May 27, 2009 - New legislation specifically aimed at ending visa retrogression for RNs was introduced in the United States Congress May 20, 2009. The currently proposed legislation closely mirrors a 2008 proposal that called for RNs to be exempted from any numerical limit on visas until 2012.
While this is only the first of many steps before this Bill becomes law, it is a positive development after many months of no legislative action at all on this issue.
We believe that there are several reasons for cautious optimism that a solution to visa retrogression will be found this year.
Firstly, President Obama appears to be willing to tackle several complex issues at the same time and he has clearly stated that he intendeds to get to work on immigration reforms starting now.
Also, the current legislative proposal had gained significant support in the House of Representatives and the Senate before the elected officials all went campaigning for the fall 2008 federal election. It is very likely that those who supported the measure in 2008 will continue to support the current effort.
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While the current economic downturn has resulted in a sharp reduction in nursing and allied health vacancies for some employers, the facts are that the current economic conditions have not changed the demographic profile of the country and that the medium-long term trends continues to point to an increasing shortage of health care providers.
Specializes in Dialysis, Nephrology & Cosmetic Surgery.
You'd be hard pushed to find a hospital willing to sponsor at the moment as many are laying off staff and some have closed. There is nothing stopping you applying for a license and there is plenty written about how to do this on Allnurses. Things may change in the future but be prepared to expect a long wait, carry on with your career and get as much experience as you can.
Liverpool Jane gave excellent advice, get as much nursing experience as you can, try to specialize in an area where there maybe a shortage, get credentialed by sitting for a nursing specialization exam to prove you are an expert in the field. This will make you more marketable in future.
Situations can change quickly, be prepared become the an excellent nurse. Get advanced education after you have years of experience, many US MSN programs are no online.
2010 jaz arrived back here in america and i'm shocked to find out that the Hospitals are fully stocked and not hiring as much as circa 2004. Where back then hospitals, agencies, recruiters where handing BONUS CASH for accepting a JOB to work for them..........aMAZING how HARD it is now and frustrating it is now for newly graduate, or even any r.n. to get a job. An acute hospital seems impossible at the moment.
Its just unbelievable how times changed here in the states since i've been gone.
Usually it's the specialty positions that also require several years paid experience. But at the sametime seasoned nurses in those fields are being laid off too. It's depending on the area. Right now you should really go with a Plan B and set your sights on another country for the time being and gain some paid experience if you don't have any already. Good Luck
LiverpoolJane
309 Posts
You'd be hard pushed to find a hospital willing to sponsor at the moment as many are laying off staff and some have closed. There is nothing stopping you applying for a license and there is plenty written about how to do this on Allnurses. Things may change in the future but be prepared to expect a long wait, carry on with your career and get as much experience as you can.