Embarking on a nursing career in the United States is a significant endeavor for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). The USA offers promising opportunities and a thriving healthcare sector, attracting skilled professionals from around the world, including nurses. Before making the journey across the Pacific, it’s essential for Filipino nurses to meticulously plan and prepare. In this guide, we’ll explore the crucial steps and considerations to ensure a smooth transition and successful start to a nursing career in the USA.
Navigating the complexities of international relocation demands thorough groundwork. From visa applications to understanding the licensure process, cultural adjustments, and professional expectations, Filipino nurses need comprehensive information and support. This article aims to provide a roadmap for OFWs, offering valuable insights into the essential aspects they should address before arriving in the USA.
Whether you’re a seasoned nurse seeking new opportunities or a recent graduate aspiring to kickstart your career on American soil, careful preparation is key to making the most of your experience as a healthcare professional in the United States.
Disclaimer: The information posted here is based on the personal experiences shared by the OFW in the video below. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the OFW by commenting on their video on their accounts.
Navigating the American Dream: A Guide for Filipino Nurses Before Arriving in the USA
The information presented in this article comes from a YouTube video from the YouTube channel named JoyOfMia. In this video, the vlogger discusses the essential steps you need to take before arriving in the USA. She provides a comprehensive list of things you can do to prepare yourself as an immigrant nurse before embarking on your journey to the United States. If you wish to view the complete video, click on the link below:
Typically, agencies or employers provide only a month, sometimes even just a few weeks, of preparation time from acceptance to departure for the USA. Therefore, it’s advisable to start preparing well in advance, even before obtaining your visa, to minimize stress. Traveling itself can be a challenging experience, especially when you’re leaving your comfort zone, country, and family behind.
To make the transition smoother, proactive preparation is key. This not only ensures a less stressful journey but also allows you to focus on the exciting opportunities that await you in the USA. The Vlogger gives a list of what you need to do before arriving in the USA as a Filipino nurse. Here’s a summary of the list:
- Inspect your prospective residence.
- Evaluate the local crime rate.
- Research school zones and ratings.
- Search for a suitable apartment.
- Contact your dealership via email.
- Familiarize yourself with the DMV manual.
- Learn how to use a credit card.
- Explore strategies to improve your credit score.
- Create a checklist of items needed for your new apartment.
- Complete all required agency tests.
- Check the local weather conditions.
- Pack appropriate outfits for the move.
Inspect Your Prospective Residence
- Check the hospital’s Facebook page for job postings and staffing insights.
- Review comments and assess the friendliness of the hospital staff through social media.
- Examine online reviews, especially negative comments, as potential red flags.
- Explore Google reviews, often reflecting patients’ experiences with healthcare providers.
- Utilize Google Street View to virtually tour the workplace and its surroundings.
- Look for nearby amenities like golf courses, schools, and restaurants to understand the town’s environment.
The vlogger mentioned that she explored the Facebook page of the hospital in the USA where she would be working. Upon reviewing the page, she observed job postings for nurses, housekeeping, and other positions, leading her to speculate that the hospital might be understaffed. Consequently, she mentally prepared for a potentially high patient load upon her arrival. Fortunately, upon reaching the USA, she discovered that all the vacant positions had been filled.
Despite this, she emphasized the importance of examining a hospital’s social media presence, including comments from people, to gauge friendliness and review services. In the USA, reviews play a significant role, and negative comments about certain nurses can serve as red flags. Google reviews, often left by patients, provide valuable insights.
Additionally, using Google Street View to virtually explore the workplace and its surroundings, such as nearby golf courses, schools, and restaurants, helps prospective nurses understand the town and avoid isolated locations.
Evaluate the Local Crime Rate
- Check the crime rate of the place before finalizing plans.
- This proactive step is crucial while still in the Philippines.
- It offers flexibility to reconsider or request a change of assignment.
- Especially important if you have a large family or young children.
- If the crime rate is unfavorable or finding a suitable apartment is challenging, early action is beneficial.
- This step provides the agency with an opportunity to address concerns.
- They can explore alternative locations that better suit preferences and safety requirements.
- Ensures a smoother transition for you and your family.
Check the crime rate of the place before finalizing your plans. This proactive step is essential while you are still in the Philippines because it allows you the flexibility to reconsider or request a change of assignment. If, for instance, you have a large family or young children, or if the crime rate in the area is unfavorable, or you encounter challenges in finding a suitable apartment, taking this step early provides the agency with the opportunity to address your concerns. They can explore alternative locations that better suit your preferences and safety requirements, ensuring a smoother transition for you and your family.
Research School Zones and Ratings
- Check the school zoning and rating in the chosen area.
- Consider enrolling your child in a school with a higher rating, even in a neighboring town.
- Be aware of zoning regulations that dictate where your child can attend school.
- Prepare yourself by checking the zoning of your chosen school.
- Show the school to your child in advance to familiarize them with the environment.
- Use tools like Google Street View to explore the surroundings of the school.
- Help alleviate your children’s anxiety, especially if they are not fluent in English.
