What To Expect in the International Nurse Onboarding Process
We know that finding a job in the United States can be overwhelming for an international nurse. At Elite365, our committed team will provide you with step-by-step guidance on helping international nurses go through the credentialing process to start working at your facility. In return, by walking registered nurses through the complex journey to make their dream of becoming an international RN in the United States a reality.
Navigating the international nurse pipeline is a multi-step process. It is crucial to ensure that their qualifications align with U.S professional standards and that they have legal work authorization. While each step requires time, careful planning and timely execution, the right guidance can help your nurse candidates successfully transition into a new role in the United States.
Our team provides an individualized, one-on-one approach for every applicant. We have a designated, specialized team member to aid nurses at different stage from documentation, NCLEX preparation tips, and interviews to finding the best-suited hospital in the United States.
Benefits of Hiring International Nurses
Globalization of Nurses Talent Pool
With increased globalization, the demand for highly skilled international nurses to fill critical vacant positions has increased substantially. In the last two decades, the credentialing organization CGFN, has proposed new policies for international nurses. These policies have made the migration of nurses across borders easier, streamlining the process from licensing to verification of credentials and obtaining work visas.
International nurses fill a large pool of coveted healthcare professionals. The elderly population is expected to increase by 22% until 2050, increasing the demand for nurses in hospital facilities, caregiver homes, and old age homes. Currently, domestic nurses are falling short in number (decreasing by 1.4% in 2022) compared to the exigency. Foreign nurses are crucial in filling critical vacant positions and delivering continued optimal patient care.
Clinical Training
International nurses we onboard have a wealth of knowledge, diversified skills, and years of expertise. They are well-trained in different specialties and subspecialties. International nurses have specialized skills in critical, terminally ill, and trauma specialties. Their expertise helps them care for patients, improve patient satisfaction, and improve the quality of care provided by the facility. This means that healthcare facilities are getting experienced staff, cutting down on the cost of training, saving time, and improving patient outcomes. Our nurses are ready to perform their jobs with complete satisfaction.
Minimizing Workforce Shortages
Foreign nurses are crucial assets in streamlining the nursing pipeline. By hiring international nurses, healthcare facilities in underserved areas are optimized. They can address the workforce shortage, reduce burnout, and improve patient outcomes.
Overcome International Nurse Onboarding Challenges with Elite365
Credential Verification and Licensure
Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) evaluates international nurses’ documents for equivalency to US standards. This is the initial and most important step, where you are required to submit your transcripts, degrees, certifications, and licenses to CGFNS for verification.
This sounds tough and confusing, right? Don’t worry. Our experienced team of clinical nurse advocates understand the assignment well. We are constantly updated about the criteria mandated by state nursing boards and the CGFNS. Our team assists with the licensing procedure, validates educational credentials, and conducts extensive background checks. We provide a clear timeline and details of each step.
Immigration and Visa Process
Start early and stay organized with Elite365. Immigration and visa processing are the primary challenges that international nurses face, especially if they are coming from underdeveloped countries. We provide support in extensive documentation, paperwork, and timely submission of documents, guiding them through H1B, EB3, and relevant visa categories.
Job and Cultural Integration
Integrating nurses into U.S. healthcare facilities is challenging for nurses and patients. With differences in cultural backgrounds, ethical considerations, and clinical practices, the transition of foreign nurses to the US is overwhelming. International nurses bring their own cultural essence, which is helpful for multi-cultural communities. Cultural factors are essential in addressing patient concerns and providing a patient-centered approach. To overcome this barrier, we have designed orientation programs where our specialist team provides a detailed overview of the new environment and ethical codes. Our team also provides ongoing support to candidates to successfully ace their clinical careers.
Before starting the job, Elite365 provides a brief overview of diverse cultural norms, and the ethical rules and regulations practiced in the facility.
Streamlined Documentation Process
Elite365 is here to streamline the process for you! We verify the documents, do background checks, match the right candidate for the best available job position, and assist in visa processing/migration.
We simplify international recruitment by:
- Performing fast-paced assessments and evaluations according to healthcare standard compliance, saving time for both employer and candidate
- Provide mutual benefit by matching the right candidate with the right employer Performing fast-paced assessments and evaluations according to healthcare standard compliance, saving time for both employer and candidate
- Provide mutual benefit by matching the right candidate with the right employer
- Provide mentorship and prepare the candidate to adjust to the new healthcare system and environment
- Ensure that the candidate selected possesses all the qualifications and experience required by the employer
FAQs About the International Hiring Process for Registered Nurses
What are the minimum qualifications needed to begin the nursing credentialing process?
You will require a nursing diploma (Associate/Bachelor) or BSN nursing degree equivalent to United States standards of nursing education. Additionally, you will require CME and a minimum of 2 to 5 years of experience to fill in the deficiencies.
Which organizations handle nursing credential evaluation?
Many organizations handle nursing credential evaluation state-wise, including NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services), ERES (Educational Records Evaluation Service), NCSBN (National Council of State Boards of Nursing), and World Education Services (WES). However, most international applicants opt for CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools).
Will Elite365 assist me with visa processing?
Yes! We will assist you in visa sponsorship, securing a sponsorship job, guiding you through relevant visa categories (H1B, EB3), and estimating the visa processing timeline.
What is the cost of nursing credentialing?
Major expenses include:
- A review of credentials ($485) A review of credentials ($485)
- NCLEX exam fees ($200)
- Language proficiency exams ($125-$250)
- Non-U.S. license credentialing ($125)
- Visa fees
- Relocation expenses (if required)
Final Note
Whether you are a healthcare facility requiring a skilled nursing staff, or you are an international nurse aspiring to advance their professional development in the United States, Elite365 is here to help you every step of the way. We connect healthcare facilities with a global pool of highly trained nurses and provide international nurses with an equal opportunity to pursue lucrative careers in the United States of America.
Are you ready to achieve your dream job with Elite365? Apply here.
Want to learn more about our international nurse staffing service for your hospital? Click here.
References
https://elite365.com/international-nursing/
https://sci-hub.se/https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0193945919860855
https://www.statista.com/statistics/457822/share-of-old-age-population-in-the-total-us-population
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4724384
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S8755722320301083
