How can I use my degree? Originally I am from Kurdistan region of Iraq. I have a diploma degree in Nursing School. I have experience like nurse and pharmacist assistant for 5 years in Iraq. So when I moved to USA, now i study BRCC at pre-nursing.
You can reach out to Conexus MedStaff that work with nurses who come from another country and work in the US.
As a foreign RN from Ukraine myself, I'm giving your references:
How to Work in the US as a Foreign-Educated Nurse
Written By: Kathleen Gaines MSN, RN, BA, CBC
Expert review by: Sarah Jividen RN, BSN
Published September 19, 2023
How to Work in the U.S. as a Nurse From Another Country
There are eight key steps foreign-educated nurses will need to take in order to obtain a position as an RN in a U.S. hospital.
1. Meet the educational requirements
2. Complete a foreign-educated nurses (FEN) course
3. Take and pass an English language proficiency test, if mandated
4. Pass your National Council Licensing Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX – RN)
5. Obtain credential evaluation
6. Find a nursing recruiting agency or US-based employer
7. Apply and obtain an RN immigrant visa/green card
8. Accept an RN position
You may also go to the web: nurse.org
It can be tricky finding the shortest route to practicing nursing with a foreign license...by that I mean a nursing license not issued in the U.S.
I suggest contacting the Board of Nursing in the state where you want to practice and ask about the quickest route to licensure. Expect to have to pass an English language competency test also, if you have not already done that. It may be good to also contact the Pharmacy Board because it may be more expedient to get a Pharmacy Technician license which would allow you to work while you are meeting your other requirements. Some pharmacy technician courses are short. Inquire at your community college if you have any transferrable credits from your nursing school; you may not need the pre-nursing component. Ask if there are challenge exams you can take that may allow you to bypass certain classes.
Good luck to you!!
