International Travel Nursing
International travel is " the future
of nursing," says Gary Fanger, founder and owner of an international travel
nurse comapny. The nursing shortage is not expected to improve anytime soon. While
bringing nurses to the United States from other countries is not the answer to
the shortage, it can help while other solutions are put into place.
In general, foreign traveling nurses want to work in the United States for it's
money making potential. Nurses in the United States are so stressed from the shortage
that many of them want to travel outside of the country for the adventure and
excitement even if it means less money. Let's face it, the grass is always greener
on the other side. Right?
Traveling Abroad
(outside of the U.S.)
Foreign
Nursing Boards
Traveling
to the Middle East
Tips
for Traveling Abroad
International
Travel Nursing Companies
Immigrating to the U.S.
from Canada
Immigrating to U.S. from another country
Find a sponsor
Take English Exams
NCLEX Exam
CGFNS
Social Security
Card
Drivers License
Local Consulate for more
information
Entering
U.S. at port of Entry
List of Volunteer
Medical Mission Organizations to forgein countries
Traveling
outside of the United States
Working outside of the United States is not
usually a money making venture, except in the middle east. In general, nurses
tend to make less money in other parts of the world. For example, the pay in the
UK and Australia is approximately 27 to 36 thousand U.S. dollars a year. If you
want to travel to another country, you may want to consider saving money and paying
off bills before you go.
Plan on spending 6 to 8 months in processing before
being able to travel. The process of proving your credentials and obtaining a
visa still takes awhile even though the United States nursing education is highly
regarded in other countries.
It can be difficult to find companies that send
nurses to other countries because there is not much money to be made in doing
so. Even more difficult is to find a company that sends nurses to a country that
speaks a foreign language.
If you are really serious about working outside
of the U.S., you may want to apply for licensure in where you want to go. The
licensure application is often the most difficult and tedious part of the process
and staffing companies will take you more seriously. Below is a list of some foreign
nursing boards.
Australia Nursing Council, Inc.
683 Murray Street
West Perth, 6005
WA, Australia
+61-8-9481-2488
http://www.australia-migration.com/page/Nurses_ANC/257
General information: anci@ancilorg.au Overseas Information: overseas@anci.org.au
An
Bord Altranais 31/32 (Irish Nursing Board)
Fitzwilliam Square
Dublin
2, Ireland
353-1-639-8500 Fax: 353-1-676-3348
www.nursingboard.ie/
United Kingdom Nursing and Midwifery Council
23 Portland Place
London W1B1PZ
020 7637 7181 Fax: 020 7436 2924
http://www.nursingnetuk.com
Professional advice email advice@nmc-uk.org
More information on UK nursing
immigration: www.nursingintheuk.co.uk or http://www.brutish-nursing.com/inter.html
Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure
P.O. Box 4247
St. Thomas,
V.I. 00803
340-776-7397 Fax: 340-776-7131
http://www.vibnl.org/
College of Nurses of Ontario
101 Davenport Rd.
Toronto Ontario
M5R3P1 Canada
1 800 387-5526
www.cno.org
Collegio Infermieri
La Spezia - Italy
Via XXIV Maggio 343
La Spezia
Italy 19125 Europe
0187/575177
ipasvisp@cdh.it
www.ipasvi.laspezia.net
Additonal Nursing Boards
American Samoa
Regulatory
Board
LBJ Tropical Medical Center
Pago Pago, AS 96799
(684) 633 1222
206
Guam
P.O. Box 2816
Hagatna, Guam 96932
671.735.7406
N. Mariana Island
Commonwealth Board of Nurse Examiners
P.O.
Box 501458
Saipan, MP 96950
670.664.4812
Puerto Rico
P.O. Box 10200
Santurce, PR 00908-0200
(787) 725 7506
Traveling
to the Middle East
Traveling to Saudi Arabia is a unique experience. Margaret
traveled to Saudi and reports the inside scoop.
If you go to Saudi Arabia,
the commitment is usually for 2 years. Vacation is once a year for approximately
30 days. You can always break the contract if you do not like it, but you will
just lose your bonus, says Margaret.
The money is good because it is
not taxed. Most companies pay around 36,000 to 40,000 dollars a year which is
like making around 50,000 dollars a year in the United States.
You live
in an American compound and work at an American hospital. According to Margaret,
one of the best hospitals to work at is King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research
Center.
