Nursing Hierarchy In The US Explained
Just like in Canada, US healthcare facilities have a nursing hierarchy that defines their organizational structure. Nurses are tiered by their level of education, licensure, and years of experience. While nursing career paths in the US and Canada are similar, there are some key differences. To demonstrate, the Conexus team has provided an example of a typical nursing hierarchy in the US so you can see how your career could progress stateside. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) The bedrock of medical care, CNAs provide the frontline of contact between medical staff and patients, assisting them in daily activities. While they don’t make medical decisions or diagnose conditions, they deliver essential care to patients, such as helping them to bathe, dress, eat, and use the bathroom. Steps to becoming a CNA: High school diploma or GED Complete state-approved CNA training Complete in-person clinical requirement Pass certification exam and get listed on your state’s CNA registry. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) LPNs and LVNs generally describe the same occupation. The difference between them comes down to the particular state in which the nurse practices. For example, those practicing in Texas and California are LVNs, while all other states apply the term LPN. Responsible for a variety of patient duties, LPNs monitor patient health, and administer basic care. They report directly to registered nurses (RNs) and physicians and carry out tasks, including taking blood pressure, inserting catheters, starting IV drips, and changing bandages. Additionally, they will communicate with patients and family members to educate them on care plans. Steps to becoming an LPN/LVN: High school diploma or GED Obtain diploma via college or accredited online course (not all states require a diploma) Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Registered Nurse (RN) While the majority of RNs work in hospitals, they can also be found in clinics, physicians’ offices, home care settings, critical and long-term care facilities, governmental organizations, the military, schools, and rehabilitation facilities. Duties of RNs vary depending upon where they work. Still, RNS are typically responsible for recording patient medical history, monitoring symptoms and medical equipment, administering medicine, establishing or contributing to a care plan, performing diagnostic tests and collaborating with physicians. With concentrated training or certifications, RNs can focus on a medical specialty, such as geriatric, neonatal, surgical, or emergency care. Steps to becoming an RN: Complete accredited RN program Pass NCLEX exam Obtain a state license Secure employment Pursue training and education to specialize/progress. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) APRNs are RNs who have earned their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). In many jurisdictions, APRNs can practice, order tests, and prescribe medications as independent practitioners. In other jurisdictions, they must practice under the supervision of a physician or a collaborative physician agreement. The four recognized APRN roles are Nurse Practitioner (NP), Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). APRNs also operate in one of the six patient population focus areas: Acute care Adult health Family health Gerontology health Oncology Pediatric/child health Psychiatric/mental health Women’s health Steps to becoming an APRN: Complete MSN degree specific to an APRN role and patient population focus area Achieve national certification in an APRN role and population Obtain state licensure. Want To Find Out More About Nursing In The US? Coming soon, our free guide “The Land of Opportunity: Why Canadian Nurses Are Relocating To The US (And How You Can Too!)” For more tips and advice on moving to the US, and find out how Conexus can help you on your journey, complete the form below: Form ID:4846
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Nursing Hierarchy In The US Explained
Just like in Canada, US healthcare facilities have a nursing hierarchy that defines their organizational structure. Nurses are tiered by their level of education, licensure, and years of experience. While nursing career paths in the US and Canada are similar, there are some key differences. To demonstrate, the Conexus team has provided an example of a typical nursing hierarchy in the US so you can see how your career could progress stateside. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) The bedrock of medical care, CNAs provide the frontline of contact between medical staff and patients, assisting them in daily activities. While they don’t make medical decisions or diagnose conditions, they deliver essential care to patients, such as helping them to bathe, dress, eat, and use the bathroom. Steps to becoming a CNA: High school diploma or GED Complete state-approved CNA training Complete in-person clinical requirement Pass certification exam and get listed on your state’s CNA registry. