Navigating the Path to Becoming a Nurse Assistant in the USA: A Guide for International Nurses
Are you a male nurse in Pakistan, holding a GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery) degree, and considering a career as a nurse assistant in the USA? If you're at this juncture of your career, you're not alone. Many international nurses share your aspiration of making a difference as a healthcare professional in the United States. This comprehensive guide outlines the steps you need to take to achieve your goal.
Understanding the Visa Requirements
To work as a nurse in the United States, you'll require a green card or a visa that allows you to work independently. This visa would need to be granted to you by the U.S. immigration services. The process can be complex and requires careful planning. Here’s a breakdown of the basic steps:
Qualify for a Visa to Work as a Nurse
Bachelor's Degree in Nursing: Possess a BScN, BN, or BSN from an accredited university. These degrees are a prerequisite for most nursing positions. Nursing License: Hold a valid nursing license, and ensure it's recognized by the U.S. state where you plan to practice. Work Experience: Gain at least two years of recent work experience as a nurse. Experienced nurses often have more opportunities compared to new graduates.Educational Assessment and Credentialing
The next step is to undergo educational assessment and credentialing. This process is crucial in establishing the equivalency of your nursing education to U.S. standards.
CGFNS Website
CEBNFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools): Begin by studying the CGFNS website, which is the credentialing organization for international nurses seeking U.S. nursing jobs. CGFNS will start the credentialing process, evaluating your university nursing courses for equivalency to U.S. nursing curriculum standards. It's important to meet the minimum number of instruction and clinical hours in five key areas: adult, pediatric, psychiatric, obstetric/neonatal, and emergency care.
English Language Proficiency
If your university studies were not in English, or if your native language is not English, you may need to take an English exam to demonstrate your proficiency.
CGFNS Screening Exam
Many U.S. states require CGFNS's screening exam as a prerequisite for the NCLEX nursing licensing exam. Be prepared to complete this assessment to ensure you meet the necessary requirements.
Pass the NCLEX Exam and Complete U.S. Licensing Requirements
After gaining equivalency status, you can then take the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) nursing licensing exam. CGFNS provides authorization for international nurses to take this exam. It’s essential to prepare meticulously, as the NCLEX pass rate for international nurses is around 48%.
Find a US Employer with a Visa-Eligible Job
Your journey to becoming a nurse assistant in the USA doesn’t stop at passing the NCLEX. You must also find a U.S. employer that has a position open for a visa-eligible nurse. Visa-eligible jobs typically have no U.S. citizen applicants. You can look for such positions on CGFNS's job search page.
.CGFS Ethical and Reliable Recruiters
CGFNS maintains a list of ethical and reliable nurse recruiting agents. Do your due diligence in finding a reputable agent to assist you with the job search process. Be wary of scams and false recruiting practices, especially if you are in a developing country.
Conclusion
Embarking on your journey to become a nurse assistant in the USA from Pakistan is an ambitious goal, but with careful planning and preparation, it is achievable. Remember to follow these steps and keep yourself informed about the latest requirements to ensure a smooth transition into the U.S. nursing profession.