Why Nursing is a Good Career in the U.S.?
Good afternoon, good morning, or good evening—wherever you may be watching from! Welcome to AMN Healthcare International’s live show Onwards and Upwards, where we discuss everything a global healthcare worker needs to know about living and working in the United States.
Hello everyone, I’m your host Danielle Freedman, and I’m so happy to be here with you this morning, coming to you live from sunny San Diego, California.
We have a very exciting show lined up with a fantastic group of expert guests. We’ll be talking about why nursing is a great career choice in the United States.
We know you have lots of choices when it comes to deciding where you want to build your nursing career, and many countries are open to you. Today, you’ll hear from four amazing nurses who will share:
- Their journeys to the United States
- The challenges and triumphs they faced along the way
- Why they ultimately chose to come to the USA
They’ll also talk about:
- RN career growth and salaries
- Lifestyle and work–life balance
- Future career outlook
- Their best advice for nurses considering the move
So we have a lot to cover, and I’m really excited to dive in!
Special Announcement: Referral Program
Before we bring out our guests, I’m thrilled to announce our new referral program. You may have heard some buzz about it, but here are the details:
✨Refer a nurse and earn $1,000!
This program is through our international staffing division. If you know a nurse who is interested in coming to the U.S. as an international staffing nurse, you can earn $1,000 for every successful referral—and there’s no limit to how many referrals you can make.
Key details:
- Eligible nurses must be citizens of Canada or Mexico (eligible for the TN visa), or
- They must have an EB-3 priority date of October 2023 or earlier
If you’re interested, we’ll drop the registration link in the chat. Once you sign up, you’ll get a personal referral link to share with family, friends, or colleagues—and you can start earning rewards.
Meet Our Nurses
All right—without further ado, let’s welcome today’s guests!
Good morning, Shivagani.
Good morning, Cornie.
Good morning, Stella.
Good morning, Yeukai.
It sounds like everyone’s doing well today, which makes us even more excited for this conversation. Thank you all so much for taking the time to be here and share your stories.
I’ve been doing this work for about five years now, and I’ve spoken to so many nurses who’ve traveled through different countries before eventually choosing the United States. One thing they all share is how happy they are to have reached their American dream.
So, let’s get started with some introductions. We’d love to hear about you, your family, where you came from, and where you’re currently living.
👉 Stella, let’s begin with you.
Stella’s Introduction
Host: Hello, good morning! Let’s start with you, Stella.
Stella: Good morning. I’m Stella, and I’m currently working a staff job in the Bay Area, Northern California. I first came to the U.S. in 2019 and started my international nursing journey at Cape Fear Valley Hospital in North Carolina. After that, I worked as a travel nurse for a while, and just recently, I settled here in Northern California.
Host: Very nice! And where are you originally from?
Stella: Oh, sorry—I’m originally from Kenya.
Host: Wonderful, thank you for sharing that. Okay, let’s move on to Cornie.
Cornie’s Introduction
Cornie: Hi, good morning everyone. I’m Cornie, currently based in Fredericksburg, Virginia. I’ve been an ICU nurse since graduating from nursing school in Malaysia. After that, my family and I moved to Abu Dhabi for better pay and experience, and that’s where I gained most of my ICU specialty. Now, I’m here in Virginia working under an OGP contract at Mary Washington Hospital.
Host: Thank you, Cornie. I’m excited to hear more about your journey. It sounds like Abu Dhabi was an important stop in your career before coming to the U.S.
Shivagani’s Introduction
Host: Now let’s hear from Shivaganigani.
Shivagani: Good morning. I’m Shivagani, originally from Johannesburg, South Africa. I’m currently living in Roswell, Georgia, and working at North Fulton Hospital in the IMCU department. I started my career in the U.S. in July 2023, and I’m really excited to be here.
Host: That’s wonderful, Shivagani—and I hope I’m saying your name correctly! I actually have a special connection here because I’m also from South Africa. So it’s especially nice to have a fellow South African on today’s show. I know it’s a long journey for many of you—bringing your families, adjusting to a new way of life—so we’re excited to hear more about how your transition has been. Thank you for sharing!
Yeukai’s Introduction
Host: And last but certainly not least, let’s welcome Yeukai.
