5 Reasons Why Moving to The U.S. is Worth it

February 07, 2023

Immigrating to the U.S. is a complicated process and can be... let us admit it, frustrating. Aside from the uncertainty of the timeline and possibly failing the NCLEX and English exams, the pressure of preparing for a new life can make nurses think twice if they are making the right choice.

And yet, we know that thousands of international nurses push through the arduous journey of becoming USRNs because of the great opportunity the U.S. provides for foreign-educated nurses. Below are the five reasons R.N.s find that moving to the U.S. is worth it.

1. Employment-based immigration (EB-3 Visa)

One of the most attractive parts of becoming a USRN is becoming a Permanent Resident in the U.S., also known as a Green Card holder. In most cases, U.S. employers file for an EB-3 Visa for the foreign-educated R.N.s they hire, which allows them to live and work in the U.S. permanently. In addition, married nurses can bring their legal spouses and children under 21 years old with them.

This is incredibly life-changing for R.N.s from the Philippines, Kenya, and India, who may have worked for several years in the Middle East and separated from their family to send money back home. But by becoming a USRN, reunion with family is possible, and they could create a better life together moving forward.

2. Higher Salary and Competitive Benefits

It is not unknown that Registered Nurses from many parts of the world are underpaid compared to their laborious work.

The U.S. pays Registered Nurses well to the point that R.N.s can afford to purchase a car and eventually buy a house within a couple of years of employment in a U.S. facility. Aside from a competitive salary, USRNs get benefits such as medical and dental insurance, a 401k retirement plan, and paid time off. Moreover, many employers provide allowance or reimbursement for continuing education of nurses.

3. Educational Opportunities

U.S. hospitals are competitive and strive to be the top choice of patients. Patients would be willing to go to a hospital further away from their homes if it means they will be provided with the utmost care by healthcare professionals. Therefore, U.S. hospitals are keen to invest resources in their staff to ensure that their knowledge and skills are up to date to provide excellent patient care. When you become a USRN, continuing education is something that you could expect to enjoy. Many employers will either offer you an allowance or, in some cases, reimburse you for certifications that would add to your knowledge as R.N.s.

4. Work-Life Balance

Nursing is hard no matter where you practice it but becoming a USRN gives you a better chance to have a work-life balance. We don't want to discount the fact that many U.S. facilities still have nursing staff shortages, which means USRNs can still be asked to do overtime. Extended hours on duty are something you would still do when you become a USRN; however, in many parts of the U.S., Registered Nurses work five eight-hour shifts a week or three 12-hour shifts a week. This gives them time to decompress from the stress of laborious duty. On their time off, USRNs often meet with their friends to hike together or try a new restaurant in the city, or for married nurses, spend time with their spouses and children. R.N.s can also afford to treat themselves with travels and check places off their bucket list.

5. Respect for the profession

Nurses are very well-respected professionals in the U.S. They have autonomy and are expected to think like a doctor. USRNs are relied upon to apply their skills in assessing patients, determining the outcomes of interventions used, and looking at the responses to treatment. There is a whole world of difference compared to other countries that see nurses as mere doctor's assistants.

In the U.S., patients who receive exemplary care from nurses would express their appreciation verbally. They would sometimes send a note to the nurse managers to give "kudos" or nominate nurses for the Daisy Award. International R.N.s who move to the U.S. experience tremendous respect and appreciation from people around them.

Avant Healthcare Professionals is the premier recruiting and staffing specialist for internationally educated healthcare professionals. When you join the Avant Healthcare Professionals program, you have entire teams of experts dedicated to your success in the USA! Take the first step toward your new life and a new career. Apply today to find out if you qualify to be part of this exclusive program. You could be working in the U.S. in as little as 12 months!