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Conexus MedStaff: The right choice
For America’s healthcare providers and top worldwide nursing talent, Conexus MedStaff is the definitive choice as a partner and one of the best international nursing recruitment agencies in the U.S. We hire the best nurses in the most cost-effective way. Our influential industry experts supply, support and cultivate capable and quality nursing talent that healthcare organizations retain.
Start Your American Adventure
Nurses: Get US Ready!
Support from a recruiter should go beyond the placement. With Conexus, it does.
We’ve engineered an educational training program that benefits the careers of our nursing candidates and the clients for which they work. From initial training program, continuous professional development during the assignment, and career advancement options following an initial assignment, we stridently advocate keeping our nurses up to date with best practice nursing in the U.S. that leads to best practice care delivery for patients.
Designed and delivered by our in-house clinical nurse educators, our International Nurse Professional Pathway (INPP) program is our customized training program for our nursing candidates. The educational U.S. nursing program offers full access to training, preparatory classes, and access to unlimited accredited continuing education resources - all for free to our Conexus nurses.
But it’s only available to candidates who register and earn placement with us. Sign up today.
DOWNLOADS AND RESOURCES
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GUIDE: Delivering Talent
Our official guide to delivering international healthcare talent in the U.S. gives you everything you need to maximize your staffing needs.
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GUIDE: Nursing Job Interviews
The Conexus Medstaff Complete Guide to Nursing Interviews is the ultmiate compendium of tips to get started.
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GUIDE: The NCLEX-RN Exam
Our official guide to the NCLEX-RN exam helps you take the next step in your toward a rewarding career as an RN in the USA.
Latest blogs
COVID-19 Lockdown: What will Return to Office look like in the coming weeks?
It seems like we all have our groove going working remotely. We have the technology, communications, metrics and reports, and a work routine, and then we hear: return to the office. What does this mean for how we work, for childcare, for employment, the economy, and does that mean we still need to home school child(ren), cook meals, run to the store when we hear they have toilet paper, and disinfect constantly? How is this all going to happen? I am sure we are all asking ourselves these questions as we hear, read, and watch about the “reopening.” It would be impossible to tackle all considerations here but let's expand on return to the office (RTO) and the considerations we should start thinking about: Fear/Concern We all need to acknowledge that the fear and concern an employee feels is real. They may have been sheltering in place and not ventured out. They may have family members at risk for COVID-19. They may also have been exposed to a person positive with COVID-19. Or they fear the what-ifs: What if someone in the office becomes sick? What if they become sick? Employers have a responsibility under the Occupational Safety and Health Act to make sure they provide a safe workplace. But it still may be difficult for an employee psychologically. Review your current policy or set up a new sick policy for employees. Follow the Family First Coronavirus Act. Ensure there is space between workers. Have hand sanitizer and masks available. Create a forum or channel so employees can speak freely about their concerns and offer suggestions that might make them feel safer. Review your EAP with your insurance carriers and have them available for your team as needed. Working remote vs. working in an office This may be the biggest decision you may be evaluating. Was working remotely working for you and your business? If it was, can you continue to have remote work, or maybe even work remote 1-2 days per week, while coming to office remaining days? Consider alternate work hours with employees coming in at different times. This would allow a gradual change vs abrupt transition. Additionally, this would keep the number of people in the office lower. Keep in mind which teams would be best served in the office at the same time. Return of furloughed employees Be cognizant that if some employees were furloughed and some were not, there may be some resentment or guilt. Review policies relevant to this situation and decide if exceptions may be made due to circumstances. Stay in contact with your teams. Communicate with furloughed team members and coordinate ways to bring teams together. Maybe plan safe team building activities. Vacation time Many employees did not take vacations that may have been planned for spring break or maybe will not be able to take planned vacations coming up for summer. Employees may not have been able to go to previously scheduled doctor/dentist appointments. Review options of paid time off to ensure vacation time can be used, carryover time into 2021, or payout vacation time not taken as possible options. Have a plan to allow employees to make up appointments in their schedule. Make sure to note this was an exception versus a change in general policy. Child Care As schools are being canceled for the remainder of this school year, how will this be addressed? This may also be a fear that the employee has, as they worry for their child and exposure to COVID-19. The reopening of offices will be close to the time regular school would be ending, and most parents would have been looking at alternate care for summer. It would be of benefit to be flexible with employees. The time is coming when we will be returning to a new or “almost normal.” Communications should begin now with your team on how you want to work through various cases and scenarios, and other items related to these unchartered times. Include teams, be open to options, be flexible, and lead with decisions that prioritize the safety and wellbeing of your team.