Yeukai: Hello everyone, this is YeuYeukai. I’m from Zimbabwe. I came to the United States last year, after working as a nurse back home for six years. Currently, I’m on an OGP contract in Fredericksburg, Virginia, at Mary Washington Hospital.
Host: Thank you, YeuYeukai. We’re so glad to have you here and to hear more about your journey.
Why International Nurses Choose a Career in the USA
Transition to First Question
Host: All right, now that we’ve met all of our guests, let’s get into the discussion. Cornie, let’s start with you—what inspired you to become a nurse, and how did that lead to your journey here in the United States?
Cornie’s Story
Cornie: For me, I wouldn’t say it was an “inspiration” to be a nurse at first—it was more of a practical choice. Coming out of high school, I needed to choose a career path that wouldn’t be a financial burden on my family. In Malaysia at that time, nursing training was offered mostly through healthcare organization sponsorships, and once you graduated, you were bonded to that organization for a period of time.
The advantage was that during my training, everything was covered—fees, expenses—so I didn’t have to worry financially. But of course, the trade-off was being bonded before I could choose where I wanted to work.
After working in Abu Dhabi for a number of years, my family and I felt ready for a change. We were looking for new opportunities, and the U.S. offered more possibilities for our future. That’s what led us here.
Host: That makes a lot of sense. I hear this from many nurses working abroad—they’re searching for new opportunities and that “golden pathway” the U.S. offers. It sounds like you were ready for something bigger for both yourself and your family. Thank you for sharing that, Cornie.
Shivagani’s Story
Host: Now let’s go to you, Shivaganigani. I know South Africa is a beautiful country—I’m thinking back to when I was on the beaches in Cape Town, truly breathtaking. But what made you decide to leave and come to the United States?
Shivagani: Being a nurse in South Africa was something I thoroughly enjoyed. I loved caring for patients, but I felt I needed something more. I wanted to explore opportunities outside my home country. Through networking, I found that the U.S. has a wide range of career options for nurses, and that really motivated me.
Another important factor was that the U.S. allows nurses to bring their families. That made a huge difference for me—it meant I didn’t have to leave my loved ones behind.
Also, I grew up in a small community where healthcare resources were very limited. Seeing that struggle firsthand inspired me to become a nurse in the first place, and eventually to pursue new opportunities abroad.
Host: That makes so much sense. It sounds like nursing was both a calling and a necessity in your community, and when you were looking for opportunities abroad, your family was always a big part of the decision. Thank you for sharing that, Shivaganigani.
Audience Question
Host: I see we have a question in the chat from Alo Kotang, asking: “Is AMN a staffing company or an agency?”
Great question! AMN is actually both. We are an agency that offers international staffing placements as well as direct hire opportunities across the United States. If you’re interested in coming to the U.S., you can apply directly through our website at amnhealthcare.com/international. We’ll also drop the link in the chat.
And to everyone watching—please keep your questions coming! We have an amazing group of guests today with a wealth of knowledge and experience, and we’d love to take your questions live.
Stella’s Turn
Host: All right, let’s go to Stella. When you were deciding where to work, you had a lot of options. For example, Cornie went to Abu Dhabi. Many nurses choose the UK, Australia, or Germany—countries that often offer high-paying opportunities. But ultimately, you chose the United States. What made you decide this was the right place for you?
Stella’s Story
Stella: So actually, I first wanted to go to the UK. I even took the IELTS exam and passed with a high score, because the UK requires a higher score than the U.S. But I had friends who were already working in the UK as RNs, and they did not recommend it.
At the same time, I had friends who had come to the U.S., and they kept encouraging me to consider it. In Kenya, I had already exhausted my opportunities and felt it was time to broaden my horizons—for career growth, for my family, and for my own professional advancement. So, instead of moving to the UK, I ultimately decided the U.S. was the better option for me.
Host: Okay, so for you, the U.S. felt like a better fit—not only for your professional growth but also for your family’s future. That makes perfect sense.
And wait—I see a little head there, and I hear some cooing! How sweet. What’s her name?
Stella: She’s Gabriella.
Host: Oh my goodness—how beautiful! And she must have been born here in the U.S.?
Stella: Yes, she was.
Host: Wow—so she’s an American citizen! What a full-circle moment. Hi, Gabriella—we’re happy to have you joining us today, too.
