Nurses seeking to work in the United States have a few visa options, such as:
H-1B Visa: This visa is for specialty occupations requiring a higher education degree.
More precisely, the H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign workers to temporarily work in the United States in specialty occupations. These occupations typically require a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and specialized knowledge and are often in fields like technology, finance, engineering, and architecture.
The H-1B visa allows the holder to stay in the United States for a maximum of six years, with the initial period being three years and extensions of up to three years available. The number of H-1B visas issued each year is limited by law, with a cap of 65,000 new visas granted annually, plus an additional 20,000 for those with advanced degrees earned in the U.S.
Nurses can qualify if they are in specialized fields such as Addiction Nurse, Cardiovascular Nurse, Critical Care Nurse, Emergency Room Nurse, Genetics Nurse, Neonatology Nurse, Nephrology Nurse, Oncology Nurse, Pediatric Nurse, Peri-operative (Operating Room) Nurse, Rehabilitation Nurse, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM), Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).
The following employers are exempt from the H-1B cap and can submit applications to USCIS at any time of the year: Institutions of higher education, Nonprofit entities related to or affiliated with an institution of higher education, Nonprofit research organizations, and Government research organizations.
TN Visa: This visa is available to Canadian and Mexican citizens under the USMCA (formerly NAFTA). Nurses can work in the U.S. if they have a job offer and meet the licensure and education requirements.
EB-3 Visa: An employment-based immigrant visa for skilled workers, professionals, or other workers. Nurses generally fall under the “skilled worker” category if they have at least two years of job experience or training.
Just qualifying for a visa is one of the challenges. Another important point is the transition to nursing practice in the United States, which presents a unique set of challenges for foreign-educated nurses. While the prospect of working in the U.S. is exciting, several factors can impact the adjustment to the new healthcare environment.
Before contemplating the visa options, according to the National Library of Medicine, it is crucial to consider key areas of concern including variations in healthcare systems, language competency, knowledge of medications and pharmacology, and proficiency in technology. Understanding and addressing these challenges can help ease the transition and improve the integration of foreign-educated nurses into the U.S. healthcare system.
Variations in Health Care Systems
One of the most significant challenges foreign-educated nurses face is adapting to a different healthcare system. Nurses from countries with healthcare systems that closely resemble the U.S. system tend to adjust more smoothly and focus more on specific practice needs rather than the overall transition process.
Language Competency
Language proficiency, particularly in English, is another critical factor influencing the transition.
Employer Expectations: Employers frequently identify language competency as the most crucial skill for foreign-educated nurses. Strong English skills are essential for effective communication, accurate documentation, and building trust with patients and colleagues.
Knowledge of Medications and Pharmacology
Western medicine’s heavy reliance on medications poses a substantial challenge for foreign-educated nurses. Many drugs used in the U.S. may be unfamiliar, have different trade names, or be entirely unknown to nurses from other countries.
Medication Administration: Administering medications can be particularly daunting due to the high volume of drugs prescribed and the variety of administration routes. Medication errors are common among foreign-educated nurses during their first year of
Proficiency in Technology
The U.S. healthcare system’s extensive use of technology for diagnostic, preventive, and palliative care is often more advanced than what foreign-educated nurses have encountered in their home countries.
Several American states are experiencing significant nurse shortages. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the affected states include California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Georgia. The possibility of a foreign nurse coming to the United States to work is not out of reach; however, transitioning to practice for foreign-educated nurses in the U.S. involves navigating several complex challenges, from adapting to a new healthcare system to mastering language and technology skills.
