International Nursing

[MB37]

I'm a nursing student and will graduate with my BSN in December 2008. My husband's company is going to be opening an office in Grand Cayman, and he is first on their list of people to send down there. He's already told them that we can't go anywhere until I graduate, but even then - does anyone have experience in finding employment, transfering licenses, etc. abroad as a new graduate nurse? I guess I'd actually have to sit for the NCLEX here first, ASAP after graduation, and then move. What about coming back after working overseas? We'd probably only go for a year, then come back to the states and I'd have to apply for another job here. How do hospitals in the US regard foreign experience? Or if I can't find a nursing job, how do they look at people who have spent a year bartending after they graduated NS? I've been researching Cayman stuff all day, and they only have two hospitals. There are 3 jobs advertised for RNs, and they all ask for experience. I'm actually planning on becoming a CRNA, and I know that I'll have to come back and get my ICU experience in the states, but this opportunity just seems hard to pass up.

[Lizzy6]

Hi there. You will have to take your boards in the states. If you end up leaving without any experience and you want to join your husband, then do it. Just remember to bring your nursing license with you, and your stethoscope. I lived abroad, and also could not obtain a nursing position. However, I signed up with the local Red Cross and became a volunteer. Didn't get paid, but I learned a lot. I had disaster training and performed community work. If you are fortunate you can practice/learn new skills. I would also contact the 2 hospitals you mentioned, sometimes with proper credentials, they will let you volunteer as well, and who knows, they might even have an opening in the future. I lived abroad for 1.5 yrs, and I did not have a problem when I returned to the states in finding a nursing position. Of course, the area I live in is lacking nurses, and still is...but, the recruiters were interested in my resume. I am sure you could obtain a position in med-surg when you return. I would definitely go for it. Best of luck to you!