Trace Ann is originally from Jamaica. In this blog, she shares her story about becoming a USRN with Avant Healthcare Professionals. Trace Ann now has a successful career and life as a U.S. citizen.
Why did you decide to become a USRN? Why did you join Avant Healthcare Professionals?
I chose Avant Healthcare Professionals because, in part, they chose me after my interview, and hearing how they intended to support my journey was very feasible. As a young person without a solid financial background, I would need all the support I could get to offset expenses to become a USRN. These included taking the NCLEX, purchasing books for test preparation, to fine details such as housing, travel expenses, and airport pick up.
How was your Avant experience? What’s your favorite part of the program?
They offered constant communication about the next steps because I knew I could not do it alone. My favorite part of the program would be when I got to shadow at the Florida Regional Hospital while going through the transition program. That was when it hit that I would be working as a USRN because I saw the practicality of it unfolding.
Where were you placed, and why did you convert to the hospital’s full-time staff?
They had already wanted to put me in a charge nurse role but were waiting for me to sign on. The staff had grown on me, I also liked the city a lot, so I didn’t need to be elsewhere. Staying was best for me. Besides, the director then kept telling me she would offer me a competitive salary so I could buy more stilettos, haha.
How long did you stay post-conversion?
I am still at the facility now and began in 2016. I transferred to their ICU unit and have been there for the past three years.
How have you integrated with your community?
I have integrated well within the community. I felt that I had a bit of privilege as a foreigner as people always wanted to know about me and my culture, which made it easy to transition. I play in the softball league, joined the Christian adventure group for weekly hikes, and have a church community. I also do lots of volunteer activities with the Red Cross. I am still exploring my community because there is always much to do in the Rockies.
How has your life changed living and working in the US?
My life has changed in a meaningly way. I achieved my priority of wanting to become a USRN and gained international experience. As a result, I feel fulfilled in my professional development. Monetarily I have acquired things that would have been harder to achieve, for example, home ownership at age 29. I can support my family at home in Jamaica which is always important to me. Becoming a U.S. citizen allows me to travel independently, see new things, and explore other parts of the world.
What is your current title and what are you doing now?
I am a CCRN in the ICU and just graduated with my master’s as a Family Nurse Practitioner in May 2023.
Any advice to international nurses about coming to the US to pursue their American dream?
You may occasionally miss your culture, but you may also discover a subculture here in the U.S., and when you feel homesick, you are only a flight away. You are thinking about unlocking your next level for a reason, so don’t live life regretting what-ifs. Your future self will thank you, and most importantly, don’t lose who you are, keep that at the forefront.