Thank you for sharing, Stella. I think what you said really resonates—when nurses are deciding where to go, there are so many factors to weigh: professional opportunities, family life, and long-term growth.
Nursing in the U.S. – Facts & Context
Host: Now, let’s step back for a moment and look at some nursing facts in the U.S. Why do so many nurses choose to come here?
We know there’s an incredibly high demand for nurses—retrogression is part of that story, though we won’t dive into it today. But here are a few key points:
- Nursing is the nation’s largest healthcare profession
- There are 4.7 million RNs nationwide
- 55% of RNs work in hospitals
- And as of 2022, 71% of the RN workforce holds a baccalaureate degree or higher
So, nursing is a highly respected profession in the U.S., with lots of opportunities for advancement.
Steps to Start Your Nursing Career in the USA
Transition to Next Question
Host: Let’s talk about the process of moving from your home country to the United States to become a nurse. What was it like?
Stella’s Process
Stella: For international nurses, moving here is definitely a multi-step process. It starts with credential evaluation—back then, we worked with CGFNS, who asked for transcripts and handled verification.
Next, I had to take the English proficiency exam, since my country is not officially English-speaking. After that, I prepared for the NCLEX licensing exam—and that took about five to six months of study.
In my case, Kenya didn’t have a testing center, so I had to travel to Johannesburg, South Africa, to sit for the NCLEX. Thankfully, my agency covered my exam fees, flight, and hotel.
After passing the exam, the agency helped me obtain my VisaScreen certificate, and then they filed for my EB-3 immigrant visa—the U.S. green card for skilled workers. They also secured my job placement.
Overall, the process was smoother with the support of the recruitment agency, because they guided me through all the complex requirements. From start to finish, it took about two years. I began in 2022, and I finally arrived in the U.S. last year in May.
Host: That’s incredible—and such a detailed process. Thank you for breaking that down. I think it’s really valuable for other nurses watching to understand exactly what the journey looks like.
Host: Wow, Stella—that really does sound like quite the journey. A lot of steps, a lot of time, but clearly worth it in the end. So let me ask you—what made you choose AMN to support you along the way?
Stella: Honestly, I didn’t have AMN in mind at first. It actually came as a referral from my boss, who was in the late stages of completing her American process. She was working with OGP, and based on her testimony—and the information I found online after she introduced me to OGP—I learned about AMN’s longstanding expertise in international staffing, its strong reputation, and the immigration assistance they provide. All of that made me confident to go with AMN.
Host: Thank you, Stella. I think that’s one of the best ways to find a pathway—through a referral from someone you know and trust.
And to everyone tuning in—I just want to pause quickly to highlight something. I saw a question in the chat from Alo Kotang, and I also want to give a shout-out to our Senior Director of Recruitment, Deirdre, who is following along live. She’s answering your questions in the chat as we go. Deirdre is such a wealth of knowledge, so please feel free to keep sending your questions in—she’s the perfect person to answer them.
I also want to clarify something that can be a little confusing: AMN has both Connetics and OGP.
- OGP is our international staffing division
- Connetics is our international direct hire division
Together, they give AMN the largest set of options for nurses looking to come to the U.S.—whether through direct hire or staffing. If you’re interested, you can apply directly on our website. The link is in the chat.
Host: Now, let’s turn back to our guests. Cornie, I’d love to hear from you. Why did you choose AMN to support your journey? I know you spent time in Abu Dhabi before coming to the U.S.—what ultimately made you decide to go with AMN?
Cornie: At that time, many of my ICU colleagues in Abu Dhabi were already applying to come to the U.S., and most of them were going through OGP. Seeing them go through the process made it easier for me to decide.
I also did my own research about AMN and OGP, and I found them to be the most reliable option. Their process is streamlined—not necessarily easy, but well-organized—and I knew I would have support throughout the journey. There was constant guidance and regular check-ins from the agency, which really made the process smoother for me.
Host: That makes so much sense, Cornie. I love that you shared that—because coming to a new country can be really overwhelming, especially if you’re bringing children or a spouse. Knowing that you’ll have guidance and support at every stage is so important, and OGP’s international staffing program really provides that reassurance. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Host: And now, Stella, I’d love to come back to you. Why did you choose AMN for your journey to the U.S.?
