Foreign Nurse need help to get a job in AZ!!

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Hi everyone,

I have Arizona RN license 2 months ago. I have been applied for more than 70 jobs in AZ, but I have not been considered for any positions:scrying:. I had 2 years ER experience and two years EENT out patient experince from my country in Southeast Asia. I 've lived in phoenix,AZ for 1.6 years. I really need a job :cry:. I would like to know if there any hospital in the valley willing to hire foreign nurses. What should I do to get a job??? I am looking for OR and PACU position. IF I can not find any job, Do you think should I work as LPN????? Please give me suggestions, any advice from all of you will be helpful for me. Thank you.

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Specializes in Advanced Practice, surgery.

Could I just ask do you have a work permit for the US?

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Much will depend on your ability to produce a work permit.

The US is in the deepest recession in 70 years - many of our own citizens are out of work.

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Could I just ask do you have a work permit for the US?

Yes, I recently have green card to work in the US.

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

I think the reason why you have not found a job is not the fact that you are foreign since you obviously have the legal authorization to work here. Unfortunately, jobs are becoming harder to come by even for nurses who are US citizens and legal US residents in some metro areas. Maybe look into areas where most nurses wouldn't dream of applying to such as long-term care, out-patient clinics, home care, etc. In this economy, I would rather take on any job than not having a job at all. Hopefully when things change, the job openings you prefer will be available.

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I think the reason why you have not found a job is not the fact that you are foreign since you obviously have the legal authorization to work here. Unfortunately, jobs are becoming harder to come by even for nurses who are US citizens and legal US residents in some metro areas. Maybe look into areas where most nurses wouldn't dream of applying to such as long-term care, out-patient clinics, home care, etc. In this economy, I would rather take on any job than not having a job at all. Hopefully when things change, the job openings you prefer will be available.

Thanks NP Gilly, I am now looking for any job that I could possibly get. I am little upset to be " Ms. Not selected." for many many positions I have applied for. BTW, I also want to work in the doctor's office , but I have never seen them online. Where can I find them? please

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Specializes in Advanced Practice, surgery.

Moved to the Arizona forums.

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Will do Sharrie, thank you!!

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Speaking from prior HR experience, look closely at your application and make sure you've explained gaps of employment (have you lived in AZ 1.6 years with no work at all?), make sure your references are excellent and can be reached (I've seen applications tossed before because they could not get in touch with any of the references) and I'm assuming you do not have a flagged license? If you do, most hospitals would not consider you.

Now, on the other end, if you're actually making it in to the interview, and then not offered a position, then look closely (or study) on behavioral type interviews. Do you speak clear English also?

And like the poster above mentioned, apply at places other than hospitals, but I would imagine if you have ER experience there would be hospitals that would love to have you.

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Speaking from prior HR experience, look closely at your application and make sure you've explained gaps of employment (have you lived in AZ 1.6 years with no work at all?), make sure your references are excellent and can be reached (I've seen applications tossed before because they could not get in touch with any of the references) and I'm assuming you do not have a flagged license? If you do, most hospitals would not consider you.

Now, on the other end, if you're actually making it in to the interview, and then not offered a position, then look closely (or study) on behavioral type interviews. Do you speak clear English also?

And like the poster above mentioned, apply at places other than hospitals, but I would imagine if you have ER experience there would be hospitals that would love to have you.

thank you for your reply,

Yes, I live in AZ one and a half years with no job at all. I was a nurse in my country for 4 years before I moved here to live with my husband. During that time I've been studied for my NCLEX and my English test. I had to wait for almost a year before I could able to take NCLEX. My speaking is ok and I speak slow to make people understand me. I am now also taking English speaking class.

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Ok, your experience is not in the USA, while this is valuable it doesn't mean the hospitals look at your application as an experienced nurse. Are there new graduate programs available ? My guess is there is nothing open now.

Have you looked at How about nursing homes?

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well, it sounds like you're doing all the right things. I think even though you have experience in another country, some Recruiters may not take that into account and treat you almost like a new grad, so look for those type positions. Also, is your native language Spanish or something else?? I would keep taking the English classes and really market yourself as a bi-lingual nurse on your resume, which should be a big positive, especially for certain positions. Good luck, times are bad for everyone right now, especially new grads, and I really think they may be viewing you just from the time you passed your NCLEX over here.

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