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) LPNs and LVNs generally describe the same occupation. The difference between them comes down to the particular state in which the nurse practices. For example, those practicing in Texas and California are LVNs, while all other states apply the term LPN. Responsible for a variety of patient duties, LPNs monitor patient health, and administer basic care. They report directly to registered nurses (RNs) and physicians and carry out tasks, including taking blood pressure, inserting catheters, starting IV drips, and changing bandages. Additionally, they will communicate with patients and family members to educate them on care plans. Steps to becoming an LPN/LVN: High school diploma or GED Obtain diploma via college or accredited online course (not all states require a diploma) Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Registered Nurse (RN) While the majority of RNs work in hospitals, they can also be found in clinics, physicians’ offices, home care settings, critical and long-term care facilities, governmental organizations, the military, schools, and rehabilitation facilities. Duties of RNs vary depending upon where they work. Still, RNS are typically responsible for recording patient medical history, monitoring symptoms and medical equipment, administering medicine, establishing or contributing to a care plan, performing diagnostic tests and collaborating with physicians. With concentrated training or certifications, RNs can focus on a medical specialty, such as geriatric, neonatal, surgical, or emergency care. Steps to becoming an RN: Complete accredited RN program Pass NCLEX exam Obtain a state license Secure employment Pursue training and education to specialize/progress. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) APRNs are RNs who have earned their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). In many jurisdictions, APRNs can practice, order tests, and prescribe medications as independent practitioners. In other jurisdictions, they must practice under the supervision of a physician or a collaborative physician agreement. The four recognized APRN roles are Nurse Practitioner (NP), Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). APRNs also operate in one of the six patient population focus areas: Acute care Adult health Family health Gerontology health Oncology Pediatric/child health Psychiatric/mental health Women’s health Steps to becoming an APRN: Complete MSN degree specific to an APRN role and patient population focus area Achieve national certification in an APRN role and population Obtain state licensure. Want To Find Out More About Nursing In The US? Coming soon, our free guide “The Land of Opportunity: Why Canadian Nurses Are Relocating To The US (And How You Can Too!)” For more tips and advice on moving to the US, and find out how Conexus can help you on your journey, complete the form below: Form ID:4846
Nursing In The US: Fake News
If you’re a nurse based in Canada contemplating either starting or continuing your career in the US, you might be tempted to consult Google to get answers to your questions. However, as you’re undoubtedly aware, Googling for answers provides overwhelming information so what should you believe and what is fake news? Conexus has extensive experience in mobilizing Canadian nurses to live and work in the US, and based on years of experience helping nurses make the move stateside, we have provided some perspective. Let’s dive in… “The US Doesn’t Welcome Foreign Workers.” FALSE We understand that political rhetoric and anti-immigration stances reported in the media are hard to ignore. They can present the US as wholly unwelcoming to foreign workers. Despite such attention-grabbing headlines, the truth is that the US is actively recruiting international talent to help tackle major nursing shortages. Additionally, US healthcare facilities appreciate the value a diverse workforce can bring when it comes to building the strongest teams and delivering the best patient care. “US Nursing Salaries Aren’t As High As In Canada.” FALSE The average nursing salary in the US is C$99,222 compared to C$75,680 in Canada. Of course, this varies from state-to-state, with some states averaging a higher salary where the cost of living is more expensive. However, even in states where the cost of living is quite affordable and thus the average pay might be considered lower, it’s more than the Canadian average. For example, Iowa has one of the lowest at C$77,000, which is C$1,000 more than the average Canadian wage. “There Are Fewer Public Holidays In The US.” FACT Indeed, Canada has 3 more public holidays (13) than the US (10), but as many nurses know, public holidays are still working days in healthcare. Of course, US nurses accrue vacation with each hour worked, with the average nurse receiving two weeks of paid vacation per year, according to PayScale. As a Conexus nurse, you’re entitled to paid time off too. In other words, don’t worry about those 3 less public holidays; you won’t miss out. “It’s Hard To Find Work As A Newly Qualified Nurse In The US.” FALSE There is demand across the US for nursing professionals at all levels. So, whether you’re an experienced nurse looking to step up to management level, or a graduate hoping to gain valuable experience, there’s an abundance of opportunities from which to choose. Additionally, there are more educational opportunities for nurses in the US compared to Canada. And, because the nursing demand is so high, nurses typically progress their careers much faster in the US, gaining invaluable experience along the way. “Employee Benefits In The US Are Poor.” FALSE Of course, benefits vary depending on the employer, but remember that competition for nurses is fierce in the US, so it’s in the employer’s best interest to offer a comprehensive benefits package. Becoming a Conexus nurse provides instant financial benefits, including a $1,000 USD tax-free deployment bonus, your first 30 days of accommodation covered, and significant learning support and education access before throughout your assignment. Additionally, we ensure that job contracts are limited to one facility so you have the opportunity to develop and progress, something that’s particularly valuable if you’re moving with a young family. You can find a full list of our benefits here. “The US Provides A Great Opportunity For Canadian Nurses.” FACT Not only can nurses fast-track their careers thanks to greater opportunities compared to Canada, but working in the US can also be financially rewarding from day one. So, whether you’re about to graduate, or you’re an experienced nurse, the US could be the ideal location for you. “Where Can I Find Out More?” Coming Soon: Our free guide “The Land of Opportunity: Why Canadian Nurses Are Relocating To The US (And How You Can Too!)” to get tips and advice on moving to the US, and find out how Conexus can help you on your journey. Register your interest here: Form ID:4846