Nurses Week Discounts 2020
This year, the American Nurse Association-designated recognition week will begin with National Nurses Day on May 6 and conclude May 12, on the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth. Each year, companies around the country offer nurses all kinds of free or discounted meals and treats through the end of Nurses Week on May 12. We take a look at some of the best discounts and freebies for Nurses Week 2020 and National Nurses Day 2020. Free Dunkin’: On May 6, Dunkin’ is offering a free medium hot or iced coffee and donut to nurses and other healthcare professionals, no ID required. Free Chipotle: Chipotle is providing free burritos to health care workers beginning on Nurses Day May 6 following their 4HEROES campaign. The burritos are provided if workers signup here for a chance to receive them. Sheetz: The eatery is offering a free coffee to nurses, hospital workers, and paramedics through June 1. Free nursing eBooks: Amazon is offering a selection of free Kindle books for nurses. Free Cinnabon: Cinnabon has traditionally offered free cinnamon rolls for nurses during National Nurses Week (Offers may vary by location) The North Face: Earn a 50% discount on non-clearance items for healthcare workersuntil the end of 2020. Plus a 10% discount at North Face outlet stores. To receive the discount, healthcare workers will need to verify their status. Outback Steakhouse: Get 10% off your meal with a valid ID. Discounted gas: BP is offering one-time codes to nurses and other healthcare responders for a 50 cent per gallon discount at their next fill up at BP and Amoco stations. Free Crocs: Crocs is donating free pairs of Crocs to healthcare workers on the frontlines during the coronavirus pandemic. Free Starbucks: Nurses and other frontline workers can get a free tall brewed coffee, hot or iced, from Starbucks through the month of May. Free Krispy Kreme donuts: Krispy Kreme is offering free dozens of donuts to nurses and other healthcare workers. Get your free donuts by showing your badge. Discount stethoscope: There is $20 off an EKO core digital stethoscope. If someone else is gifting you a stethoscope in honor of National Nurses Week, make sure they know about this deal. Adidas discount: Nurses and other medical professionals can get a 40% discount on adidas.com. HSN discount: Nurses can get $10 off $20 when they make their first HSN purchase. Skechers discount: Skechers is offering a 30% discount on shoes for nurses and other essential workers through May 31, 2020. Yogurtland discount: Some Yogurtland locations are offering discounts on batches of individually packaged cups that can be sent directly to a hospital or medical office. Ike’s Love & Sandwiches discount: Healthcare workers who show an ID will get 50% off an in-store takeout order on May 6.
Healthcare Conundrum: An Honest Account from a Registered Nurse NOT on the Frontlines of Covid-19
Conexus MedStaff's Vice President of Operations, Cathy Vollmer, RN, shares an honest account of how it feels to be a Registered Nurse not working on the frontline during the Covid-19 pandemic, and how she is helping fight the virus in other ways... I am a Registered Nurse. And in the midst of the healthcare crisis the globe is facing right now, I am frustrated with myself. There is a feeling of helplessness. I am witnessing the dedication that healthcare workers are pouring into their field and passion for caring for others. I have always loved my career and find fulfillment in promoting nursing and keeping nurses in nursing! And yet…as I sit on the sideline, I feel, like many others, helpless. Though I am a Registered Nurse, I have not worked bedside in more years then I care to remember, yet I have always felt myself a nurse at heart. I am not able to be on the frontline with all the nurses I am seeing in the news and social media. I feel helpless. Earlier this week, I heard on the news of a clinic in our area offering antibody testing for IgG by fingerstick and providing results in 10 minutes. After hearing people in our community talk about this throughout the week, my husband and I decided to go early, arriving at 7:45 for a 9:00 am office opening. WOW, were we surprised? The streets were lined with vehicles that obviously got an earlier start than us! They started handing out numbers at 8:20 am and we were lucky to be number 78 (myself) and number 79 (my husband). They gave us one page - front and back paper to complete open areas. Thank goodness we did not stick with the idea of going about 10:00 am, that we brought coffee with us and that there was a bathroom at a nearby gas station. We were not aware at the time that only 100 tests were being done at the facility that day. We saw several hundred cars try to be added to the testing. So, there we were 5 hours later. The staff was extremely pleasant while wearing their PPE. Candidates who were being COVID-19 screened went to one area of the parking area and the antibody takers stayed in line. We then paid our fee and with a small finger prick that took only a couple of seconds, we were screened while remaining in our car. About ten minutes later, our results were in: Number 78 was negative for the antibody, and number 79 was positive. They did mention, though, that most likely number 78 would be positive also. Please note, antibody testing has 12% false-negative and less than 1% false positive. They gave us the papers and told us that the Department of Health would be reaching out to us and that we could contact the American Red Cross regarding plasma donation. And so, we wait to see what the next steps are. Can my husband donate, and is there a chance I am also positive? My husband had not been sick at all, while I had a bad "flu-like" cold at the beginning of January after being in Seattle and out of the country. Both of us were in Colorado in early February. Apart from the amazing work I get to do for Conexus helping place and support international nurses in the U.S., I am seeking and finding other meaningful ways that I can contribute to this pandemic. I am in healthcare and I find navigating this current situation difficult. I cannot imagine how others in healthcare are finding it. I am sure “regular” practices and processes are out the door. We are navigating unknown waters at this time for sure. I understand we need to be flexible. We need to appreciate all the hard-working front-line healthcare workers that are working tirelessly. I want to be the person to support you in any way I can so we can get through this. I want to have your back and be there to help. We appreciate each and every one of you, yesterday, today and tomorrow too! More information about Plasma Donations from Recovered COVID-19 Patients
