Recent grad, International student (on OPT), thinking about nursing school

[neurorecentgrad]

I graduated in May 2016 with a BA in Neuroscience from a college in Indiana.

My OPT is expiring in June 2016. I left the USA in May due to family obligations. I'd love to settle in the USA eventually, as a nurse.

I've been inclined to apply for nursing schools in the USA for a while and here are my concerns.

Some programs (Direct entry masters at Northeastern University in Boston) require students to work 1-2 years after licensure before resuming the graduate portion of school.

Another program I explored was Simmons University (direct entry masters FNP)- Students are advised to work 12-20 hours a week, after obtaining their RN license, while completing the graduate portion.

Those options above sound awesome, and I'm guessing that Simmons options is more 'international student friendly' in the sense that CPT (hopefully) will allow working and studying at Simmons. (I have inquired about Northeastern University by email, however i haven't been able to get clear answers since). But Direct-entry masters are HUGE investments of time and money. If I was was a resident of the U.S, I would rather choose the ABSN, or even RN option.

Given that I have already used my OPT for undergraduate level, I would love to hear from international student nurses about options (Looking into California particularly).

Of course getting a Masters would guarantee an OPT for sho. I'm reading from very old posts about hospitals both willing and unwilling (old posts are mostly warning foreign-born nurses about the unwillingness... but it seems to become more and more positive over the years, but what do I know?)

Going for an ABSN, makes me nervous about not being able to stay after obtaining the BSN.

What is the current climate like for foreign-born, U.S-educated nurses in the U.S ?

Are hospitals still unwilling to sponsor recent graduates?

Who would value international students with U.S degrees/masters willing to stay for sponsorship/immigration? Any hopes there?

Anyone willing to share their experiences?

I'm convinced from so much research that I should be avoiding agencies that pretty much enslave you as a nurse.

Thank you for your response. I would be so so grateful for any advice, help or sharing. These past few months have been a lot of thinking and at times being discouraged. Being a foreigner comes with a huge emotional, financial and mental costs and I hope to clear any misconceptions about the issues. Thank you so much.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Many US citizen DE masters candidates have difficulty securing employment in various areas of the US. Most major metropolitan areas are not seeking inexperienced new grad nurses regardless if the have a diploma, ASN, BSN, or MSN. The major areas are in search of experienced, specialized nurses with 5+ years paid experience in a specialty area such as critical care, NICU, PICU, OR, LDRP. Very few facilities are able to show that they cannot secure a new grad US citizen or permanent resident to gain authorization to go through the cost & time of sponsoring a new grad. Your country of birth will affect your eligibility for sponsorship due to retrogression. Many international nursing students have significant difficulty securing OPT since it takes a lot of time and cost to train, orient and precept an inexperienced new grad nurse. OPT is only for a year so for nursing the cost to benefit ratio is not always favorable.

Impossible? No. But difficult and requiring a lot of work seeking a willing sponsor as well as marketing yourself.

[emily92531]

Hey I'm having very similar situation like yours. I'm working now in lab using my OPT and STEM OPT. And want to go to nursing too! Do you have any updates? I would love to chat with you!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Moved to another forum for more answers.

[neurorecentgrad]

Hi!

after weighing the cost and reflecting about my prospects in the US, I decided to go to nursing school elsewhere. I did have the intention to apply to Simmons (and maybe other schools) back then, but I was enrolled for a diploma program in Canada - and as you probably know, plans just rise and fall through with complicated considerations! I like to think that I should have applied etc... but things happen!

I know i'm not really helpful with this reply - I'm sorry. I do think that on the long run, it is essential that you weigh-in the cost: emotionally, physical and social and your ability to cope with all the stress of the immigration restrictions given any political climate. 5 years in the US has been amazing but just seeing how restricting my opportunities are made me decide for another place. I am sure that any brilliant nurse-wanna-be can excel and get where they want to - its a lot of planning and resources (mental and financial etc)!

let me know if you have any questions! message me anytime! Also, your lab experience might be a great boost!