When considering schools for your child in the USA, it’s crucial to check the zoning and rating of the schools in the area. If you find that a neighboring town has a higher school rating than the one in your town, you might plan to enroll your child there. However, keep in mind that there’s zoning, meaning there’s a specific radius within which your child must attend school.
Check the zoning regulations for your chosen school in advance to prepare yourself. Introduce the school to your child, and use tools like Google Street View to familiarize them with the surroundings. This is especially important if your children are anxious, particularly about language differences, as it allows them to become acquainted with the school and its vicinity beforehand.
Search for a Suitable Apartment
- Initiate communication with the apartment owner after passing the interview and moving to the visa stage.
- Discuss your tentative moving date with the apartment owner.
- Be aware that apartment availability might extend beyond your immediate deployment period.
- Recognize the challenges of finding apartments online, as some owners prefer referrals and word of mouth.
- Explore various options, even if some owners don’t advertise online or respond on social media.
- Inquire about monthly rent and average monthly utility bills during communication with potential landlords.
- Understand your overall monthly expenses to calculate your paycheck’s sufficiency for covering all costs.
After successfully passing the interview and moving on to the visa stage, the next crucial step is to search for an apartment. As soon as you secure an apartment, initiate communication with the owner to discuss your tentative moving date. It’s important to note that apartment availability might extend beyond the immediate deployment period, possibly by a month or even several months. The vlogger shared her experience, emphasizing the challenges of finding an apartment online. Some owners don’t post their listings on the internet, relying on referrals and word of mouth to attract tenants without the need for online advertising. Given this, not all owners may respond on social media platforms, so it’s essential to explore multiple options.
During your communication with potential landlords, inquire about the monthly rent and average monthly utility bills. This step is crucial for understanding your overall monthly expenses, allowing you to calculate your paycheck and assess whether your salary is sufficient to cover all anticipated costs.
Contact your Dealership
- Proactively reach out to car dealerships by sending an email before your arrival in the USA.
- Prioritize having details about the brand, make, and year of the car you want to purchase.
- Recognize the potential challenges of a shortage of cars, increased prices, and logistical delays upon arrival.
- Initiate communication with dealerships while still in the Philippines to avoid complications.
- Be transparent in your email to the salesperson, especially regarding concerns about a low credit score.
- Learn how to ask the right questions, as transactions in the car-buying process are very vocal.
- Keep in mind that a car purchase often involves a commitment of several years, so be firm in your decision-making.
Before your arrival in the USA, proactively reach out to car dealerships by sending them an email. It’s crucial to have details about the brand, make, and year of the car you are interested in purchasing. The vlogger shared her experience, highlighting the importance of this proactive step. Upon her arrival in the USA, she didn’t immediately contact dealerships, assuming that there would be an abundance of cars available. However, due to a shortage, cars became expensive, and there were significant delays in both waiting times and logistics, often attributed to shipping companies.
To avoid such challenges, it’s recommended to initiate communication with dealerships while still in the Philippines. In your email, be transparent with the salesperson. Inquire about the pricing, especially if you have concerns about having a low credit score. It’s essential to learn how to ask the right questions, as transactions in the car-buying process are very vocal. Keep in mind that a car purchase often involves a commitment of several years, so be firm in your decision-making.
Familiarize Yourself with the DMV manual
- Dedicate time to study the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) manual before arriving in the USA.
- Bring all your driver’s licenses from the Philippines as proof for your car insurance.
- Highlight the significance of studying the DMV knowledge test, as there are no fixers in the US.
- Emphasize that passing the knowledge test is crucial for obtaining a driver’s license promptly.
- Explore online resources, including videos, to access study materials for the DMV test.
- Focus on essential topics, such as DUI regulations, fines, and potential suspension durations.
- Being well-prepared for the DMV knowledge test increases your chances of obtaining a driver’s license promptly.
Learn How to Use a Credit Card
Research how to use credit card. She didn’t have one in the Philippines, she only had a debit card, coz she had a philosophy to only spend the money that she has. But when she got to the US, she didn’t want to use debit card, but the problem is, she has trust issues when it comes to portals. Its harder to retrieve your money going back to you. For example if you call for fraud, but with credit card is easier. For example your credit card was used by someone not you, and if you just call it the credit card company can automatically remove the charges.
As part of your preparation before arriving in the USA, dedicate time to study the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) manual. Bringing all your driver’s licenses from the Philippines is essential as proof for your car insurance, especially if they require evidence of your international driving experience before entering the US. The vlogger emphasizes the importance of studying the DMV knowledge test, stressing that in the US, there are no fixers to help you through the process. Failing the knowledge test could result in a delay in obtaining your driver’s license.
Consider accessing study materials online, including videos that cover crucial topics related to driving regulations. Some of the critical information includes details about DUI (Driving Under the Influence), understanding fines, and the duration of potential suspensions. By being well-prepared for the DMV knowledge test, you increase your chances of obtaining your driver’s license promptly upon arrival.
Explore Strategies to Improve Your Credit Score
- Research how to increase your credit card score as part of your pre-arrival preparations.
- Start by understanding the basics if you have the lowest credit score, no loans, credit history, and no existing credit cards.
