New grad RN from Canada seeking US work

[aikofaith]

Hi All!

I'm new to this forum and a new grad as well.

I graduated in July 2015 and passed my NCLEX-RN in September. I applied for anything everywhere in Ontario even in far away places like North Bay, Kenora even though it's beyond qualifications...but no luck still. Pretty tough here in Ontario - major hospital in Windsor and Kitchener are cutting RN jobs. Who knows , some settings probably are also cutting RNs, they're just underreported. And each posting I see requires some 2yrs experience with a certification in a specialty, obviously an experienced RN. I'm okay with relocating as long as it's full time and pretty open minded with whatever setting. I needed something full time ---it would give me stable income somehow to sustain myself when I do relocate. I don't have a car and can't take G2 yet. So I could only rely on public transportation.

Though I got 3 interview opportunities, the problem was ...I originally applied for part-time for those but offered on-call instead. One was 3hrs, other was 5hrs, and other was 8hrs away from Toronto. So I did'nt take them. I did, however, received a call from a US recruiter who is interested in finding an employer for me in the US and encouraged me to get started VisaScreen certificate application then I could get the TN visa once I got a job offer. They appear to be interested in me and like to keep in touch (of course they are, they're recruiters). Not sure if I could trust them or what, but we'll see.

I have zero knowledge on this. So, I'm in quite a vulnerable position but would like more information. I haven't started the VisaScreen yet because I want to be as informed as much as possible before doing so and kinda gauge if it's worth the risk/investment.

1. How does applying to US work with a recruiter? Do they help you find residence/housing once you do relocate?

2. Is it harder to apply for job without a recruiter?

3. Is it possible to apply for US RN job as new grad -- or I need some experience for it---which unfortunately I don't have yet? ((((

4. Should I go ahead with the VisaScreen first, or allow them to find me an employer & interview first?

5. Anyone out there with similar experience and can give some thoughts?

6. How is the US job market for new grads anyway these days?

Thanks! I still keep applying in Canada though.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

New grad market is not great. If you cannot drive your options are extremely limited as the areas with strong public transportation have the highest percentages of unemployed new grad nurses. I think your recruiter was not giving you the full story. You don't start with VSC you start by applying for a nursing license by examination as an internationally educated nurse. You most likely won't need to take the NCLEX again as long as CNO passes along your nclex pass results to your chosen board of nursing. As an inexperienced new grade you are going to be hard pressed to find an employer that is willing to pay relocation recorded. Almost no US employer will consider hiring you with out an active nursing license for the state where the job is located.

I would research the credentials and reputation of the recruiter that contacted you first.

[Hoosier_RN, MSN]

This sounds very similar to posts by another poster, Depressed_RN. Name change? Any who, the places that would need you would require you to drive because mostly rural. JustBeachy is exactly right on!

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

This sounds very similar to posts by another poster, Depressed_RN. Name change? Any who, the places that would need you would require you to drive because mostly rural. JustBeachy is exactly right on!

DepressedRN got a job. all hope is not lost.

The areas seeking non US new grads are doing so because many US nurses know better than to work in those areas. Or the areas are remote/rural. Or they are less than stellar conditions such as suboptimal long term care. You will need to be able to drive in those areas. Good public transportation areas like Boston, New York, Philadelphia are over saturated with experienced nurses seeking work never mind the higher unemployment of new grads.

[Simonesays, BSN, RN]

Hi! I agree with what the other posters have said. From the sounds of it you are not a dual citizen, right? Speaking as a Canadian applying for jobs in the US, the process is stressful. It took me about 1.5 years from start to finish- NClex, CGFNS, state license, and visa pre-screen. I had to have all of these elements in place before I could even apply for work here. And although the TN visa is the least complex of the visas to obtain (or so I have been told), I have found the process to be confusing, frustrating, and (currently) extremely stressful. I consulted with an immigration lawyer and still am facing challenges. However, I am doing this process by myself- not with a recruiter.

It might be worthwhile to be persistent in Ontario unless you are really motivated to try nursing in the US. There is something to be said for having friends and family close by for support as you undergo being a new graduate nurse. And I would not discount per diem nursing jobs. That's how I and most of my nursing school friends started too! Often the orientation for FT, PT, and per diem new grads is the same. And then you can start applying as an internal candidate.

Also, keep in mind that the unions in Canada are quite strong (as they are provincial) and you might find nurse to patient ratios more favourable here. I have heard that Ontario is a tough market right now so don't get discouraged. Good luck!

[aikofaith]

No, I'm not a dual citizen. I didn't expect for the processing of yours to be that long so I guess it would be safe to assume that it's going to take awhile for mine as well. I started the visascreen in January this year and so far the only thing that was not submitted yet to cgfns is academic records from my college. It's March now and I cannot believe it takes them this long to fill out a 2-page form and just send the documents overseas when I filed the request in January. I agree, it is so confusing and frustrating. Meanwhile, I still keep applying jobs in Canada and have applied even outside of Ontario.

[PhiliCanuck]

Go. I worked in the US for over 25 years. I loved it. I tell new grads or anyone else if you cannot find a job here in Ontario, go south. New grads take the NCLEX, so you qualify to receive the CGFNS. The CGFNS is a hassle to receive, but once you receive it, it makes it easier for US Immigration to initiate a Visa.