Stella: At that time, many of my friends were processing either with Avant or with AMN (through OGP). The friends who went through OGP consistently shared positive experiences.
What stood out to me most about AMN was their transparency and the support they provided throughout the process. They paid for my NCLEX, covered my travel expenses to India to take the exam, and even supported my entire relocation to the U.S.
For me, it felt like more than just recruitment. They guided me through licensing, relocation, adjusting to life in the U.S., and gave me the confidence I needed coming here. That’s why I chose AMN over other agencies like Avant.
Host: Thank you, Stella—that’s such a powerful point. It’s not just about getting here—it’s about having the right support along the way.
Host: I love that you said that, Stella. You know, it really is scary to imagine moving to a new country—especially the United States. It can be overwhelming. I moved here myself about 20 years ago when I was young, so I understand that feeling of not knowing what you’re stepping into. Having someone behind you, guiding and supporting you, really makes all the difference. Thank you for sharing your story.
Shivagani, let’s turn to you. Can you share why you decided to come to the United States with AMN?
Shivagani: Sure. I remember one day while I was working in the ICU, I saw a group of nurses studying. I was curious and asked them what they were studying for. They told me they were preparing for the NCLEX. That got me interested, so I started researching.
When I looked online, I saw that OGP had excellent reviews, which encouraged me to apply with them. From the very beginning, they supported me through the entire process. They provided study materials for the NCLEX, helped me with visa screening, and guided me in applying for my transcripts. They really made the whole journey easy and smooth, and that’s why I chose AMN and OGP.
Host: Thank you for sharing that, Shivagani. I also loved seeing the video of your family at the airport, waving you off—that was really beautiful. Thank you again for sharing both your story and that special moment with us.
Now, let’s have a little fun! We’ve put together a short quiz with some facts about nursing in the United States. If you’re watching live, you can put your answers in the chat, and I’ll also be asking our amazing panel here what they think.
Here’s our first question: What is the median age of RNs in the United States?
Is it:
A) 24 years old
B) 60 years old
C) 31 years old
D) 46 years old
Ladies, any guesses?
(I see Annie guessing 24 in the chat… Jason says 60…) The correct answer is D—46 years old! That’s the median age of RNs in the U.S.
Now, I get asked a lot about age restrictions: “What’s the best age to move to the U.S.? What if I have a family?” Well, this answer shows that age doesn’t need to be a limiting factor. In fact, coming later in your career often means you bring more experience and confidence, which is a huge asset.
Alright, let’s move to our second quiz question: How many new nursing jobs does the U.S. government predict will open each year by 2034?
Is it:
A) 50,000
B) 100,000
C) 189,000
D) 250,000
Any guesses?
(I see several people saying C… and you’re right!) The correct answer is C—189,000 new nursing jobs each year by 2034. That’s a huge number and shows just how strong the demand for nurses continues to be. It’s one of the main reasons we’re here today and why so many of you have made the journey to the U.S.
And now for our last question: Which setting employs the largest percentage of RNs in the United States?
Is it:
A) Nursing care facilities
B) Hospitals
C) Physician offices
D) Government
What do we think?
(I see Annie and Prudent both guessing hospitals… and that’s correct!) The answer is B—hospitals. That’s where the majority of RNs in the U.S. are employed.
Now, I also want to touch on something I see coming up in the chat—age limits. We have a graphic showing the age distribution of the U.S. nursing workforce. It’s a little small, but what stands out is that about 20% of nurses are over the age of 60. That means many are nearing retirement, which is one of the reasons demand is so high.
There simply aren’t enough new graduates to fill all the positions, which is why international nurses are so important to the U.S. healthcare system. And again, you can see from this chart that nurses are working at every age and stage of life. So if you’re wondering whether age is a barrier—don’t let it hold you back. More experience often means more knowledge and more value you bring to your role.
With that in mind, I’d love to shift our conversation toward career growth and opportunity in the U.S. You’ve all mentioned that one of the big reasons you came here was for better opportunities—for your families and for your careers.
Career Growth and Nursing Salaries in the USA
So, Cornie, let’s start with you. How has your salary, your benefits, and your overall career stability improved as a nurse here in the United States?