- Explore strategies to boost your credit score, with a particular emphasis on responsible credit card use.
- Utilize a credit card as a tool to improve your credit score, especially if you are diligent in making timely payments.
- Consider the importance of managing your finances responsibly to contribute positively to your credit history.
As part of your preparations before arriving in the USA, it’s crucial to research how to increase your credit card score. Starting with the lowest credit score, especially if you have no loans or credit history and no existing credit cards, understanding the steps to boost your credit score is essential. The vlogger suggests that using a credit card can be a strategic tool to enhance your credit score, provided you are diligent in making payments and managing your finances responsibly.
Create a Checklist of Items Needed for Your New Apartment
- Create a detailed list of items you need to buy for your new apartment in the USA.
- Include essentials like appliances, beds, and other necessary items.
- Research where to purchase these items, considering options such as Walmart and Amazon.
- Given budget constraints, plan your purchases carefully, avoiding unnecessary expenses.
- For those moving alone, like the vlogger, stress the importance of not relying on parents as an emergency fund.
- Develop a tentative budget, listing the prices of items and identifying the best places to make these purchases.
Before moving into your apartment in the USA, it’s essential to create a comprehensive list of items you need to purchase. This includes appliances, beds, and other necessities for your new home. The vlogger emphasizes the importance of researching where to buy these items, considering options like Walmart and Amazon. As you might be on a tight budget when starting a new life, thorough planning is crucial. The vlogger, who moved alone, highlights the significance of not relying on parents as an emergency fund. Instead, create a tentative budget, list the prices of things you need to buy, and identify the best places to purchase them.
Complete All Required Agency Tests
- Complete all required tests from the agency or employer before leaving the Philippines.
- Whether through an agency or direct hire, ensure compliance with necessary standards.
- Finishing tests in advance allows you to arrive in the USA with administrative tasks already completed.
- With tests out of the way, you can fully enjoy and focus on other aspects of your relocation, such as finding an apartment and arranging transportation.
- Proactively prioritize completing all necessary tests to streamline your transition to the USA.
Completing all required tests from the agency is a crucial step in the process of preparing to work in the USA. Whether you’re working through an agency or directly hired, there will be tests to ensure compliance with the necessary standards. The vlogger emphasizes the importance of finishing these tests while still in the Philippines. By doing so, you can arrive in the USA with the peace of mind that all administrative tasks are already taken care of. This proactive approach allows you to fully enjoy and focus on settling into your new life, from finding an apartment to arranging transportation. Therefore, prioritize finishing all agency tests before embarking on your journey to the USA.
Check the Local Weather Conditions
- Checking the weather before your move is crucial, especially if you’re arriving during winter or summer.
- Winter, particularly for someone from the Philippines, can be challenging, as the body needs time to adjust to the cold.
- Understanding the significant temperature difference is essential for adequate preparation.
- Adapting to winter weather requires careful consideration of the clothing and essentials you’ll need to bring.
- Alternatively, arriving in the summer may offer a more comfortable transition.
- Being aware of weather conditions helps you pack appropriately and ensures a smoother settling-in period.
Checking the weather is a fundamental step before your move to the USA, particularly if you’re arriving during winter or summer. The vlogger highlights the challenges of adapting to a winter climate, especially for someone from the Philippines. Winter can be particularly harsh, and it’s essential to be prepared for the significant temperature difference. Your body will need time to adjust to the cold, making it crucial to understand what clothing and essentials you’ll need to bring. On the other hand, arriving in the summer might be more comfortable, allowing for a smoother transition. Being aware of the weather conditions not only helps you pack appropriately but also ensures a more comfortable settling-in period.
Pack Appropriate Outfits for the Move
- Bringing appropriate outfits or clothing is crucial, particularly when facing the challenges of winter weather.
- Despite pictures depicting a joyful winter scene, the reality is that it can be bitterly cold.
- Relying solely on hoodies and sweaters is not enough; investing in proper winter gear is essential.
- Winter is not the time for fashion boots; functional ones with a good grip are necessary for stability, especially in snow and icy conditions.
- Boots with grip prevent slips and ensure stability, which is vital when venturing outdoors.
Bringing appropriate outfits or clothing is a crucial consideration, especially if you’re facing the challenge of winter weather. While pictures might depict a joyful winter scene, the reality is that it can be bitterly cold. The vlogger emphasizes that relying solely on hoodies and sweaters is not enough; you need to invest in proper winter gear. Winter is no time for fashion boots; you need functional ones with a good grip. This becomes particularly important when dealing with snow and icy surfaces. Boots with grip ensure stability and prevent slips, which are especially vital when you venture outdoors.
In conclusion, embarking on a journey to work as a nurse in the USA involves meticulous planning and thoughtful preparation. From evaluating the crime rates and school zones to securing an apartment and navigating the intricacies of credit scores, each step demands careful consideration. The vlogger’s insights provide invaluable guidance for overseas Filipino workers, offering a comprehensive roadmap for what to do before arriving in the USA. Whether it’s addressing housing concerns, contacting dealerships, or tackling agency tests, the proactive approach advocated here ensures a smoother transition and a more successful start to a new chapter in the United States.