good agencies

You might find an agency with a good track record but I seriously doubt any agency will be fast. Why not do it yourself? What do you need an agency for? Go for it! A good place to start is the International Nursing forum. Good stickies there. Geena

Thanks for your replies. We have decided to go with OGP and im just at the first interview stage, early days with a lot to think about.

regards Gods

gods,

Did you do a good research? You sure?

Hi Geena,

We haven't researched the do it youself avenue. My husband and I discussed it and we thought it would be safer to go with an agency. Would it not be complicated doing it yourself?

Regards Gods

It is not complicated to do it on your own. I discussed with agencies before I decided not to join. They'd like you to think everything is so complex you could not possibly manage youself. This is not true. If you can afford the application fees and the examination fees - it is worthwhile doing it yourself.

Going solo gives you autonomy. You have a selection of employers and you choose where you will be working and what kind of a contract you will be signing. There's a lot out there at the moment. No free greencard. The agencies are all in the business of making money on you. Of course.

When applying, you will not be depending on the agency to submit documents on your behalf and actually have control of your application process. Sad stories on the international forum again.

You will not be paying any fees for the agency. None of them do it for free and some are asking for USD 16 000 as a bond. This is what you owe them if you want to get out of the contract. We'd all like to think it's going to be a lovely place where we will be working and of course we'll honor the contract. Not a given. You might want to change for some reason. Dysfunctional working environment? Change in life situation? Many reasons I could think of.

My advise. Apply to a board of nursing for a license. Study for the NCLEX and write the exam. Get your license. This is all very manageable.

At this stage if you still think an agency will give you a better deal than a direct hire, you can take ot but it is your choice.

A lot of help available on the international forum. In fact I think this post definitely belongs there!

Cheers, Geena

Hi Geena,

Today we have been doing are research on going it alone, and already we have descovered quite alot of information. Your right it's not as complicated as we first thought it would be. We are just abit confused though about the fingerprinting, do we obtain that from our local police station? Still have alot to read through and lots of application forms to fill in.

What part of California do you live and work in? We would like to relocate in the san dieago county, maybe Carlsbad or Oceanside. Other areas we would have to look thenm up. Accomodation and schools would play a big part in where we settle. Thank again for your help and for highlighting the do it youself option.

Kind regard

gods

I think you have made a wise choice. A lot of important info on the International Nursing forum. Have a read - especially the initial licensing issues if California is where you wish to work.

We're there - don't hesitate to ask. Cheers!