Cornie: I have to say, I look at this as a whole because my experience working in Abu Dhabi gave me a different perspective. What I’ve noticed here in the United States is that nurses are truly compensated for the work they do. For example, back in Abu Dhabi, if you stayed late—even until 9 p.m.—you wouldn’t necessarily be compensated for that extra time.
But here, if you need to stay late to finish charting or complete clinical commitments, you will be compensated. That’s a really good practice I’ve seen here in the U.S. On top of that, we also get benefits like insurance coverage, and there’s flexibility with financial options, such as whether or not to contribute to retirement plans. Ultimately, you have choices—you’re not stuck with just one way of doing things. That kind of flexibility with financial benefits is something I really appreciate.
Host: So it sounds like you have more flexibility now, and you’re also fairly compensated for your work, which maybe wasn’t always the case before. That makes sense, and I’m sure that’s a good feeling. In the U.S., there are strong employment laws to protect nurses and make sure they’re treated fairly, so that’s great to hear.
Now, we actually wanted to compare salaries across countries, since we’ve been talking about the UK and the Middle East. Why is the U.S. often seen as the “golden ticket” for international nurses? Salary isn’t everything—but it’s definitely an important factor for many families.
When we looked at the data, the average RN salary in the U.S. is significantly higher than in places like the UK, Canada, New Zealand, Germany, or even Australia. And remember, that’s just the average—so as you grow your career, those numbers only go up. This really shows why many international nurses see the U.S. as not only a chance to advance their careers, but also to improve the lives of their families.
Emerging Nursing Career Paths in the United States
So with that in mind, YeuYeukai, I’d love to hear from you. What opportunities have you discovered as an RN in the U.S.? What does career growth look like for you?
YeuYeukai: Based on current trends, I see a lot of new opportunities for RNs here in the U.S., especially in non-traditional settings, specialty roles, and tech-integrated roles. For example, there are technology-driven paths like telehealth nursing and informatics nursing, which use AI and data to support patient care.
For nurses who want to expand outside of direct patient care, there are also leadership positions, consulting opportunities—like legal nurse consulting—and even the chance to start your own healthcare-related business.
Other emerging specializations include behavioral and mental health nursing, aesthetic nursing, home health, and correctional and forensic nursing. And of course, many nurses are pursuing advanced practice roles, like becoming a nurse practitioner, which I find particularly interesting compared to staying only at the bedside.
Host: That’s fantastic, Yeukai. I love how you highlighted the wide range of options. It really shows that nursing in the U.S. isn’t limited to the hospital—there are so many directions your career can take.
Host: Wow, that’s a lot of opportunities you’ve mentioned, Yeukai—I didn’t even know about some of those myself. Pretty amazing. Where do you see your career trajectory going?
Yeukai: Nurse Practitioner. Right now, I’m working on my BSN. After that, I plan to do my Master’s and then move into an NP role. With the opportunities here, I really believe I can pursue that path.
Host: That’s very exciting! And why specifically do you want to become a Nurse Practitioner?
YeuYeukai: I just find myself wanting to explore more in the profession. For me, it’s about career growth and also change. I’ve been doing bedside nursing for several years now, and I feel it’s time to move forward and pursue what I truly want.
Host: That makes a lot of sense, and we wish you the best of luck on that journey—that’s very exciting!
Travel Nursing Career Opportunities in the USA
So Stella, I want to turn to you. You mentioned earlier that you finished your staffing contract and then transitioned into travel nursing. Can you share what new opportunities you’ve discovered as an RN in the U.S., and maybe a bit about your experience as a travel nurse?
Stella: Sorry, I might be on mute—maybe because of the baby. (laughs) Okay, so I started travel nursing in 2022 and stopped this past January because of the baby. But through travel nursing, I discovered so many opportunities. Travel nursing itself opened doors to different states, where I could see how each state does things differently. I even worked in places where they used robots, like in Washington—that was really eye-opening in terms of technology.
I also discovered different career pathways, such as mental health, psych, bedside nursing, and even forensic nursing. It’s very broad, and honestly, there’s no limit to what you can do.
Host: That’s amazing, Stella. I’m sure our audience appreciates hearing about the wide range of opportunities you’ve come across—and it sounds like there are only more to come in the future. Thank you for sharing.