Our requirements to work in the U.S. as a Registered Nurse
We employ registered nurses from all over the globe to continue their nursing career in the U.S. If you are a registered nurse from abroad or a recent nursing graduate from the U.S., you can apply with us at any time on our website, however, to be eligible to join us in your nursing journey in the U.S. you will need the following: Educational Qualifications A BSN or a Nursing Diploma equivalent to an Associate Degree in the U.S. Nursing Experience 1 - 5 years of experience working in a hospital in an acute care setting. The number of years experience you will need is dependent on a variety of factors such as, but not limited to: Your qualification. If you have a BSN we will only require you to have 3 years of experience. Whereas if you have a Diploma you will need at least 5 years of experience. If you have recently graduated from the U.S. or Canada you will be able to apply with us straight from University. Find out more. You will need to currently be working in an acute care role in a healthcare setting. Other Requirements You will need to have passed the NCLEX-RN before we can offer you an interview. We often get asked if you will need your IELTS before applying with us. The simple answer is no! You will need to pass the IELTS later on in our application process, but there is no reason to wait until you score the perfect score before starting your application with us. Get started Are you ready to start your application with the best in healthcare? Apply here or fill in the form below to begin your adventure in the U.S. Form ID:2713
in the news
April is Stress Awareness Month. There is no set definition for the term stress. There is even debate as to whether stress is the cause of a problem or the result of one. Look at the following definitions: At the most basic level, stress is our body’s response to pressures from a situation or life event. (Mental Health Foundation, 2020) In a medical or biological context, is a physical, mental, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension. (MedicineNet, 2020) The first definition sees stress as the result of pressure, while the second sees stress as being the cause of a problem. Neither is more right than the other. We all know what it's like to feel stressed, but it's not easy to pin down exactly what stress means. When we say things like "this is stressful" or "I'm stressed", we might be talking about: Situations or events that put pressure on us – for example, times where we have lots to do and think about, or don't have much control over what happens. Our reaction to being placed under pressure – the feelings we get when we have demands placed on us that we find difficult to cope with. At present, with the global COVID-19 pandemic being at its height in many countries, many people are experiencing stress levels that they may not have experienced before. There is huge uncertainty about people’s health and that of the economy, and much of what is happening is out of the control of the individual. People are concerned about their health and that of their loved ones; people’s relatives are dying; people are experiencing changes to their employment status and businesses; financial strain is at levels many have never had to endure, and those in financial hardship already may be being pushed even further into poverty; people already living in abusive environments might see an increase in domestic abuse incidents while living under lockdown conditions; and people are being expected to home-school their children as schools close, many of whom may be expected to work from home at the same time. Nurses and other frontline medical and support staff also face the additional stress of tackling the virus head on, sometimes without adequate staffing numbers, appropriate training, or the correct personal protective equipment. However the COVID-19 pandemic is additional stress that was not in our lives just a few months ago. Alongside the additional stress COVID-19 is causing, people will still be experiencing stress from areas of their life where they felt it before. When we feel stressed, the hypothalamus communicates to the adrenal glands which then emit the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol. These are the hormones that control our “fight or flight” response. Adrenaline increases your heart rate, elevates your blood pressure and boosts energy supplies. Cortisol increases glucose in the bloodstream and enhances your brain's use of glucose. Cortisol also curbs functions that would be nonessential or detrimental in a “fight or flight” situation. It alters immune system responses and suppresses the digestive system and the reproductive system. Short-term stress can sometimes be beneficial. It can help you to deal with dangerous situations, and makes some people more productive and creative. However when stress is experienced for a long period of time, long term effects of adrenaline and cortisol can have significant detrimental effects on a person’s physical and mental health. The figure below from the American Institute of Stress (https://www.stress.org/how-stress-affects-your-body) shows how long term stress impacts health. It is important that if you feel that stress is becoming a problem, consciously try to take measures to address the cause and effect of your stress. If there is something you can do to change the source of the problem (whether It be a family feud, debt problems, or workload) then take these steps. It may be difficult to do at first, but ultimately it should alleviate some of the stress that you feel. If you are unable