Welcome! And find a mentor quickly when you get your first position here. A good mentor can teach you far more than the daily practical things you will need to become familiar with - IV pumps you may not have used, different computer charting systems, etc. Your mentor can help you to understand the independent role of the RN in the USA. You don't say where you are coming from, but here's an example of what I mean: I worked in ICU with several Korean and Phillipine nurses who had immigrated. They found it difficult to challenge certain orders or insist on certain treatments for patients , while the American nurses had no problems speaking up to physicians. Eventually, with mentoring and encouragement, they became accustomed to a more independent kind of practice and being part of the team whose opinions and observations were expected and valued. Cultural differences - both within the professional community and with patients you treat - may be surprising, even annoying/upsetting/baffling at first. A good mentor can help you understand and navigate all of that. I would suggest getting a Medical-Surgical nursing textbook used in US nursing schools and review it to note any different expectations of practice - who does what, for example. Do nurses in your home country do certain kinds of dressings ( such a vacuum)and procedures (such as arterial blood draws, extubation, defibrillating)? In the USA nurses carry a great deal of responsibility. Look at the Nurse Practice Act in ANY State to which you wish to move to see what RNs are permitted and expected to do spelled out by law. They are all a bit different, since each individual State and Territory controls the scope of practice of the physicians and nurses working there. Know that in certain States there is an emphasis on obtaining a bachelor's degree in nursing (if you don't already have one), and hospitals will often help finance your advancing education. You will be part of an interdisciplinary team no matter where you work, so get to know what other team members do and how their work collaborates with yours. Be sure that any employer whose position you accept is willing to give you an adequate orientation before you launch on your own. Again - get a mentor - a more experienced RN who is willing to help, guide, explain and encourage you in your new endeavor. Wishing you much good luck - and enjoy the USA!!
NYC area always good. Surrounding suburban hospitals fine. I believe that bigger city hospitals are more welcoming to people from out of the U.S. Good luck.
