Are you a foreign nurse who wants to work and study in the USA? If so, you might be wondering how to find nursing jobs and grants in the USA for foreigners.
The USA is one of the most popular destinations for nurses from other countries, as it offers a high demand, a diverse culture, and a competitive salary for nursing professionals.
However, working and studying as a foreign nurse in the USA also comes with challenges, such as meeting the education and licensure requirements, obtaining a visa and a green card, and finding financial aid.
Let us look at everything you need to know about how to become a nurse in the USA under a scholarship.
10 Places to Get Nursing Jobs in the USA
The USA has a large and diverse healthcare system, with many different types of nursing jobs available in various settings.
Some of the places where you can get nursing jobs in the USA are:
- Hospitals: Hospitals are the most common and traditional place for nurses to work, as they provide acute and specialized care for patients with various health conditions. Hospitals often have different departments and units, such as emergency, intensive care, surgery, pediatrics, oncology, etc., where nurses can work according to their skills and interests.
- Nursing Homes: Nursing homes provide long-term care for elderly or disabled people who need assistance with daily living activities. Nursing homes usually have a team of nurses, nursing assistants, and other staff who provide medical and personal care for the residents.
- Home Health Care: Home health care is a service that provides nursing care for patients in their own homes rather than in a facility. Home healthcare nurses visit patients regularly to monitor their health, administer medications, perform wound care, educate them and their families, and coordinate with other healthcare providers.
- Schools: Schools are another place where nurses can work, providing health services for students and staff. School nurses are responsible for assessing and treating minor injuries and illnesses, administering medications, conducting screenings and immunizations, promoting health education, and managing chronic conditions.
- Clinics: Clinics are outpatient facilities that provide primary and preventive care for patients with various health needs. Private or public organizations, such as hospitals, universities, community health centers, etc, can run clinics. Clinic nurses work with doctors and other healthcare professionals to provide physical exams, vaccinations, lab tests, family planning, etc.
- Hospices: Hospices are facilities or programs that provide palliative care for terminally ill patients and their families. Hospice nurses work with a multidisciplinary team to provide comfort, pain relief, emotional support, and spiritual guidance for patients and their loved ones.
- Military: Military nurses serve in the armed forces, such as the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard. Military nurses provide health care for military personnel, their families, and civilians during war or humanitarian crises. Military nurses can work in various settings, such as bases, hospitals, ships, or field units.
- Travel Nursing: Travel nursing is a nursing job that allows nurses to work in different locations for short-term assignments, usually from a few weeks to a few months. Travel nurses can work in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, etc., depending on the needs and availability of the employers. Travel nursing allows nurses to explore new places, gain diverse experiences, and earn higher pay and benefits.
- Telehealth: Telehealth is a type of nursing job that involves using technology, such as phones, video, or the internet, to provide healthcare services remotely. Telehealth nurses can work from home or a central office and communicate with patients and other healthcare providers through various platforms. They can also provide triage, education, counseling, monitoring, etc.
- Research: Research is another nursing job that involves scientific studies to improve health outcomes, policies, and practices. Research nurses can work in various settings, such as universities, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, etc. They can participate in various stages of the research process, such as designing, implementing, collecting, analyzing, and reporting data.
10 Grants and Scholarships for Foreign Nursing Students in the USA
One of the challenges foreign nursing students face in the USA is finding financial aid to cover their education costs.
Fortunately, some grants and scholarships are specifically designed for foreign nursing students in the USA.
Some of these are:
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program: The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a prestigious and competitive program that provides grants for foreign students to pursue graduate or professional studies in the USA. The program covers tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and travel costs. The program is open to students from over 160 countries, and the selection criteria include academic excellence, leadership potential, and cultural exchange.
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Scholarship: The AACN Scholarship is a program that provides scholarships for foreign nursing students who are enrolled in accredited nursing programs in the USA. The program awards $2,500 per semester, up to $5,000 per academic year. The program is open to students with a minimum GPA of 3.2, demonstrate financial need, and show academic and professional potential.
- Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) Honor Society of Nursing Scholarship: The STTI Honor Society of Nursing Scholarship is a program that provides scholarships for foreign nursing students who are members of the STTI Honor Society of Nursing. The program awards $1,000 to $5,000 per year, depending on the level and type of study. The program is open to students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degrees in nursing or related fields and demonstrating academic achievement, leadership, and service.
- International Education Financial Aid (IEFA) Scholarship: The IEFA Scholarship is a program that provides scholarships for foreign nursing students who are studying in the USA. The program awards $1,000 to $10,000 per year, depending on the availability of funds. The program is open to students enrolled in accredited nursing programs in the USA who demonstrate financial need, academic merit, and personal goals.