Now, I do want to pause and answer a couple of questions I see coming up in the chat. One of the biggest ones is about the NCLEX. If you are an NCLEX passer—that’s your golden ticket. That’s how you begin this journey. Every one of these amazing ladies passed the NCLEX, and that’s how they started their path to the U.S. Once you’ve passed, you can apply on our website, and we would love to help you achieve your American dream.
I’m also seeing some questions about the H-1B visa. I know there’s a lot of chatter online about this. We’re actually going to address the H-1B in detail during our next immigration show. At the end of today’s session, we’ll bring up the show schedule so you’ll know exactly when it is, and our expert attorneys will be taking your questions then.
Work–Life Balance for Nurses in the USA
Okay—so let’s shift gears and talk a little bit about lifestyle, work–life balance, and what it’s like living in the U.S. with your family.
So, Sihivagani, I’d love to turn to you. What has life looked like for you outside of work in the U.S.? What’s it been like for your family? Are you enjoying it?
Sihivagani: Yes, I am enjoying life in the U.S. One of the things I really appreciate is the work schedule. Here, we work 36 hours a week, which is considered a full-time schedule. That gives us more time to spend with family and to explore the U.S.
There are also different job types you can choose from: full-time, where you work three days a week; part-time, where you work two days a week; and PRN, where you only work a couple of times a month. That variety and flexibility really make a difference.
Lifestyle here is definitely different from back home—the food, for example, takes some adjustment—but once you get used to it, you really begin to enjoy it.
Host: That makes sense. I think even when I go back to South Africa, I feel like life in the U.S.—and I don’t know if you’ll all agree—feels a little bit more fast-paced than in many of our home countries. Of course, it depends on where you live, but Shivagani, has that been your experience?
Shivagani: Yes, definitely—it is more fast-paced. And another thing I’ve learned here is that you have to be very careful with what you say and do. Back home in South Africa, for example, hugging is normal—we hug each other, we laugh freely. But here, you have to stand back and observe first, because a hug might feel like invading someone’s personal space. It’s just a different cultural norm.
Host: Mm, yes—different cultural norms. That makes sense. I see Stella nodding her head too. I think that’s really what cultural assimilation is all about—learning the differences between home and here, pausing to reflect, and then adjusting. It’s all part of the journey.
So Cornie, I’d love to hear from you. How does your work schedule in America compare to your schedule back home, or even during your stopover in Abu Dhabi?
Cornie: Honestly, I really prefer how it’s done here. It gives a lot more flexibility. For example, when I was working in Malaysia for a few years, and later in Abu Dhabi, most of the scheduling wasn’t in your control—you just had to follow whatever the hospital assigned, depending on clinical needs.
But here, they practice self-scheduling. I think that’s such a great system because you can arrange your work around your personal life and family activities. For me, that’s a big advantage, especially since my children are homeschooled. Having the ability to self-schedule makes a huge difference.
Host: That’s very interesting. So you’re saying you can really take your schedule into your own hands and decide what works best for you each week. That sounds like a lot of flexibility and independence, which you didn’t have in other places. Very interesting—thank you for sharing, Cornie.
Now, Yeukai, I’d love to turn to you. How has moving to the U.S. affected your family life? What are some of the things you’ve enjoyed, and what have been some of the challenges?
Yeukai: Well, the move brought both significant benefits and also some real challenges. I’ll divide them into positives and negatives.
On the positive side, I’ve been able to support my family back home, and I also had the opportunity to apply for family immigration. My husband was even able to join me here this year, which was a big dream achieved. I’ve also been able to pursue my career goals, start saving for retirement, and even enjoy some personal milestones—like being able to buy and drive one of my dream cars.
On the other hand, there have been challenges. Adjusting to cultural and social differences has been tough. For example, children starting in new schools, feeling homesick, and even adapting to new family roles. Back home, tasks were divided more traditionally—males did certain things, females did certain things. Here, you really need to meet halfway and share all the responsibilities, which takes adjustment.
I also miss family events and milestones. Communication with loved ones back in Zimbabwe is difficult because of the time difference—six or seven hours ahead. Sometimes by the time I’m free, it’s already midnight there, and that makes it harder to stay connected.
