also speak portuguese.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Want a real edge? Look at getting certified as a medical interpreter for Spanish and Portuguese. RN + certified medical interpreter/translator can give you the bump over the inexperienced part. Current JC recommendations are to use qualified medical interpreters/translators rather than lay or family translators in any clinical setting.

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