- Nurses Educational Funds (NEF) Scholarship: The NEF Scholarship is a program that provides scholarships for foreign nursing students who are pursuing graduate degrees in nursing in the USA. The program awards $3,000 to $10,000 per year, depending on the availability of funds. The program is open to students enrolled in accredited nursing programs in the USA who demonstrate academic excellence, professional leadership, and commitment to nursing.
- International Federation of University Women (IFUW) Fellowship: The IFUW Fellowship program provides fellowships for foreign nursing students pursuing doctoral degrees in nursing or related fields in the USA. The program awards $8,000 to $12,000 per year, depending on the availability of funds. The program is open to students who are IFUW members and demonstrate academic achievement, research potential, and social impact.
- International Peace Scholarship (IPS) Fund: The IPS Fund is a program that provides scholarships for foreign nursing students who are pursuing graduate degrees in nursing or related fields in the USA. The program awards $10,000 to $12,500 per year, depending on the availability of funds. The program is open to students who are citizens of countries other than the USA or Canada and demonstrate academic ability, financial need, and peace advocacy.
- Minority Nurse Scholarship Program: The Minority Nurse Scholarship Program provides scholarships for foreign nursing students from minority groups in the USA. The program awards $1,000 to $3,000 per year, depending on the availability of funds. The program is open to students enrolled in accredited nursing programs in the USA who demonstrate academic achievement, financial need, and involvement in minority health issues.
- Nurse Corps Scholarship Program: The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program provides scholarships for foreign nursing students who are willing to work in underserved areas in the USA after graduation. The program covers tuition, fees, books, supplies, and a monthly stipend. It is open to students enrolled in accredited nursing programs in the USA who demonstrate financial need, academic merit, and service commitment.
- Global Scholarship Alliance (GSA) Scholarship: The GSA Scholarship is a program that provides scholarships for foreign nursing students who are interested in working in the USA after graduation. The program covers tuition, fees, books, supplies, and a monthly stipend. The program is open to students enrolled in accredited nursing programs in the USA who demonstrate academic excellence, professional potential, and cultural adaptability.
10 Best Nursing Jobs in the USA
The USA offers foreign nurses various nursing jobs, depending on their qualifications, preferences, and goals.
Some of the best nursing jobs in the USA are:
- Nurse Practitioner (NP): A nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse who can diagnose and treat patients, prescribe medications, order tests, and provide education and counseling. They can work in various settings, such as primary, specialty, acute, or long-term care. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nurse practitioners can earn an average salary of $111,840 per year.
- Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): A nurse anesthetist is an advanced practice registered nurse who can administer anesthesia and monitor patients during surgical procedures. Nurse anesthetists can work in various settings, such as hospitals, surgery centers, dental offices, or military facilities. Nurse anesthetists can earn an average salary of $181,040 per year, according to the BLS.
- Nurse Midwife (CNM): A nurse midwife is an advanced practice registered nurse who can provide prenatal, labor, delivery, and postnatal care for women and their babies. Nurse midwives can work in various settings, such as hospitals, birthing centers, clinics, or home births. Nurse midwives can earn an average salary of $108,810 per year, according to the BLS.
- Nurse Educator: A registered nurse can teach and mentor nursing students and staff in academic or clinical settings. Nurse educators can work in various settings, such as colleges, universities, hospitals, or community health organizations. Nurse educators can earn an average salary of $83,160 per year, according to the BLS.
- Nurse Manager: A nurse manager is a registered nurse who can supervise and coordinate the activities of a nursing team in a specific unit or department. Nurse managers can work in various settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, or home health agencies. Nurse managers can earn an average salary of $100,980 per year, according to the BLS.
- Nurse Consultant: A nurse consultant is a registered nurse who can provide expert advice and guidance on various aspects of nursing practice, such as quality improvement, risk management, legal issues, or education. Nurse consultants can work in various settings, such as hospitals, law firms, insurance companies, or consulting agencies. Nurse consultants can earn an average salary of $90,830 per year, according to the BLS.
- Nurse Informaticist: A nurse informaticist is a registered nurse who can use information technology and data analysis to improve health care delivery and outcomes. Nurse informaticists can work in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, research centers, or software companies. Nurse informaticists can earn an average salary of $93,730 per year, according to the BLS.
- Nurse Case Manager: A nurse case manager is a registered nurse who can coordinate and manage the care of patients with complex or chronic conditions. Nurse case managers can work in various settings, such as hospitals, insurance companies, community health organizations, or rehabilitation centers. Nurse case managers can earn an average salary of $82,450 per year, according to the BLS.
