Calling all nurses! Are you ready to don your nursing caps and celebrate International Nurses Day? Let’s take a moment to honor the proud tradition of ethical practice and career excellence in US nursing. Every year on May 12th, International Nurses Day is observed to honor the contributions and sacrifices made by nurses around the world.
If you’re looking to join the US healthcare industry, now is the time! US News & World Report has ranked nurse practitioners as the best healthcare job overall, with registered nurses coming in fifth place. The US nursing profession has a stellar reputation for ethical behavior and excellence, and there are endless opportunities and benefits to pursuing a nursing career in the US.
In this article, we aim to inspire and encourage you to join the US healthcare industry by highlighting the many exciting opportunities available to foreign nurses. Let’s celebrate International Nurses Day and explore the exciting world of the nursing career.
Nursing isn’t just a degree on your wall, but a calling—one that requires dedication, compassion, and a deep commitment to ethical practice. Florence Nightingale’s work in the 19th century during the Crimean War demonstrated the value of nurses in improving patient outcomes. During these periods, she emphasized the importance of cleanliness, hygiene, and patient comfort in the care of sick and injured soldiers. Her efforts led to the establishment of nursing schools and the development of a professional code of ethics.
Today, the nursing profession in the US is guided by a set of ethical principles that emphasize the importance of patient-centered care, confidentiality, informed consent, and respect for patient autonomy. It was recently ranked in Gallup’s poll as the most trusted profession in the US for the twentieth straight year, with a top honesty and ethics rating of 81%—14 points above doctors. Even firefighters couldn’t compete with their record-high rating of 90% in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001, their only appearance in the poll. ¹
The tradition of ethical practice and career excellence in nursing is highly valued and celebrated through various programs and initiatives in the United States. The American Nurses Association’s Nursing Excellence program is one such initiative that recognizes and promotes nursing excellence in the US. Through various awards and recognition programs, the ANA honors nurses who have demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and dedication to their profession.
More examples of programs and initiatives in the United States that celebrate ethical practice and career excellence in Nursing include:
Nurses are widely regarded as the backbone of the US healthcare industry, and this is reflected in the high demand for nurses in the country. In US News’ comprehensive list of the best healthcare jobs in the United States—based on various factors like salary, job prospects, and job satisfaction—among the top healthcare jobs are nurse practitioner, registered nurse, nurse anesthetist, and nurse midwife.²
These jobs offer a variety of opportunities and specialties, from primary care to surgery and beyond. Many of these jobs also require advanced degrees, such as a master’s or doctorate in nursing.
With the demand for healthcare professionals on the rise, nursing candidates can expect to have a bright future in the field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 9% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
In addition to strong job prospects, nursing candidates can also expect competitive salaries. Many nursing jobs offer high earning potential, especially for those with advanced degrees or specialized certifications.
The US News and World Report’s 2022 list of Best Healthcare Jobs rank nurse practitioners as the fifth-best job in the country, with a median salary of $117,670 and an unemployment rate of just 1.4%.³
Nursing is a career that offers tremendous opportunities for growth and development. The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, and nurses are at the forefront of this change, playing a critical role in providing high-quality care to patients. From acute care settings to community health, nurses have a wide range of career options to choose from, allowing them to pursue their passions and make a meaningful impact in their communities.
For foreign nurses considering a career in the US, the opportunities are endless. The shortage of nursing professionals in the country has created a high demand for qualified and experienced nurses. According to the American Nurses Association, the US will need over one million new registered nurses by 2022 to fill the projected shortage of nurses in the country. This presents an opportunity for immigrant nurses to make a significant impact in the US healthcare industry and contribute to improving patient care.
However, navigating the process of becoming a licensed nurse in the US as an immigrant can be complex and challenging. Immigrant nurses must complete several requirements, including passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and obtaining a nursing license from the state in which they wish to practice. Additionally, they must meet the specific education and training requirements of the state they are seeking to practice in.
To support immigrant nurses in navigating these challenges, PRS Global offers immigration and visa support to nursing candidates. Our services cover a comprehensive range of services to assist foreign nurses in obtaining the necessary visas and permits to work in the US. In addition, nurses who partner with us get the resources and support they need to prepare and meet the NCLEX requirements of the state in which they wish to practice.
PRS Global offers career development resources to nursing candidates, including training and certification programs. Our service equally covers helping nursing candidates like yourself with job placement services so that you find the right job opportunities that align with your career goals and aspirations.
At PRS Global, we believe that every nurse deserves the opportunity to thrive in their career, regardless of their background or country of origin. That’s why we offer expert guidance to help nurses navigate the complex process of finding work in the US.
Our commitment to immigrant nurses doesn’t end there. We’ll be here to guide you every step of the way, providing care programs to help you deal with homesickness and culture shock, as well as offering assistance with licensure preparations and living expenses.
Join the proud tradition of ethical and career excellence by getting in touch today!