Women have to have their bodies covered so as not to show any
curves or they can be taken to jail. Oh yes, do not be seen with any other man
in public that is not related to you. Margaret could have been in real trouble
with her Arab boyfriend. She shares how she would sneak past the guards at her
boyfriend's compound every week. Businesses will shut down for 15 minutes during
the day for prayer. During this time, she would sneak in to see her boyfriend.
Although, this makes for a great story, it is not recommended. Remember, you are
subject to the laws of the area and their consequences.
Another Middle
Eastern area to travel to is United Arab Emirates. Their commitment requirement
is usually for one year and the people there are more "westernized"
than in Saudi Arabia.
If you are thinking about going to Saudi Arabia, read
two books before you go: Nine Hearts of Desire, and Princess. Also, watch the
movie: Not without My Daughter.
Special Tips for
Traveling Abroad
" Make sure you have a signed valid passport (and
visa, if required). Fill in the emergency information page of your passport.
" If you get into trouble, contact the nearest U.S. embassy.
" Before you leave, note the contact information of the local embassy and
emergency contact numbers (local police, hotel, fire department).
"
Log onto http://travel.state.gov to find
out any possible dangers, laws, and recommended immunizations for the place you
plan to visit.
" Make 2 copies of your passport and any credit cards.
Leave one copy with family and carry one separate from the originals.
" Do not leave your luggage unattended or wear flashy clothing or jewelry.
" Bring an extra pair of glasses and any medications you need.
Bring a doctors note for any narcotics you need to bring with you. Make sure your
health insurance covers you abroad. Consider purchasing a short-term health and
emergency assistance policy designed for travelers that includes evacuation in
the event of an accident.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
NURSING COMPANIES
Africa
Premier Healthcare Professionals
Australia
Acclaim Recruitment
Affinity Nursing Recruitment
Anson
Australian Nursing Agency (Swingshift)
Australian Nursing Solutions
BBT- Beresford Blake Thomas
Bellhealth
Belmore Nurses Bureau
Cairns Nursing Agency
Centennial Nurses Agency
ChoiceOne Meditemp
CQ Nurse
Critical Care Nursing Agency
Drake International
Eden Health Recruitment (Randstad)
Firstpoint Healthcare
Geneva Health International
Healthcare Placement Solutions
Healthposts.com.au
Healthscope Limited
Health Staff Recruitment
Helen Ziegler and Associates
HenderCare
International Health Jobs (Medacs)
LinkAsia
Medijobs - Australia
Malvern Nurses Agency
Medicall Placements
Mediserve Nurse Agency - Australia
Medistaff Health Care Professionals
N.T. Medic
National Nurses Plus
Nurse on Holidays
Nurses.info
NurseWorldwide (Randstad)
Nursing Agency of South Australia
Nursing Australia
Nursing Jobs
Nursing Practice Management
Overseas Nurse
Oxley Nursing Service
Paediatric Nurses Agency
Pearls International Recruitment Agency
Premier Healthcare Professionals
Psychiatric Care Consultants Pty. Ltd.
Regent Recruitment
Regis
Robert Walters
Select Appointments (Randstad)
Silverman Dakin
Staffing Synergy
Territory Nurses
Think Nursing
Trans
Victorian Public Hospital Employment
The Wesley Hospital
West Australian Nursing Agency
Working In Australia
Worldwide Healthcare Exchange
Canada
BBT- Beresford Blake Thomas
Canadian Nurse
Drake International
Geneva Health International
Helen Ziegler and Associates
New Solutions
Overseas Nurse
Solutions Staffing, Inc.
