What Recruiters Look for When Hiring Nurses From Abroad?

In the last few decades, the US hospitals and clinics have had a lot of trouble meeting the patients’ demands. The reason for this is a drastic shortage of nursing staff, an issue that has become much more pronounced after the COVID-19 pandemic. The lack of professionals is especially felt in rural areas and certain healthcare specialties.

While the government has done its best to remedy the issue, it still hasn’t found a singular solution that would address all the challenges. Low salaries, post-pandemic burnout, and an aging population are just a few factors officials must take into account when trying to fix the problem. 

Perhaps the most effective solution is international nurse staffing. The government has introduced several visa policies that would make onboarding that much easier. Furthermore, healthcare providers are willing to offer long-term contracts, housing, transportation, and other benefits to entice these professionals. 

However, not every nurse is eligible to work in the country. Although it is now much easier to get a visa, some medical workers won’t meet the professional requirements. That said, these are some of the most important things recruiters take into account when hiring nurses from abroad. 

1. Credentialing and Licensure Readiness 

Every foreign nurse should at least meet the baseline requirement for licensing. Without it, they simply won’t be allowed to work in the US. While the concept does sound simple on paper, you have to consider the fact that credentialing consists of several layers. So, if you don’t have all the paperwork ready, you’re at risk of missing the deadline.

The main aspects of credentialing include:

• English Language Proficiency: A nurse should complete the IELTS or TOEFL test.
• Nursing Degree: A professional must hold a degree that meets CGFNS standards.
• Eligibility for the CGFNS Credential: A nurse must finish or at least be eligible for evaluation.
• Clear Discipline Sheet: A professional must have a clean disciplinary record in their home country and hold the necessary work permits. 
• Required Clinical Hours: A medical expert must have completed a specified number of clinical hours per a state board’s requirements.

Ideally, you should complete your English proficiency tests and CGFNS evaluation before even considering going to the US. Alternatively, you can find an employer in the United States who is willing to pay for some of these tests and certifications, as they can be rather expensive. 

2. English Communication Skills

As mentioned, you must finish one of the two acceptable tests. However, recruiters still need to know if you can use the language in a practical clinical setting. In fact, recruiters often mention communication skills as one of the main differentiators between top-tier candidates and those who will likely struggle working in the country. 

Besides assessing your grammar and vocabulary skills, recruiters put major emphasis on practical communication. For example, they will assess your ability to track patients’ status, provide handover information, and communicate potential issues during high-pressure situations. Recruiters are looking for people who have enough empathy to communicate with families during troubling times.

Today, many recruiters jump into video calls to check the candidates’ proficiency. The great thing about this format is that it allows companies in the US to determine, in a face-to-face situation, if a person is a good fit without having to fly to the candidate’s country. 

During video calls, they can assess a nurse’s ability to explain a clinical situation in layman’s terms, explain a situation to a patient, or handle a conversation as they would with a colleague. The best way for a nurse to prepare for this type of interview is by using the SBAR methodology (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation).

3. Experience in High-Demand Specialties

The US hospitals and clinics especially struggle to find professionals to work in specific high-demand departments. A recruiter will assess a candidate’s fit for a particular specialty and whether they could survive working in such a dynamic environment for a long time. 

The specialties that have the biggest issue attracting nurses are as follows: 

• Emergency department nursing.
• Critical and intensive care nursing (includes surgical and medical ICU, and cardiac intensive care).
• Neonatal intensive care as well as labor and delivery specialties.
• Preoperative and operating room nursing.
• Medical-surgical nursing (the biggest demand is for senior staff and charge nurses).

Recruiters are specifically trying to pinpoint nurses with more than 2 years of verified experience in a particular specialty. These candidates have much better chances of landing a lucrative contract in the US, given how hard it is for local providers to find suitable nurses to fill these positions.

4. Cultural Readiness and Overall Flexibility 

Relocating to another country is a major hurdle for many medical professionals. Even if they have great skills and shine during the first few years of their contract, they might start feeling homesick after a while. 

We also have to consider the nuances of the US culture and healthcare system. The hospitals and clinics in the country have unique hierarchies, communication, patient interactions, and teamwork. Because of that, recruiters give an advantage to candidates who show a high degree of cultural and professional adaptability. 

The best indicators of whether a nurse is ready for this type of challenge include:

• High awareness of how the US culture and professional practices differ from those in their home country.
• Prior experience working in countries with international or cross-cultural environments.
• Ability to adapt to changes, manage difficult clinical situations with composure, and navigate other professional challenges.
• A realistic motivation for relocating to the US. 

The experience has shown that nurses with realistic expectations are the ones who stay in the country the longest. They know how to adapt to diversity and excel in the new environment. 

Preparing for the US

If you’re a nurse looking to work in the US, you have to make sure you can be licensed to work in the country. Start working on your English language, as you must be proficient enough to handle various clinical situations. Also, learn more about the culture so you can adapt quickly.