do it your own rather than agency

[cyb_24]

I am a UK nurse with 8 years experience and want to go to US to work. I have passed the nclex and Im taking ielts this month. I'd like to work this myself rather than having an agency in which you're tide up(That's what I thought). I have a good job and some properties in UK and I'm not on a hurry to go to US specially now with some issues about retrogression. Weather, hoping for a better pay,better house, and better education for my children are major reasons for the move. My questions are:

1. IS doing it myself better than having an agency to work on this move?

2. I've seen some adverts that says 35 days paid leave. Is this true is USA?

3. Would I be paid better if I apply direct to the hospital than on agency?

4. Does agency have better access or prioritized more than individuals who applied on there own?

5. Apart from how much you earn, Is this idea of moving to US would give me better time and life for my family?

I think you all get my whole point here. Please if anyone could give me advantages and disadvantages of doing it on my own than agency. Is it worth to move?

[zimsaint]

cyb24, if I was in your position I would definitely use agency. I think it will be easier for you to get in the doors of hospitals this way. Although you may be an experienced nurse many hospitals may be slow to hire an international nurse directly because of the perceived cost in "retraining" and lengthy orientation. However, if you go as an agency nurse you are expected to function independently sooner and the cost of orientation is covered by most agencies (they don't bill the hospital but also usually only pay the nurses half price.)

Another perk is that they find and pay for your housing for you and the salaries are usually good. You can use the agency just to get your feet in many doors. Once you find the facility that you like and would like to go on staff, there are usually options for doing so.

Good luck on your relocation.

[kenny b]

If you don't mind my asking, at what grade level are your children? There are some great schools here (depending on the state and district in which you plan live). There are many schools that are legendary for their ineffectiveness and lack of safety. The best schools seem to be those that require parental involvement as a requirement for continued enrollment, but there are exceptions to every rule. We also have what we call charter schools. These are semi-private schools that operate off of public funds. If you have an idea about where you would like to move (or at least what type of climate/how large a city, etc.) I can do a little research and send out some options.

Regards,

Kenny B.

[cyb_24]

Thank you very much for all your response, Im planning to move to Bakersfield CA since my work place is Delano apparently 30 mins away. Do you know any good places near Delano. What do you think about Delano? DO you know any good primary schools in BAkersfield? Any website about school reviews and good community to live in CA? any good place/community to settle around these areas? I like green and nature, little bit like England, is it possible on these areas? Too much questions isn't it? only if you got any info. Thanks so much