RN(less than a year experience) trying to become NP

[soljhs, BSN, RN]

So, I really need honest opinion here.

I am an RN and my career stopped in 2017 due to Visa expiration in the States. Haven't been in field ever since then. I still got no valid status which holds me back going back to the States. The only way I can connect to nursing again right now is to go to graduate school and I'm interested in becoming a NP. However, I have this fear that I stopped nursing from 2017 till now and also I only have 7-8 months of experience in total as RN. I have to know in advance that will I be ever be hired after I graduate? If employer is not going to hire someone who has lack of experience like I do, I honestly just dont even want to start in the first place. I just heard from several people that it takes years to find a job when you dont have enough experience. And those people were also just NP students. And I AM FULLY AWARE THAT more RN experiences, the better chance you have. My question is, with lack of experience, do you still get hired? I need to hear first hand experience. And plz don't comment if you don't know so well either. Dont need any BS at this time. Gotta make decision asap. So.. Thx in advance.

[thinbluelineRN, MSN, NP]

Ok so let me see if I have this right, you are currently not a permanent resident or citizen of the US but want to practice in the States? I'm not a lawyer but first I would find out if you can even qualify to get a NP certification under whatever visa category you are going to come to the States. An F1 or J1 visa does not give you authority to apply for a RN license/NP Cert but again l'd check because laws keep changing everyday.

As for finding a job, the market in several states is saturated and it just depends where you are looking for a job. You may find something in a rural/remote area in primary care where the patient demand is high and no one wants to practice.....it just depends on geography and sheer luck.

Thirdly NP school is expensive and most places nearly don't pay enough , so please find out first if you will be able to practice in the US before you jump into it.

[verene, MSN]

Are you able to come to the U.S. on a working visa instead to gain additional RN experience? Are you able to work as an RN in your home country while working towards visa requirements? Would NP education be transferable to your home country if you are not able to remain in the U.S. long-term?

You are going to need to look into visa requirements. While it may be possible to get an F-1 or F-2 visa to study in the U.S. these are again both TEMPORARY visas and you need to declare intent to return to home country after completing studies. Additionally there is need to show ability to cover all costs of education and living expenses during duration of study and you may not be able to work in the U.S. under these requirements which could limit your ability to complete NP program - as most have some degree of expectation of working as an RN while in program (or having previously completed a number of RN working hours prior to entry).

Additionally many NP programs make residency status AND active RN license requirements of acceptance into the program - and may not offer visa sponsorship at all.

You are correct that it may be much more difficult to gain employment/work visa with out experience and it may be to your advantage to gain as much experience in your home country as you can if exploring this route.

[db2xs]

It goes without saying that if you want to live and work in the United States but you're not legally allowed to anymore, then you should consider starting there.

Now that we've gotten that out of the way, I know several NPs who were never RNs, ever, and were able to get jobs after they graduated. But it sounds like their situations are different than yours.