Extended separation from a spouse before they can join you here can also create strain in relationships—sometimes even tension or insecurities. And yes, there are moments of discrimination, whether at work or even in public places like grocery stores.
Finally, learning an entirely new healthcare system was overwhelming at first. Everything was different from what I was used to, and during orientation I had to absorb a huge amount in a short time. That was a real challenge.
Host: Thank you for being so open, Yeukai. That’s such an honest and relatable perspective, and I think many people watching can learn from your experience—both the opportunities and the challenges.
Host: That is a lot to handle, and a lot to have thrown your way. Mm-hmm. Now, we talk a lot about something I’m sure you’ve heard before—culture shock. I can see many of you nodding your heads. You know that feeling when you first arrive in the U.S., and suddenly you think, “Oh gosh… this is my life now. What did I do?” It can be exciting but also scary and overwhelming.
Finding Support as an International Nurse in the USA
I know I felt it when I first moved here, and I’m sure each of you has experienced it in some way. These challenges are very real, whether you come with your family or on your own. So, Kai, let me start with you—how did you overcome some of those challenges when you first arrived?
Yeukai: Initially, OGP was a huge support. I had a clinical support specialist who called me every week to check in on how I was adjusting at work, and another person who focused more on my social adjustment—asking about how I was settling in at home and in the community.
I was also fortunate to have family and friends here. When I arrived, there were some fellow Zimbabweans living in the same apartment complex. They would check on me, take me to the grocery stores, and sometimes even on short trips to help me relax and get to know the area.
And at work, I had an amazing preceptor from the Caribbean. She made everything in the hospital feel so much easier to understand. She would explain, “Here we don’t do it like back home, we do it this way,” and guided me step by step. Honestly, she made me feel like I belonged here. At first, I thought she was from Africa because of how well she connected with me—but I later learned she was Caribbean. She really helped me feel at home.
Host: Wow, so it sounds like community support, having OGP check in regularly, and having such a great preceptor really helped you get over those humps. And I like how you said “humps,” because there are good days and there are hard days—sometimes overwhelming ones. That support system clearly made a difference, and I’m sure it continues to help you today.
Cornie, let’s turn to you. How did you handle cultural or communication challenges when you first came to the U.S.?
Cornie: For me, the biggest challenge was losing the comfort of what I was used to back home. In my previous jobs, I had a strong support system in the clinical area, but when I started my career here, it felt very different.
One of the biggest shocks was experiencing real autonomy for the first time. For example, I work night shifts, and in my facility, most patients are covered by tele-ICU. There’s usually an on-site provider, but not for every patient. So when you call the tele-ICU physician, they rely completely on your assessment and critical thinking before making clinical decisions. That was a huge adjustment—I had to learn how to communicate clearly and effectively, because my input directly guided patient care.
Another culture shock was when I had to pronounce a patient’s death. In orientation, they told us that nurses here are the ones who call the time of death. But the first time I actually had to do it, I was shocked. Despite being a nurse for many years, I had never pronounced someone dead before. That was a big moment for me.
Host: Yes, those are very real differences. It’s one thing to learn about it in training, but another to experience it firsthand. Did the training you received before arriving help prepare you for those situations?
Cornie: Oh yes, definitely. The trainings helped, and also observing how other nurses handled situations was very useful. Being present during different clinical scenarios gave me the chance to see how people communicated with the tele-ICU and handled these responsibilities. Over time, I learned how to prepare and think ahead before making those calls, so I could provide all the necessary information confidently.
Host: Very interesting, thank you for sharing, Cornie. I’m sure a lot of nurses listening are inspired by your honesty—but also maybe a little nervous. And that’s okay. These are real challenges, and we want to be transparent. Knowing what to expect means you can prepare better.
Stella, I’d love to turn to you. You’ve been in the U.S. the longest out of the group. What advice would you give to international nurses about preparing for the challenges of coming to the United States?
Stella: My biggest advice is—be patient with yourself. The first few months are the hardest. That’s when you’ll face the most challenges. But don’t be afraid to ask for help. Connect with a network of people in your community, and always communicate with OGP or your agency if you’re struggling. You don’t have to go through it alone.
They’ve helped thousands of nurses before you, and the challenges are often very similar. So reach out—they know how to guide you through it. At work, connect with your colleagues and build a team you can rely on. Keep learning, keep growing, and never forget why you chose to come to the U.S. in the first place.
