How did you do in the interviews as a foreign RN?

[my01life]

Hello, I am an ADN RN with a f-1 visa and currently on OPT since Jan 2014.

I have questions for all those foreign RNs who got their first entry level nursing job!

How did you bring up your OPT situation during the interviews?

I feel like bringing up about my OPT ending next year would be a direct turn down factor, but then again I want to be as honest as possible. I still want to appeal myself that I am worth the money that is spent for 8-12 weeks of new-grad orientation.

I had an interview today with a chief clinical officer for med-surge unit. Everything was excellent. That was my very first OFFICIAL job interview in my life and I was prepared.

She was mentioning about the salary and shift of preference. She seemed to be pleased with my resume (NO MEDICAL EXPERIENCE, but good formatted resume)

I did tell them my OPT ends next year, and I wouldn't be able to work after that, until I start Co-Op program with another schooling. In fact, I am pretty sure I will start RN-BSN track right after my OPT expiration, but the school specifies that F1 can start the Co-Op from 2nd semester, which means there would be about 4 month gap of unemployment (No pay period) between OPT expiration date and start date of 2nd semester.

HR of the facility I visited today said they will call me after all the interviews are over or I could call them tomorrow. I am concerned if what I mentioned to them is going to give me no job. Even HR personnel told me the CCO was very impressed with me. But who cares if they know that I will eventually have to quit next year?

Are there any tips for me how to bring up the OPT issue for any interview in the future?

My American friends told me I did good job being an honest person, but at the same time I will NEVER ever get a job as long as I say the same thing in the same manner.

PLEASE share any interview story as a F-1 RN!!!!! Thank you so much!