From Training to Visa & Job Offer: How Bikia Helps Foreign Nurses

As a foreign nurse dreaming of working abroad, my journey to pursue a career in the United States was fraught with challenges. I faced the daunting task of navigating complex licensing requirements, preparing for the NCLEX exam, and understanding the intricate visa application process. On top of that, I had to ensure my credentials were recognized and figure out how to adapt to a new culture and healthcare system. The process was overwhelming, and I often felt lost and unsupported. 

That's when I discovered Bikia Health. Their comprehensive support helped me prepare thoroughly for the NCLEX, they took care of the entire visa process, and ultimately placed me with a top healthcare employer in the U.S. It is extremely important to be well-advised as I was, and confident every step of the way, to turn a stressful journey into a smooth transition.

Company Overview

Bikia bridges the gap between international nurses and U.S. healthcare employers. Their mission is to simplify the journey for nurses from countries like Mexico and Canada by providing comprehensive support in training, visa processes, job placements and career growth. This support is crucial for ensuring that nurses are well-prepared and confident as they transition to the U.S. healthcare system.

Bikia leverages an intelligent platform to match nurses with potential employers, with the difference that they focus on the nurses first. Employers must apply to a nurse's profile and not the other way around. This helps nurses have better and multiple offers to pick from, before they make the decision of working in the USA. In this process, Bikia also offers training programs for English and National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) exams, which are crucial for working as a US nurse.

With a simple application process, nurses can create their profile and upload all necessary documents to start a credentialing procedure. This way, they can be prepared beforehand, once they receive a job offer. Bikia takes care of the whole visa application at no cost, and works with a nurse community to help new clients have a smooth landing to their new life. 

Challenges for a Foreign Nurse to Get a Job in the US

Despite the demand for nurses in the U.S., foreign nurses face several challenges in securing employment:

• Licensing Requirements: Each state has its own licensing requirements, and passing the NCLEX exam is mandatory. Understanding and meeting these requirements can be complex.
• Visa Complications: The visa application process can be lengthy and complicated, with strict deadlines and documentation requirements.
• Cultural and Language Barriers: Adapting to a new culture and potentially overcoming language barriers can be challenging. Effective communication is critical in healthcare, and cultural differences can affect this.
• Recognition of Credentials: Ensuring that foreign nursing credentials are recognized and valued by U.S. employers is another hurdle.

Pros of Getting Help with Bikia

One of the standout features of Bikia is their dedication to personalized support. Here are some of the key benefits of working with Bikia:

1. Comprehensive Training: Bikia offers extensive training programs tailored to meet U.S. healthcare standards. This ensures that nurses are well-prepared for the NCLEX exam and can confidently integrate into their new work environment.
2. Visa Assistance: Navigating the visa process can be daunting, but Bikia takes care of the whole process free of charge. Just by uploading all necessary documents to your profile, they assist with all the paperwork, ensuring that applications are complete and submitted correctly.
3. Job Placement: Bikia has strong partnerships with numerous healthcare facilities across the U.S. They help match nurses with employers that fit their skills and career goals, with a nurse first approach. Institutions apply for the nurses and not the other way around, providing a seamless transition into the workforce.
4. Cultural Support: Moving to a new country involves cultural adjustments. Bikia offers resources and support to help nurses acclimate to life in the U.S., making the transition smoother both professionally and personally. 
5. Network of Support: The importance of community is a huge factor in having quality life in a new country. Bikia fosters a network of nurses who can share experiences, offer support, and provide guidance to one another, offer assistance and insights from nurses for nurses around the world.

Cons of Getting Help with Bikia 

Nevertheless, there are certain negative factors to consider when seeking help from an external company in this process:

1. Document Sharing: To start the process with Bikia's help, you would need to share certain information with their team. Documents like passport, university diploma, professional license and CV are some of the documents that will need to be uploaded to advance with the credentialing process.
2. Fast Pace Process: With an ally like Bikia, you may be moving to the USA faster than you anticipated. Because of this, you will have to organize different factors rapidly, and be prepared to make the transition to your new job.  
3. Continuous Education: Bikia's program is designed for continuous growth and career acceleration. In some cases you will need to complete training programs in your current countries or once you reach the USA, to get better deals and job opportunities.

Process of Application

Bikia streamlines the application process for international nurses through their career enhancement platform, the following steps:

• User Creation: Nurses have to create a profile in Bikia's platform, answering a short series of questions to guide their profile.   
• Initial Consultation: Nurses continue with an initial consultation to assess their qualifications and career goals.
• Credential Evaluation: Bikia assists in evaluating and verifying nursing credentials to ensure they meet U.S. standards.
• Training Programs: Nurses undergo targeted training programs to prepare for the NCLEX exam and to meet state-specific licensing requirements.
• Matchmaking Process: Bikia connects potential employers with each nurse's profile and accepts applications for each candidate. Once a nurse receives a potential job offer, they will start the Visa application process.
• Visa Application: Bikia's team of experts guides nurses through the entire visa application process, ensuring all necessary documentation is accurate and complete.
• Job Placement: Once licensed, Bikia helps nurses find suitable job placements by matching them with healthcare employers in need of their skills.
• Ongoing Support: Bikia provides ongoing support, helping nurses adjust to their new roles and environments in the U.S.

Top States to Work as a Foreign Nurse

When considering where to work in the U.S., it's important to evaluate both salary potential and work-life balance. Here are some top states for foreign nurses:

1. California: Known for high salaries (average annual salary of around $120,000) and a high demand for nurses, California also offers a diverse cultural environment.
2. Texas: With an average salary of $75,000, Texas provides a lower cost of living and a growing healthcare industry.
3. New York: Offers competitive salaries (average around $85,000) and a vibrant city life, though the cost of living is higher.
4. Florida: Attractive for its warm climate and relatively lower cost of living, with average salaries around $70,000.
5. Minnesota: Known for its high quality of life and excellent healthcare facilities, with average salaries around $80,000.

It is important to educate yourself about different opportunities and benefits in each state. Having a potential ally helps you navigate different situations and close better deals.

Timeframes and Recommendations from an RN

Based on my experience and that of other nurses, here are some key recommendations:

• Start Early: Begin the application and credential evaluation process as early as possible. It can take several months to complete all steps.
• Stay Organized: Keep all your documentation organized and stay on top of deadlines, especially for visa applications. 
• Utilize Support Networks: Engage with support networks and community resources. Sharing experiences and advice can be incredibly beneficial.
• Be Patient and Persistent: The process can be lengthy and sometimes frustrating, but persistence and patience are key.
• Stay Informed: Regularly check for updates on visa policies and licensing requirements as they can change.

In conclusion, Bikia offers invaluable support for international nurses aspiring to work in the U.S. Their comprehensive services and dedicated support make the transition smoother, enabling nurses to focus on what they do best—providing excellent care to patients. As someone who has navigated this process, I highly recommend Bikia Health to fellow nurses from Mexico, Canada, Foreign U.S. nurses and beyond.