How to get a nursing job in Puerto Rico as a new grad, intermediate Spanish speaker

[Julie.Bird.Here]

I graduate with my RN this June from Seattle Central in Seattle, Washington. I want to move to Puerto Rico to gain hospital experience and become fluent in Spanish (I have enough to get around now). I am wondering if anyone has tips on how to go about this/ has done it before-- I've been researching online and its been duper difficult to find answers! Should I be looking for a hospital that has a program for new nurses wanting to gain Spanish experience, or should I just apply to the hospitals I find online and dive in with the broken Spanish I already have? Any advice would be much appreciated!

[AbiHabichuelas] :) - I read a post of yours in a similar topic but couldn't actually write you a personal message because I am new to this site... I need a Puerto Rico Nursing Sherpa!!

[resilientnurse]

Are you sure that's what you want to do?

[Jen_Jen88]

Try the VA in Puerto Rico. It is the ONLY hospital I would honestly work in over there

[resilientnurse]

I agree. However, the reality is that it is VERY difficult to get in the VA. There is literally a waiting list of applicants AND it cannot really be done online. You have to physically be present to connect with the nurse recruiter and get your paper application submitted and supporting documents.

You can try Presby or Centro Medico. You still need to apply in person. Plus, you need Spanish even for the VA.

[Jen_Jen88]

Yes its very difficult to get into the VA. Centro Medico is also good compared to the other hospitals and childrens hospital in Bayamon I did a clinical rotation there and loved it.

[Graduation2016]

Are you sure that's what you want to do?

Definitely. I think you could practice your Spanish working in Miami, Orlando, any other Spanish influenced state without having to sacrifice your salary. You make more at Walmart in the US with no schooling than you will make with an ADN or even a BSN in Puerto Rico. Sad but true.