USA

There are currently very stringent VISA restrictions that make it very difficult for Australian nurses and allied health professionals to work in the USA.

Nursing education standards in Australia are not equivalent to those in the United States, as such most nurses will need to undergo additional training to make up for these shortfalls, particularly in areas such as maternity, paediatrics and psychiatry. In many cases these courses can be completed at Australian universities however each state in the US has its own requirements and some may require supplementary education be completed a US based institution. 

Nurses will need to provide extensive evidence of all qualifications, including transcripts, as well as information on all clinical placements and work experience.

Before gaining registration in the United States, nurses must pass the NCLEX exam. The NCLEX-RN exam tests application and analysis of knowledge as well as an applicant’s use of critical thinking to making nursing judgements. For more information on the NCLEX please visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website at the link below.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing

If you are a US citizen, or you believe you meet all of the requirements to work as a nurse in the USA, we recommend that you contact a recruitment agency that specialises in placing Australian nurses in the USA, such as Avant.

Avant Healthcare