to change the source of your stress, try to take measures to change your exposure to the source, and to strengthen your resilience and response by increasing your positive coping mechanisms. Stress management techniques: Eat a healthy, varied diet, take dietary supplements if required Stay hydrated, and limit alcohol intake Exercise several times per week Practice relaxation techniques – meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises Get a good nights sleep Limit exposure to social media or media coverage that makes you feel negative or stressed Make time for yourself and your hobbies – read a book, listen to music, Maintain strong relationships with family and friends - discuss your feelings with them Seek medical help if you feel your mental or physical health is suffering Always remember that other people may be experiencing stressful situations that we may or may not be aware of. Even during the time of COVID-19, if you suspect someone might be struggling with stress, you can still reach out to them in a meaningful way. Make a phone call instead of sending a text, have a real conversation, suggest doing some exercise together over Skype, signpost them to organizations that may be able to help – for example financial or legal advice. It may help that person more than you could imagine, and is likely to improve your wellbeing too. Further Reading and References The American Institute of Stress: www.stress.org The American Institute of Stress is a non-profit organization established in 1978, designed to serve as a clearing house for information on all stress related topics. The American Heart Association: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management The American Heart Association has information on ways that stress affects the body, as well as tips on managing stress. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America: www.adaa.org The Mental Health Foundation: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/s/stress MedicineNet: https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=20104
What is the COVID-19 Impact on the NCLEX-RN?
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and measures imposed by governments around the world, NCLEX-RN testing has been interrupted with many centers temporarily closed. But we know how vital it is, now more than ever, to have frontline healthcare professionals available to care for patients. If you are looking for a center to take your NCLEX but find temporary closures, the latest information from the NCSBN website states that NCSBN is working with Pearson VUE to reopen some test centers in major metropolitan areas across the United States and Canada, starting March 25th, 2020. This will allow for testing in critical healthcare fields to continue supporting the high demand and important role of nurses. A number of changes have been implemented at certain test centers to enhance the safety of those taking the test as well as the staff working in the centers. You can learn more here about these NCLEX testing center changes along with the lastest information on what centers will be open. If you do have questions about the NCLEX-RN, the Conexus team is here to help, now or when you’re ready to take the test. More information on applying for your NCLEX-RN. Again, our deepest gratitude and respect to all healthcare professionals currently on the front lines, and those who are called to continue pursuing their dreams of caring for patients and their families. Thank you for your dedication and courage. Download Our NCLEX Guide Now We are currently emplying international registered nurses and U.S. gradudates to work in the U.S. Let us help you on your career journey by filling in the information below Form ID:2713
Making the Move: Mexico to the USA as a Registered Nurse
Are you a nurse from Mexico looking for a new challenge or adventure in your career? If so, we’ve got just the opportunity for you! Read our top 3 reasons below why you should consider continuing your nursing career as an international nurse in the U.S. Your Nursing Career in the U.S. Moving from Mexico to the U.S. will not only introduce you to a new country, but it will allow you to make lasting friendships and provide you with a once in a lifetime experience. A huge benefit for Mexican nurses is that you can travel to the U.S. on a TN visa, which means you won’t have to wait long to start your American adventure. What’s more, your family can join you too! Conexus will not only help you pursue a TN visa and your first U.S. nursing assignment, but we will provide continuing education throughout your contract, and we will work with you to pursue your next nursing assignment and permanent residency visa, should you and your family wish to remain in the country. Learn more about the visa process for a nurse from Mexico coming to the U.S. Opportunities The U.S. is experiencing a considerable nursing shortage. The Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that an additional 203,700 nurses are needed each year up to 2026 to fill newly created positions and replace retiring nurses. What’s more, there’s a particular demand for nurses who speak more than one language to accommodate the diversity in the U.S., making Mexican nurses highly marketable. The demand for nurses means the U.S. is bursting with opportunities, but it also ensures guaranteed job security for years to come. In addition, U.S. hospitals are renowned for giving nurses autonomy and authority in the workplace, so you’ll be encouraged to use, share, and expand your knowledge. Salary The U.S. is the third-highest paying country in the world for registered nurses, behind Iceland and Luxembourg. In fact, the national average salary in the U.S. for nurses is around $68,608, compared to $11,260 in Mexico. With this in mind, it’s hard to ignore the financial benefits of working in the U.S. Making the Move Working as a nurse in the U.S. can be a great adventure for you and your family. Luckily, the Conexus team is on-hand to support you every step of the way, continuing your education and development throughout your assignment with us. Get in touch with our team or apply now with Conexus.