The backbone of the American healthcare system is nurses and other medical personnel. The need for additional nurses has made it difficult for the nursing education system to keep up. Nursing is one of the industries with the highest growth in our nation, but the field is expanding slowly. In the U.S., there will be 1.2 million openings for registered nurses in the next two years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The nursing shortage will worsen by a double by 2025.
Why is there a shortage of nurses in the U.S.?
Some nurses quit their jobs due to low morale and frightening pandemic experiences. This is made worse because nurses have more chances to work outside the hospital setting now that positions are accessible in consulting, retail health, and pharmaceuticals.Numerous causes, including rising demand for healthcare across the nation, are to blame for the scarcity.
How are nurses being impacted by the shortage?
Many nurses believe they need help to keep up with the job demands because of the nursing shortage’s higher patient ratios. As a result, the crisis only worsens as the number of patients for the remaining nurses increases. Some companies are promoting huge compensation increases for specializations like intensive care to recruit much-needed nurses.However, incentives like this are only a temporary fix due to rising stress levels and increased reports of nurse burnout. Increased workloads, longer hours, and a lack of resources all contribute to the growth in job discontent.The lack of registered nurses is a severe problem for healthcare facilities all around the country because of their crucial relevance. Many health systems are boosting their recruitment efforts worldwide in response.
Things U.S. hospitals should consider before hiring foreign nurses:
Process for “Schedule A” Permanent Residency
A feasible method for long-term nurse recruitment is Schedule A.Professional nursing roles are classified as “Schedule A” jobs by the U.S. Department of Labor. Also, the US doesn’t have enough American workers who are able, willing, qualified, and available for the position. As previously mentioned, this procedure currently needs to be improved by the Department of State’s scaled-back consular operations. However, this procedure can take over a year to complete, posing problems if the employer needs assistance immediately. Therefore, before moving on to permanent residence, companies with more pressing workforce needs should check to see if a suitable temporary or non-immigrant solution is available.
Meet education requirements.
Before hiring a nurse in the U.S., check that you meet the following requirements:
- A degree from an authorized registered nursing school
- A valid R.N. license in your country
- Two years of full-time nursing experience
Look for credentials
Nurses must provide the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools with transcripts from the schools where they got their highest secondary education and nursing degree (CGFNS). The federal government authorizes this nonprofit organization to certify noncitizens for employment in certain healthcare occupations.The CGFNS will certify that they have completed a general high school education and postsecondary study in five essential nursing areas:
- Adult medical
- Adult surgical
- Neonatal
- Pediatrics
- Psychiatric
If the transcripts submitted by the nurse are not in English, they must produce certified translations of the original records.
Necessary state license
International nurses must obtain and maintain the required nursing license for the state where they will work lawfully in the United States. In many jurisdictions, foreign nurses must also get a certificate of completion from the CGFNS that makes them eligible to work in the United States. Health systems and hospitals must ensure all state standards are completed because nursing licensing requirements differ from state to state.
Certification from the CGFNS.
In addition to getting their qualifications accepted by the CGFNS, several states have additional criteria for pursuing a nursing license. Foreign nurses must participate in the CGFNS Certification Program, a comprehensive option for meeting State Board of Nursing requirements. This certification verifies their qualifications, English language skills, and successful completion of the CGFNS Qualifying Exam.
They must have cleared the NCLEX-RN.
This national test is required to practice as a registered nurse in every state, and foreign nurses are not exempt. A computerized selection examination called the NCLEX asks questions dependent on your response to the preceding one. The nurse you hire must pass the National Council Licensure Examination to practice as a licensed nursing professional.
Take the help of a staffing agency.
If an immigration team is not already present at every U.S. hospital, the necessary hiring can be done by specialized agencies. It relies on the choices that the specific candidates have. Some agencies will handle the hiring, while others will provide immigration services.The lack of registered nurses is a severe problem for healthcare facilities all around the country because of their crucial relevance. Many health systems are boosting their recruitment efforts worldwide in response.This year, a vast number of green cards—twice as many as there were just a few years ago—are available to international professionals, including nurses, who want to relocate to the United States. This is because relatives of U.S. nationals were not receiving visas from U.S. consulates that were closed due to the coronavirus outbreak. As a result, these open slots are being given to qualified workers.Schools and healthcare organizations need to hire more nurses and support stable working conditions to reverse the nursing shortage. Some institutions have long employed nurses from the Philippines, Jamaica, and other English-speaking nations, and more are now doing the same. And before the fiscal year ends, seasoned recruiters and recent immigrants are attempting to profit from the boom of green cards. This rising demand for qualified healthcare professionals shows opportunities, particularly in areas and regions with higher demand. The most chances will be available to nurses with bachelor’s degrees or higher, mainly as facilities concentrate on gaining magnet status and as demand for APRNs rises.Federal and state governments and groups that support career and health advocacy have created initiatives to draw in and keep nurses to achieve this goal. We hope considering these factors while recruiting foreign nurses in the US will help you streamline the process.