Whenever it gets tough, remind yourself of your “why”—your dream, your career, your family. That will keep you going.
Host: That’s such wonderful advice, Stella. Thank you for sharing.
I think that’s really solid advice, Stella, for anyone thinking about going on this journey. It may not be a short journey, so having patience and remembering why you started is so important. Thank you for sharing.
I also see a lot of questions about pay in the chat. I just want to clarify that the salary ranges I mentioned earlier are averages. Your actual pay will vary depending on location, experience, and specialty. If you do receive an offer from us, your recruiter will review all the details with you, including pay, benefits, and the support we provide. So rest assured, all of your questions will be addressed in detail at that stage.
The Future of Nursing in the USA
We’re almost at the top of the hour, and I wanted to spend a few minutes talking about the future of nursing in the United States.
Shivagani, can you share what excites you the most about your future as a nurse?
“I just completed my two-year assignment this past September, and I’m very excited about what’s next. Here in the U.S., there are bonuses for certifications, which motivates me to keep advancing. I’m also planning to pursue my Master’s in Nursing while I’m here. There are so many career opportunities—nurse practitioner, oncology, LVAD patient care, and other advanced technologies we don’t always see elsewhere. The profession in the U.S. is very flexible, and that excites me about my future.”
Well, congratulations to you! That’s very exciting—to have completed your contract and now be planning your next steps. You clearly have many opportunities ahead.
Yeukai, why do you believe nursing will continue to be one of the best careers in the U.S.?
“In my opinion, nursing is one of the best careers because of the high demand and job stability, especially with an aging population and a growing healthcare industry. There are competitive salaries and benefits, and many nurses are retiring, which opens new opportunities for others. Nursing also offers a wide variety of specializations and settings—hospitals, schools, universities, military, and community clinics. Beyond that, there’s career flexibility, opportunities for continued learning, and the deep satisfaction of caring for others. All of these make nursing a strong, rewarding career in the U.S.”
I think you summed that up beautifully. Nursing in the U.S. offers opportunities across specialties, roles, and settings—and the demand is only growing.
Cornie, what advice would you give to nurses overseas who are considering a career in the U.S.?
“My advice would be to aim high and prepare. It is a journey—start with your NCLEX and credential evaluations. For me, the support from OGP made the process easier, even though it took time. I would encourage others not to give up. Take it one day at a time and understand that the process is what it is. Be patient, stay focused, and keep going.”
I really like that—aim high and prepare. That’s great advice not just for nursing, but for life. It really captures what we’ve heard today: nursing in the U.S. brings many opportunities, but it is also a journey—before you arrive and after you’re here.
It’s been inspiring to hear about your different paths, challenges, and successes. From career opportunities to personal milestones—like Stella sharing little Gabriella with us—it shows how meaningful this journey can be.
So thank you all for being here today, for sharing your experiences, and for inspiring others.
For those watching, if you’d like to apply with AMN Healthcare, we are the largest provider of international direct hire and staffing opportunities. You can apply on our website at amnhealthcare.com/international. Our recruiters are ready to help guide you through the process and get you started on your U.S. journey.
Before we go, a reminder about our new referral program: Refer a nurse and earn $1,000! Nurses must have passed the NCLEX and either be citizens of Canada or Mexico (TN visa eligible) or hold an EB-3 priority date from October 2023 or earlier. You’ll receive your own personalized referral link after registering, and you can refer as many nurses as you like.
We’ll drop the link in the chat for you.
And don’t forget to join our upcoming shows:
- October 10 – Immigration Q&A with our expert attorneys (including H-1B updates)
- October 24 – Another episode of Onwards and Upwards
- Every Monday, 6am California time – AMN Academy with our partner 9.0 Niner
- Fourth Monday of every month – Dream Jobs with Dear
This week’s podcast episode is about renting an apartment in the U.S.—a must-listen for anyone preparing to move here.
Thank you again to our amazing panel for sharing your journeys, and to everyone in the audience for joining us. Remember, as Cornie said, aim high and prepare. The world is your oyster, and we’re here to welcome you to the United States.
Until next time—onwards and upwards!
Bye, everybody!