Help with future

HappyMurse · Aug 4, 2014

I don't know the process of moving to the US with nursing licenses and all, but I wanted to inquire for a second...why Louisiana specifically??? Family? Friends? Because there is nothing here but a bad climate, giant mosquitos, corrupt politicians, poverty, and TONS of bigotry and ignorance. I was born and raised here, and I can't wait to get away.

TheBlackDogWaits · Aug 4, 2014

Hi, Slade... first thing's first: Congrats on your decision to branch out! I think it's great that you definitely know where you want to be...If I were you, I might first contact the Louisiana State Board of Nursing to find out what the state requirements are for international professionals.

http://www.lsbn.state.la.us/

On this website, I was able to find this, which outlines international requirements for licensure (see Section A: 3., c.):

http://www.lsbn.state.la.us/Portals/1/Documents/forms/rnendorsementapplication.pdf

They should be able to tell you step-by-step what you need to do. From there, you can start worrying about getting licensed, so you can find a job and start worrying about getting a work visa, etc.

Also, I would start researching local facilities here that interest you; perhaps they might have some sort of onboarding program for international professionals and would be willing to hire you and help you through the process if you have the credentials. Although this option is probably unlikely, it never hurts to do your research. Ochsner Health System is a leading southeastern regional organization that might appreciate your diversity.

Home | Ochsner Health System | New Orleans, LA

Good luck!!!

Swgfan · Aug 9, 2014

Louisiana is an Awesome choice!! We have one of the most diverse and rich cultures of any state. Our Cajun food/cuisine is legendary and we have French, Spanish and Creole roots. Louisiana is known as the Sportsman's paradise because we have so many opportunities for fishing, hunting, boating, and many other outdoor activities. There are numerous land preserves throughout the state where you can go biking, hiking, ATV riding, etc. The Bayous and swamps are really beautiful and there is always something to see along the banks like deer, beaver, otters, ducks, alligators and more.

We have long summers and usually mild winters compared to a lot of Northern states. This is good because here in Louisiana we have a lot of festivals, fairs, and public celebrations throughout our summer. Here near central/middle Louisiana we have the Pecan Festival, Cochon De lait Festiva(Pig Roast), Corn Festival, Smoked meat Festival, several Crawfish Festivals, and in other parts of the state we have: Blues Festival, Arts and Craft Fairs, Taste of Louisiana, Zydeco Festival, New Orleans Jazz festival, Festival of Lights in Natchitoches(one of the oldest cities in Louisiana), and soooo many more.

We have over 400 Festivals making us the Festival Capitol of America!! You will never find yourself bored if your an active person :)

Now let me tell you the bad about Louisiana to be honest with you. In the summer we have humidity that makes the air feel a bit sticky on your skin. If your used to being outdoors a lot it probably won't bother you. If your a little overweight it can make you feel a lot hotter than it is.

Also, Louisiana typically has lower pay/salaries than a lot of other states because we have had some poor Government over the years. However, it is also cheaper to buy a house here or land than a lot of other places. I know firsthand because I have traveled extensively throughout the United States. My previous job made me travel everyday for 7 years and I have lived in Houston Texas, Chicago, Illinois, Memphis Tennessee, and Waycross Georgia. An acre of land here in Louisiana is about $10-15 thousand dollars in my area. About $20,000 a little farther North. Typical houses range from $65,000 in the country to $100-150 thousand in the city. My house cost $65,000 and it is a nice 3 bedroom brick home with an acre of land. The backyard is fenced and I live on a dead end street. We did buy it off a foreclosure list from the bank so it would of cost about $89,000 if you bought it from a realtor.

We have 2 big local hospitals here, a women's hospital and lots and lots of doctors offices, nursing homes etc. The one hospital starts new grad nurses out at $22.10 per hour, $3 extra for nights and 15% extra for weekends. The other hospital I just found out is paying $22.25 per hour, $3 extra a night, and $3 extra on the weekend. After 3 months on the job they will let you sign a contract to agree to work all weekends for 6 months and they give you an extra $4 an hour on top of everything.(so you'd make $32.25 an hour if you work weekends). I think you also get a $2 raise after 6 months there so in 6 months if you work weekends you'd make $34.25 and that is if your just a new grad!! In Louisiana that is considered good money especially for the area I live in.

I used to date a girl from Scotland who went to St. Andrews University. She loved Louisiana and Texas too, so I think you'd love it as well. I got 2 extra rooms and if you move here I'd be glad to have you stay here while you get a job and find you a place to live. I live right on the edge of Alexandria, Louisiana. Cabrini Hospital and Rapides General Hospital hire a lot of nurses.

PM me if you want to talk about possibly staying here when you come to the states. Me and my wife are just country people and we are not too crazy!!

Here is a website that talks about how to go from the UK to the USA as a nurse: Nursing in the USA