In-Country Experts - British Expat Forum

Hi , just wondering if anyone can give me any advice. I am hoping to move over to the San Fransisco bay area sometime next year to work as a nurse. I am having trouble locating agencys with jobs available in that area can anyone recommend any??? also i understand the job is quite different in the states how did other people find the transition in the workplace?? thanks for your time and advice

Hi Laura, There are many groups who can help with your job placement in USA. If you want to try going it alone then go through Monster.com:
http://healthcare.monster.com/nursing/ they may be able to direct you to agencies also.
You can also try many of the agencies who will walk you through the exams, the licensing requirements, the accreditation details and the immigration palaver. Many can place you for a short period of time, get you free accomodation and a good wage provided you are in the speciality they want such as Operating (Theatre) Room Nurse, Intensive Care Nurse etc. A google search will produce many and varied agencies for you to try such as:
http://www.avanthealthcare.com/
Good Luck.

Graeme

thanks for that info. do you know anyone who has relocated to the states without going through an agency?? any advice

Long answer short, no I don't know anyone who has done it alone. The immigration alone is difficult and the accreditiation process for state equivalency can be a nightmare. It is much simpler to use the services of an agency. The nursing exam is quite a tricky one (or so I understand) and many agencies will help you with coaching and practice exams beforehand.
Having said that I don't think it's impossible to do it alone and it may even be more financially rewarding (the agencies have to make money somewhere). From here in Canada it's relatively starightforward due to the NAFTA agreement, but even that has got much harder in the past two years.
My best advice would be try a reputable agency, you don't have to stay with them forever.

Good luck

Graeme