Chart your path to USA: Nursing jobs in USA for Indian Nurses

The opportunities for Nursing jobs in USA for Indian Nurses is very impressive, Did you know there are 12,000 to 15,000 Indian nurses working in different US healthcare settings, which is 12% of the total nurse workforce? The healthcare system in the USA is the dream of many young Indian nurses.

The reasons behind this include a successful career, a luxurious life, chances for professional development and many more. Now the question is, how to become a nurse in USA? Read this blog to explore nursing job opportunities in USA. You will also get an answer to, How can I get a job in USA from India as a nurse?

What qualifications do I need to be a nurse in USA? Do you have this question on your mind? Then the answer for you is here. If you are a registered nurse with 2 years of experience, then you can apply for a nursing job in the USA. You should also have English language proficiency and a nursing license too. These are the main requirements to work as a nurse in USA.

Why English language proficiency? English proficiency helps them to understand your ability to communicate in English. The tests include TOEFL, TOEIC, or IELTS Academic. You can select any one of these. Candidates from English speaking countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and New Zealand are exempted from this. These credentials are evaluated by CGFNS.

Bonus Content: Guide to Work in the USA

As we know, the USA is one of the best countries in the world. So getting jobs for Indian nurses in USA is not as simple as you think. By giving the above requirements only won’t make you a nurse there. You know the advantages you can gain from the USA as a nurse will attract you to join the force. Some of the benefits include:

• Quality of Life and Competitive Salaries
• Comprehensive Benefits Packages
• Diverse Patient Population
• Advanced Facilities and Technology

Let’s discuss what other criterias we need to meet to start a career there. The first criterion is NCLEX-RN.

The NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) is a standardized exam in the USA that is designed to assess your knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for entry-level nursing practice. Let us know in detail.

The primary purpose of the NCLEX-RN is to ensure that candidates have the minimum level of competency required to provide safe and effective nursing care. As the need for patient care increases, the demand for BSc nursing jobs in the USA also grows.

Passing the NCLEX-RN is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a nursing license in most U.S. states and territories. Each state’s nursing board establishes its specific requirements for licensure.

The NCLEX-RN is a variable-length exam, meaning the number of questions can vary. Test-takers must answer a minimum of 75 questions, and the exam continues until the computer program determines with 95% confidence that the candidate’s ability is either above or below the passing standard.

Many nursing graduates undertake comprehensive preparation programs, including review courses and practice exams, to enhance their chances of success on the NCLEX-RN.

Passing the NCLEX-RN exam is very important for an Indian nurse to work in USA. Now you have fulfilled the requirements, next let’s explore the areas where you can shine in the U.S.

As it is crystal clear that getting a job in any of the best healthcare systems might be best for your career. But to start a career in American healthcare would be so great for your life. Here are some areas where you can explore nursing in America:

1. Hospitals: Hospitals are major employers of nurses, offering positions in areas like medical-surgical nursing, critical care, emergency departments, and specialty units. There are a large number of hospitals recruiting foreign nurses in USA.
2. Clinics: Outpatient clinics, including primary care and specialty clinics, provide nursing positions for those interested in a more community-focused healthcare setting.,/span>
3. Home Health Care: Home health nurses provide care to patients in their homes, offering a more personalized and community-based approach. This also leads to an increasing demand of nursing jobs in USA for foreigners
4. Travel Nursing: Travel nursing involves short-term assignments in different locations, providing a unique opportunity for adventure and diverse work experiences.
5. Rehabilitation Centers: Facilities focused on physical, occupational, or speech therapy often employ nurses to support patients in their recovery.
6. Government and Public Health: Public health departments and government agencies at various levels employ nurses for roles in community health, disease prevention, and health promotion.

As we discussed, there are great opportunities to work in the USA. But what can you expect as your salary there? The average salary of a nurse in USA ranges from $61,310 to $78,130.

Salary is not the only highlight, you can also enjoy more perks like,

• Paid sick leave
• Compensated vacation and holidays
• Health and life insurance coverage
• Wellness initiatives
• Paid family leave
• Retirement benefits

This is only a few from the list; you can also enjoy many other benefits depending on your location of work and the experience you gain.

If you are happy with the salary and benefits, then the next step is to reach the USA as soon as possible. A valid visa is highly necessary to move to the USA. But how can you get a visa or a green card? To get a valid visa, you should have an employer who is willing to sponsor you. For that, you can find an employer in US hospitals or clinics by yourself or through agencies, as these employers are the only way you can reach the USA.

As an Indian nurse, you should have an H-1B visa to touch the USA. This is a temporary work visa, which allows you to become a nurse in the USA. Using this visa, you can work for three years in the USA.

To qualify for an H-1B visa as a nurse, the following conditions may apply:

Educational Requirements: The H-1B program generally requires at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. In the case of nursing, you should also pass the NCLEX to get the H-1B visa.

State Licensing: Indian nurses must meet the licensing requirements of the state where you intend to work. Each U.S. state has its own nursing board, and nurses must be licensed in the state where you practice.

Specialty Occupation Determination: While nursing is not automatically considered a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes, if the position requires advanced knowledge and skills beyond the typical nursing roles, it may qualify. For example, if the nurse is being hired for a specialized role such as a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist, it could be considered a specialty occupation.

Employer Sponsorship: As with any H-1B visa, the Indian nurse must have a job offer from a U.S. employer who is willing to sponsor them as we discussed above. The employer must file the H-1B petition on behalf of the nurse.

Even if you hold a green card or H-1B visa, you still need to have your certification to work in healthcare in the US, which is verified by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

America, where the healthcare system is best, is expensive, and the world’s best is calling Indian nurses to work with them. In America, healthcare is a growing field, and many of the advancements in healthcare are introduced there. Think about your career life in such a country. Yes, the USA is best for your nursing career, as it gives you the chance for professional advancement and access to the best healthcare facilities.

It is obvious that healthcare systems like those in America need highly qualified nurses to join their teams. For that, they make sure that the nurses they employ meet all the quality standards. They also encourage direct-hire nurses to USA. But only after credential evaluation through CGFNS.

Some states in the USA also need candidates from other countries to take the FEN course to ensure their high performance in patient safety. The program comprises 120 hours of classroom instruction and an additional 120 hours of clinical practice, which is monitored by a licensed registered nurse.

Nurses recruitment to the USA from India includes careful process and steps. By focusing above, Indian nurses get an idea of how beneficial it is to get a job in the USA.

However, let’s not forget that the process duration might take a long period of time. So if you are interested in working in the USA as a nurse from India, start your process as early as  possible through USA nursing recruitment agencies.

Are you ready to start your career in the USA? Send your resume to jobs@careergrids.com