Caribbean
EMI Europe
China
HCCA International
Europe
EMI Europe
HCCA International
Ireland
A-Team Health Recruitment
CCM Recruitment International
Health Professionals
HealthStaff Recruitment
IFSC Online
Kate Cowhig International Recruitment
Overseas Nurse
Supplemental Health Care Travel Nursing
New Zealand
Arabian Health
BBT- Beresford Blake Thomas
CareLink Nursing & Homecare Ltd
Enterprise Recruitment
Geneva Health International
Health Communication Network
International Health Jobs (Medacs)
NZ Jobs Co
OES Job Centre
Overseas Nurse
Seek Tonix New Zealand Health Recruitment
Working In New Zealand
Philippines
HCCA International
United Kingdom
1st Contact
A-Team Health Recruitment
Adevia Health
ALD, Inc. - American Life & Dignity
BBT- Beresford Blake Thomas
British Nursing Agencies
British Nursing Association
Catto International
Continental Travelnurse
EM Recruitment UK
European Nursing Agency
Firstpoint Healthcare
Geneva Health International
Genius Health
HCCA International
Health Professionals
Health Staff Recruitment
International Health Jobs (Medacs)
Medacs Healthcare Services
Medacs International
Nannies Incorporated
Nestor Healthcare Group
Newcross Nursing Group
NMAP (Intute)
NurseFindersUK
Nursing Agencies List
Nursing Express
Nursing Net UK
OeS Job centre
Overseas Nurse
Oxford Aunts Care & Nursing Agency
Pacific International
Portfolio of British Nursing Sites
Premier Healthcare Professionals
Professional Connections
Pulse Healthcare Appointments
Qualified Cancer Care
Quality Locums (Pulse Jobs)
Recruitment Solutions Group
Robinson Medical Recruitment
Search Recruitment
Sheffield Consulting Group
Strand Nurses Bureau
Supplemental Health Care Travel Nursing
The Thornbury Nursing Portal
Thornbury Nursing Services
Tradewind Recruitment
Worldwide Healthcare Exchange
Going to the
U.S. from Canada
When The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
is in effect it makes it relatively easy for Canadians to work in the U.S. and
for Americans to work in Canada. However, this is continually changing. If the
agreement is not in effect then you may have to in the the U.S. like a foreign
nurse from any other country. Any travel nursing company that brings nurses from
the United States will be able to help you witht the process and tell you the
latest regulations.
Under the NAFTA agreement, Canadian nurses can work
in the U.S. for 1 year. Annually, Canadians return to the border and cross again
to renew their time in the U.S. If you are Canadian, all you need to cross the
border is:
" Letter from your company on letterhead stating your
position, job description, hospital location, salary, and start date.
"
Birth certificate, ID, or passport
" Canadian RN license and U.S. RN
license if available
" At least $100 dollars cash for crossing fees
Also,
please carry copies of all your medical documents and certifications for your
nursing assignment.
If you have not taken the NCLEX exam yet,
you may still be able to work in one of the following states (please call to verify):
" Main
" Alabama
" Connecticut
" New Mexico
" North Carolina
" Wisconsin
" New
York (1 year temporary permit)
" Missouri
A few other states will
accept the Canadian RN exam (CNAT) if you scored above 400 before a certain date.
The date of the exam requirement varies from state to state. The states that seem
to accept the CNAT exam with limitations as to when it was taken and the score
are: Alaska, California, Connecticut, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts,
New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Tennessee.
All the states require
the Canadians to have attended an English speaking school. If not, you must take
the English proficiency exams. The CGFNS test locations in Canada are: Montreal,
Toronto, and Vancouver. The NCLEX exam can be taken across most state borders
and in Manitoba, Canada.
Immigrating to the United
States (foreign nurse)
The process of becoming a nurse in the United
States can be a long and tedious process. According to Carl Shusterman, an immigration
attorney specializing in foreign nurses and physicians, the current immigration
process can take as long as 18 months. He is working with delegates to change
the process for nurses (www.shusterman.com).
Lots of good information on the current legal requirements of traveling internationally
can be found on Shusterman's site.
Finding a sponsor
If you want to work in the United States, you must first find a
sponsor. Below is a list of agencies or potential sponsors for coming
to the United States.
Adevia Health
Akamai Healthcare Solutions
Alda Professional Placement Services
AlliedHealthCareers.com
Allnurses.com
All of Nursing
Assignment America
Avant Healthcare Professionals
BBT- Beresford Blake Thomas
Career2.com
Catto International
Compass International
DirectoryEmployment.com
EMI Europe
Executive Resume Writers.com
First Point Healthcare
Geneva Health International
GraduateNurse.com
HCCA International
HealthcareMatch.com (now PracticeMatch.com)
MedicalWorkers.com
Medjump.com
Nurses123
NurseZone.com
Overseas Nurse
Pearls International Recruitment Agency
Premier Healthcare Professionals
Quintiles International
Resumes and Cover Letters
Supplemental Health Care Travel Nursing
Taking English Proficiency Exams
If you graduated from an English speaking school, you may be exempt from the English
Exams. Most exempt nurses are from: Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland,
New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. All other nurses must complete at least one/or
all of the following sets of exams:
" English Language Proficiency Exams
administered by the
Education Testing Service (ETS, 1-609-771-7100).