- Nurse Advocate: A registered nurse can represent and protect the rights and interests of patients, families, and communities. Nurse advocates can work in various settings, such as hospitals, legal offices, government agencies, or non-profit organizations. According to the BLS, nurse advocates can earn an average salary of $77,460 per year.
- Nurse Researcher: A nurse researcher is a registered nurse who can conduct scientific studies to advance nursing knowledge and practice. Nurse researchers can work in various settings, such as universities, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, or government agencies. Nurse researchers can earn an average salary of $81,500 per year, according to the BLS.
- Nurse Entrepreneur: A nurse entrepreneur is a registered nurse who can start and run their own business in the healthcare industry. Nurse entrepreneurs can work in various settings, such as home health care, consulting, education, or product development. Nurse entrepreneurs can earn an average salary of $75,000 per year, according to the BLS.
How to Apply and Get Approved
To apply and get approved for nursing jobs in the USA, foreign nurses need to follow these steps:
- Obtain a nursing degree from an accredited program in your home country. Depending on your career goals and qualifications, you can choose to pursue a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in nursing.
- Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for registered nurses or practical nurses. The NCLEX is a standardized test that evaluates your knowledge and skills in nursing practice. Depending on the availability of testing centers, you can take the NCLEX in your home country or the USA.
- Obtain a license from the state board of nursing where you want to work. Each state has its own requirements and procedures for licensing foreign nurses, so you need to check your desired state’s specific rules and regulations. You may need to submit your transcripts, credentials, NCLEX results, and other documents to the state board of nursing for verification and approval.
- Obtain a visa and a green card to work legally in the USA. Depending on your qualifications, preferences, and goals, there are different types of visas and green cards for foreign nurses. Some of the most common ones are:
- H-1B visa: This is a temporary work visa for foreign professionals with a bachelor’s degree or higher in a specialty occupation. It is valid for up to six years and can be extended or changed to a green card under certain conditions. However, the H-1B visa is subject to an annual cap and a lottery system, so it is not guaranteed that you will get one.
- TN visa: This is a temporary work visa for foreign professionals who are citizens of Canada or Mexico and have a bachelor’s degree or higher in a profession covered by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The TN visa is valid for up to three years and can be renewed indefinitely. It is not subject to a cap or a lottery, so it is easier to obtain than the H-1B visa.
- EB-3 green card: This is a permanent resident card for foreign professionals with a bachelor’s degree or higher or at least two years of experience in a skilled occupation. The EB-3 green card is subject to a quota and a waiting list, so getting one may take several years. The EB-3 green card requires a sponsorship from a US employer, who has to prove that no qualified US worker is available for the job.
- EB-2 green card: This is a permanent resident card for foreign professionals who have a master’s degree or higher or who have exceptional ability in their field. The EB-2 green card is subject to a quota and a waiting list but is faster than the EB-3 green card. The EB-2 green card also requires a sponsorship from a US employer unless you can obtain a national interest waiver, which means that your work benefits the US national interest.
- EB-1 green card is a permanent resident card for foreign professionals with extraordinary ability, outstanding achievements, or international recognition. The EB-1 green card is not subject to a quota or a waiting list, so it is the fastest and easiest way to get a green card. The EB-1 green card does not require a sponsorship from a US employer, so you can apply for it on your own.
- Apply for nursing jobs in the USA. You can use various sources and methods to find and apply for nursing jobs in the USA, such as:
- Online job boards: Many online job boards, such as Indeed, Monster, CareerBuilder, or Nurse.com, specialize in nursing jobs. You can search for nursing jobs by location, specialty, salary, or employer and apply online with your resume and cover letter.
- Recruitment agencies: Many recruitment agencies, such as O’Grady Peyton, Conexus Medstaff, or Avant Healthcare Professionals, help foreign nurses find and apply for nursing jobs in the USA. Register with these agencies and get your visa, license, resume, interview, and placement assistance.
- Networking: You can also use your personal and professional network to find and apply for nursing jobs in the USA, such as your friends, family, colleagues, mentors, or alumni. You can ask for referrals, recommendations, or introductions to potential employers and use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter to connect with them.
Conclusion
Nursing jobs and grants in the USA for foreigners are abundant and rewarding, but they also require a lot of preparation and effort.
Foreign nurses must obtain a nursing degree, pass the NCLEX, obtain a license, obtain a visa and a green card, and apply for nursing jobs in the USA.
By following these steps, foreign nurses can achieve their dream of working and studying in the USA and contribute to the health and well-being of the American people.
