Dixie9

Hi grantsally1, yeah, thanks for great reply. In answer to your ques. re NCLEX, I sat it first in Florida, failed by 2 marks, then returned to California, where successfully passed. I did the travel, application etc on my own. At the time, there were agencies around to assist, but then you were committed to the agency. This was way back in the early 90's. I did get a lot of brick walls along the way, as you describe yourself. Study wise, I used books from unis in Sydney, as I was at the time working as a clinical facilitator, and so had access. I might add, the text books, I think "Saunders", were very dated. I did untold revision using mainly question/answers. with rationale. The main principle I remember from the whole exam and fact craming process, is to think idealistically as a US RN, which is difficult if one has not lived or worked there.. A lot of the wordage of questions are culturally biased, and, as having the best possible senario at hand. I hope this is not too confusing... I continue to work in the clinic setting back in oz. Any more queries, I'd love to be on hand. I also had a young family, while'st in US. Wonderful work experience and great colleagues, who I still keep contact with...let me know how things go, ok.

Hi grantsally 1, I also am persuing the E3 visa avenue. I have worked as RN in NY and CA for 2 years each duration, only left due to mother and husband dying respectively, and so returned to aust. on each occasion. I have a BA non related to nursing, which I might add added $20.00 per week to my pay packet at Mt Sinai Hosp. 15 years ago. I still have current CA, RN licence, visa screen & SS #. In both the hospitals, I left on good terms. Despite this, any job applications in the US, (at my previous employers) are put into the "save for another time" file. It would be great to get a bite, but understandedly local talent has pecedence. stay optimistic...

I worked for 2 years at Mt. Sinai NY 15 years ago in the psych dept. also doing extra shifts on post natal. I thought that it was a great hospital to work for and enjoyed the shifts. In fact , would love to work there again, have been applying for positions online, with no success....good luck.

thanks silverdragon , monty and ghillbert..all really helpful stuff. Yeah, I guesss it depends on supply and demand. I think I will go the E-3 route. After getting H1A in 90's and GC in 20's , I'm willing to wait for a better job market...I have no choice. Hopefully due to retireing RNs and the new health bill ( if eventuates) will boost demand for experienced RNs ...cheers

Hi all, I am wondering whether any hospitals in CA recruit overseas RN's. I have worked as an RN, (total 4 years) both in NY and SFO at Kaiser, who were wonderful employers. Total RN experience is 25 years.I had greencard, but it was removed from me due to non usage, I presently live in Australia. I was looking into the E-3, or H1A visa. I returned to OZ, as my husband died suddenly in the States, and I had a young family. I realise that US hospitals have much local nursing talent to choose from, in these present economic times. cheers..