International Student

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Hello everyone,

My name is Vy Nguyen ( pronounce like letter ''V'' :) ).

I was a exchange student in OKlahoma last year and I am back to my home country now(which is Vietnam). I still admire the US curriculum and want to head back there to further my study. So here is what I have in mind:

I have known that Nursing is a prestigious career and it also has many benefits. I am doing research on LPN and RN, I am also thinking about BSn but probably not for a while because the Universities in the US charges International Students like us with very high cost, one that my family cannot afford. So I am thinking about going to nursing school, get a job and save up money for my Bachelor :)

I have two options: 1/My host family in Oklahoma introduced this vol-tech for me, the tuition is fairly acceptable and I can stay with them. That means I dont have to worry about room and board. The program is LPN. Is it easy to find a job with LPN? I have done some research but I didnt find what I am expecting..

2/ My family can squeeze out a little more so that I can go to a Community College, this for sure will cost me a lot more but the program is RN.

Is there any comments and ideas? I would appriciate all of them and thanks in advance.

Thank you so very much and I am looking forward to your reply.

Sincerely Yours,

Vy Nguyen

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Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.

If you mean to work in the US, you need to make sure you are eligible to do so. Check out the international nursing forum on this site.

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Thanks though, I know that if I want to work in the US, I will have to have a sponsor and other requirements but I really dont know what I should start first. LPN... RN... I heard that it's hard for LPN to find jobs, is that true? (to those who are LPN, pls dont take this personal)

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Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.

I doubt you'd have much trouble finding an LPN job in nursing homes and such. Not as many hospitals hiring LPNs as there used to be, though.

You'll make a lot more money as an RN.

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Specializes in Nursing Home ,Dementia Care,Neurology..

Moved to International for more input.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

LPN will not meet immigration requirements for the USA there is no 'shortage' you have to be RN. Also be aware that the US is under retrogression and will take you several years at the moment to be able to get a work visa and stay in the US. Doesn't matter if you trained in the US you will be affected. I strongly suggest a good read in this forum

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Be aware that the two year ADN is only accepted for the green card, you are looking at more than five years in many cases for a chance at a green card and with no guarantee that you will be able to remain in the US.

If no visas are available in the US, you need to be aware of the fact that the majority of other countries will not accept the two year ADN for immigration so you will not be able to work in most other countries while waiting.

I would honestly go for training in your country and get your RN there, it does meet the requirements in the US, provided that you have good English skills and since you have gone to school here, this should not be a problem for you. You can then be working while you are waiting for a visa once your training is done.

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I didnt speak about my status, it's pretty odd :(

I was an exchange student in the US last year in 11th grade. When I come back to my country, I would have to retake a year in order to graduate in a Vietnamese high school. For time and money reasons, I took the GED (I cant enroll in a Vietnamese university over here with a GED)and that's why I am thinking about taking nursing. I am planning on maybe getting a job, working for a while, save up some money and move on to a Bachelor degree. Some private colleges do offer financial aid but they are very limited and very very competitive. I know it is harder a lot than just saying here....But, is there any help?

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
I didnt speak about my status, it's pretty odd :(

I was an exchange student in the US last year in 11th grade. When I come back to my country, I would have to retake a year in order to graduate in a Vietnamese high school. For time and money reasons, I took the GED (I cant enroll in a Vietnamese university over here with a GED)and that's why I am thinking about taking nursing. I am planning on maybe getting a job, working for a while, save up some money and move on to a Bachelor degree. Some private colleges do offer financial aid but they are very limited and very very competitive. I know it is harder a lot than just saying here....But, is there any help?

With the current situation in the US if you need a visa to work then once you have completed your nurse training you will not be able to stay in the US and work. Just isn't gong to happen. What ever training you do will be expensive

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