What's the next step for a foreign grad nurse after passing NCLEX-RN?

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Jan 28, 2010

1. i know i need to obtain licensure through endorsement for these states. i have no experience in working as a nurse and it has been over 5 years since i graduated. i read somewhere that i might need to take a refresher course but i need more details on this one.

even recent grads are having a hard time finding employment as a new grad rn. it's been ages since you graduated nursing school and that's not working in your favor. refresher courses are usually offered through local community colleges. you may also take some classes towards your ceus as their information is current. make sure that you take your bls, and in some cases your acls.

2. does anybody here know which hospitals in the states i mentioned offer sponsorship for foreign nurses? btw, i am from the philippines

if you're in the states already why would you need sponsorship? what visa are you currently on?

3. does one still need a visa if your hospital files an immigrant petition on your behalf? i am quite confused as to how this works.

most hospitals aren't even hiring new grads, so there's no reason to petition a foreign new grad as that would cost more.

anymore questions regarding immigration i would highly suggest speaking with an immigration lawyer. there are many places that offer free consultation and they're your best bet for any questions regarding immigration. good luck

Silverdragon102, BSN · Jan 28, 2010

If you require a visa to stay and this is indicated because you are asking about hospitals that sponsor then you have to think about retrogression and you can not stay and AOS at the moment, doesn't matter if you find a employer willing to petition you, you will still have to leave. There are many many people already in the queue ahead of you.

Suggest a good read in this forum on retrogression as you will be affected.

allnurses Guide · Jan 29, 2010

- You do not need to apply for endorsement, because you do not have a license to endorse, do you, if you applied via CA? If not, you apply for licensure by exam in the state you intend to work, and then just get NCLEX results sent from CA for $60. You need a SSN to get the actual CA license issued, which you could have endorsed.

- An immigrant petition leads to a visa. The permanent resident, or "green card" visa. If you are a 5yr-post-grad with no experience, I would be **very** surprised if anyone would pay the costs associated to sponsor you, considering new grads are not in demand right now.

- Any hospital could petition for a foreign worker, but there would have to be some reason they want you and are prepared to pay the money eg. you are a specialist. Noone has a list of hospitals that are willing to sponsor people.

- On what basis are you in the US currently? You may not change status so if you are on a tourist visa, you will have to leave the states until you are able to apply for a work-authorized visa.

badbach66 · Feb 1, 2010

So here's another stop in my Journey to become a registered nurse...I've gone through the first step which is passing the NCLEX-RN (hoping the next steps will be a lot easier). What do I do now? I have applied for licensure in CA and have gotten my license no. but I am residing in MN. The top 3 states I am considering to work in are MN, IL & AZ.
Here's what I need your guidance for (this forum has helped me in so many ways, I think it's better to hear it straight from my fellow nurses than calling some organizations' phones and get a "NO IDEA" kind of response on how to answer my questions):
1. I know I need to obtain Licensure through Endorsement for these States. I have no experience in working as a nurse and it has been over 5 years since I graduated. I read somewhere that I might need to take a refresher course but I need more details on this one.
2. Does anybody here know which hospitals in the States I mentioned offer sponsorship for foreign nurses? btw, I am from the Philippines
3. Does one still need a Visa if your hospital files an immigrant petition on your behalf? I am quite confused as to how this works.
Thanks so much for any info you can share with me...
stuck here
p.s. right now I am reviewing for the TOEFL as I know this will be required of me someday. can anyone tell me if I would need to take courses on Basic Life Support and IV Therapy?

You're in MN right? And you don't have a visa?

Journey2RN · Feb 1, 2010

Hi, all! Sorry for not stating in my previous post that I am staying here in the US on spousal visa but I am not allowed to work yet thus my need for sponsorship. I have also just gotten my license card last week so now I am in the process of looking on working in a hospital. I wasn't just sure about what kind of visa they give nurses these days so thanks, all for the insight!

itsmejuli · Feb 1, 2010

If you're here on spousal visa and waiting for a green card, then you should contact immigration to see if you can hold 2 different visas.

allnurses Guide · Feb 1, 2010

Hi, all! Sorry for not stating in my previous post that I am staying here in the US on spousal visa but I am not allowed to work yet thus my need for sponsorship. I have also just gotten my license card last week so now I am in the process of looking on working in a hospital. I wasn't just sure about what kind of visa they give nurses these days so thanks, all for the insight!

That would be a ridiculous way to try and do things. If you are on a "spousal visa" (what visa class?) then you should be able to get an EAD to work, unless it's a H4, etc. Exactly what visa is it? Is your spouse a US citizen?

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Feb 1, 2010

H4 or K1?

Silverdragon102, BSN · Feb 1, 2010

Have to agree a lot will depend on what sort of visa you spouse is on. Just be aware if you haven't got experience or a speciality and don't meet H1b requirements then you are going to be affected by retrogression and struggle to find a visa allowing you to work