Dream. Become. Inspire. Meet Joshua, RN

April 28, 2022

Meet Joshua, an international nurse from Kenya who is living his American Dream with his family in Texas. Below, Joshua shares what it felt like to hold his green card in his hands, how he pursued his dream of becoming a USRN, and his advice for aspiring USRNs.  

My Journey to Becoming a USRN

Initially, I did not want to be a nurse; I wanted to be an engineer, but I had missed a few points needed for my desired course. Still, I got a letter from my university to do an Engineering course, but it was not the one I wanted. My father talked to me about the "reality of life." We talked about my options, and he brought up Nursing. After a lengthy discussion, I told him that I would think about it. 

That same night, my brother got sick, so we took him to the hospital in the morning. I saw nurses and doctors, but the nurses were mainly involved with us, giving my brother injections and educating him. I thought to myself, "I think I like what she's doing." We were there a couple of days until my brother was better. In my mind, that nurse saved my brother's life. She didn't only make my brother well, but we were much better as a family. I thought, "I think this is something I want to do. I want to change lives." 

After getting my BSN degree and practicing for some time, I realized that BSN nurses were not given as much room as I would want. There was a lot more I wanted to do, but I could not because of the system and resources. I hoped to work in an environment where I would not be limited, so that is when I felt like moving to the United States.  

In America, I would be able to practice in an environment where I would have access to "unlimited resources." I know the U.S. also has its limitations, but it is not much compared to where I come from. 

My USRN Process

In 2017, my friend mentioned knowing someone who was moving abroad and that there was an organization helping him take exams, go to India (to take the NCLEX), immigration, and such. At the time, the process sounded too long and I did not think it was for me.

Later on, I noticed my friend was going through the Avant Healthcare Professionals process and it got me curious so I asked him to send me information. In 2018, I started my path to become a USRN with Avant Healthcare Professionals. It was not easy. I encountered many challenges waiting for this chance. But it was exciting!

I took my first flight (in my life) to India to take the NCLEX-RN exam. After I passed the NCLEX, courtesy of Avant Healthcare Professionals, I can't express how happy I was. But I did not realize there would be a stretch of time and so many things to do with the immigration department, and the embassy. I did not know that countries could be "current" with the Visa Bulletin, then COVID hit. It got even worse with the timelines. In addition, there were naysayers telling me to give up and go on with my life.

But all in all, I can say that it was worth it!

Getting my green card means my dream has been achieved and gives me that sense of satisfaction. It made me believe in myself. Finally! This has happened to me and not just someone else. Some people thought it was not real. But now with the green card in my hands, it (my dream) has finally come to pass.

My Advice for Aspiring USRNs

So many people were asking me, "How did you do it?" and I can say it is doable. All you need to do is to be committed, hold on, and be focused. As I have shared, it took a lot of time, there were a lot of sacrifices, and it took a lot of patience; all of these things do not equate to money, so they are affordable to anyone who chooses them.  

Also, remember your WHY. There is a reason why you want to do this, so whenever you feel like giving up, remember why you started. It always pushes you. There are times when you are down but it's normal. It's okay to rest, but do not give up.  

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!