1.
Test of English as a foreign language (TOEFL), www.toefl.org
2. Test of written English (TWE)
3. Test of spoken English (TSE)
"
English Language Proficiency Exam administered by the English Language Institute
(ELI, 1-734-763-3452).
1. Parts 1-3 of the Michigan English Language Assessment
2. Oral Interview section
Taking the NCLEX
exam
Once you have completed the CGFNS, most states will allow you
to apply for a temporary nursing license. Once you are in the United States, you
can take the NCLEX exam which is offered in most location in the U.S. on a daily
basis. The NCLEX exam is the United States nursing exam. Once the NCLEX exam is
passed, it never expires and can be used to apply for any state licensure. Information
about licensure requirements for different states can be found at www.ncsbn.org.
Usually, when you apply for a license in the desired state, the nursing board
will send you the information you need to take the NCLEX exam. You cannot take
the exam without first applying for a license in a particular state. When you
go to take the NCLEX exam, you will be asked which state you have applied for
licensure. It doesn't matter which state you apply with as long as you apply with
one.
NCLEX (National Council of State Boards)
11 E Wacker Dr suite
2900
Chicago, Illinois 60601
312-525-3600
www.ncsbn.org
Information on studying for the exam can be found at practice
tests . The test is $200 dollars and is offered: throughout the U.S., the
American Samoa, District of Columbia, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and
the Virgin Islands. If you decide to take the NCLEX internationally there will
be an additional $150 fee plus tax. All additional details, registration, and
requirements can be found at this website.
Specific test site locations can be found at www.2test.com.
Taking
the CGFNS
If the NCLEX exam is not offered in a location near you, you
may elect to skip the CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools)
certification program. This program reviews your credentials and allows you to
assess your chances of passing the U.S. registered nursing licensing exam (NCLEX-RN)
by giving you an exam similar to the NCLEX exam. For immigration purposes, they
will often accept the NCLEX or CGFNS exam. However, in order to work, you will
still have to take the NCLEX exam when you get to the U.S. to work in the United
States.
CGFNS
3600 Market Street #400
Philadelphia, PA 19104-2651
215-349-8767
support@cgfns.org or www.cgfns.org
Application fee $368, reapplication $308
Applying for a social security card
Once
you arrive to the United States, you will receive an I-94 form at immigration,
take the form and apply for a social security number immediately at the local
social security office. You cannot get a paycheck until you have a social
security number.
Social Security Administration
Windsor Park
Building
6401 Security Blvd.
Baltimore, MD 21235
1-800-772-1213
www.ssa.gov
Obtaining
an international drivers license
Before you leave the United States,
consider getting an international drivers license at AAA (800-922-8228 or 415-565-2012).
If you are arriving in the United States, most rental car companies in the U.S.
require you to have an international drivers license and a credit card from an
American bank. Check with your local passport center to find out how to get an
international drivers license.
National Passport Center
P.O.
Box 371971
Pittsburg, PA 15250-7971
888-362-8668
http://
travel.state.gov
Contacting local U.S.
consulate
Traveling nursing agencies should be assisting you with the
immigration process. However, for further questions, you can contact your local
U.S. consulate. More information on immigration can be found by visiting www.us-immigration.com.
Entering
the United States at the Port of Entry
AT the port-of-entry, you will
be inspected U.S. government officials. They may have at least 4 different inspections:
public health, immigration, customs, and agriculture. You will be asked to provide
your basic identification information, the address you will be staying in the
United States, Passport, and Nursing credentials(certifications, nursing license
in your country, CGFNS or NCLEX).
IN SUMMARY FOR IMMIGRATION TO
THE U.S.
Any travel nursing company that helps nurses immigrate
to the U.S. should be up on the most recent guidelines and be able to help you
step by step. In summary, the following is a good start for the process:
•
Two years experience in the specialty area you want to work in
• Able
to write and speak in English fluently
• NCLEX completion
•
TOEFL, TWE & TSE exams completed
• Application and credentials for
chosen US Nursing Board
• References (3)
• Visa screening by
the US Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)
-I-140 form filled out
with INS for your greencard. Several follow up forms asking additional info.
-Interview with U.S. Embassy about your application for final approval
In
many cases the INS will not accept a nurse into the US without a passing score
on the NCLEX exam and complete history and physical. A few states do allow you
to work as a nurses aid or LPN, for 90 days to 1 year, while you get ready to
take the NCLEX exam.
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