Canadian Nursing Graduates: Considerations for Starting Your Nursing Career in the US
You’re a newly qualified nurse looking for work in Canada, but could starting a career in the US provide greater long-term opportunities? Here, we discuss how heading stateside could offer a broader range of career options and a faster track to achieving your educational and financial goals. Not The Best Start? Back in 2017, Employment and Social Development Canada predicted that nursing employment growth in the country would be among the highest of all occupations in the coming decade. As yet, this hasn’t happened, and data from job search site Indeed suggests that the number of nurses in Canada has flatlined in recent years. Despite news of a 77 percent increase in nursing job vacancies since 2015, nurses in Canada are still reporting a lack of employment options and career development opportunities. This lack of options can have a detrimental effect on nursing graduates, in particular, who, despite needing to gain vital experience, are often only able to secure temporary or part-time roles in Canada. What’s The Best Option? A study found that new graduates from Atlantic Canada identified greater job availability, full-time work, appropriate orientation, benefits, and career development opportunities as the key factors that influenced their decision to migrate to the US. The country has a substantial nursing shortage and relies on foreign talent to bolster its workforce. Newly-qualified nurses can start practicing immediately in the US, gaining valuable skills and marketable experience that will stand them in good stead long into the future. Plus, Canadian nurses benefit from a financial standpoint in America. While remuneration differs state-by-state, average US salaries are higher at C$99,222 compared to C$75,680 in Canada. The US is looking for nurses across a broad range of healthcare facilities, so newly-qualified nurses are not limited to one type of workplace. For example, rural US locations provide the chance to work in long-term care facilities that not only offer new work experience opportunities but open up a vast range of career development paths that nurses may not have considered before. Where Can I Find Out More? Coming Soon: Our free guide “The Land of Opportunity: Why Canadian Nurses Are Relocating To The US (And How You Can Too!). To register your interest please complete the form below: Form ID:4846
Ripped From The Headlines: Trust, Paperwork, TikTok And The Year of The International Nurse
Welcome to a brand new decade! This edition of Ripped From The Headlines is packed with nuggets of US nursing news, from the kick-off of the Year of the Nurse right through to the ethics of lip-syncing on TikTok! Nursing Is The Most Trusted Profession In The US American people have ranked nursing highest for honesty and ethics among a list of professions, according to a Gallup poll. This is the eighteenth year in a row that nurses have ranked the highest in this poll, where, conversely, Americans found salespeople to have the lowest levels of ethics and honesty, at 9 percent. Other medical professions that rate highly in these categories include medical doctors (65 percent), pharmacists (64 percent), and dentists (61 percent). Keep up the amazing work, nurses! 6 Reasons Why 2020 Is the Year Of The Nurse The Year of the Nurse is here! In early 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that 2020 would be the Year of the Nurse and Midwife, with lots of planned programs and reports scheduled to support the profession. This article by DailyNurse highlights six of the reasons why 2020 is the perfect time to celebrate the Year of the Nurse, including it being the: 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale Release of the first State of the World’s Nursing Report Culmination of the Nursing Now campaign. Want to find out more reasons why? Take a look at the article! What are you doing to mark the Year of the Nurse? We’d love to hear about any celebrations or initiatives you or your facility have planned. Doctors, Nurses And The Paperwork Crisis That Could Unite Them Ask anyone working in a hospital, and they’ll tell you that workloads have become more substantial since the arrival of electronic health records. While these records were created as a work-saving tool, they have gone in the opposite direction, taking time away from patient care. In fact, a report from the National Academy of Medicine found that, on average, nurses and doctors spend 50 percent of their workday at a screen rather than with patients. This interesting article from The New York Times explores this subject and why now’s the time for nurses and physicians to come together to acknowledge the harm done by increasing documentation requirements and aim for a more effective way of working. Nurses And Doctors Are Flocking To TikTok To Crack Jokes And Lip Sync. But Are They Eroding Patients' Trust? Do you have TikTok? It’s rapidly becoming one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, and medical professionals are taking to it en masse to express themselves. In fact, some healthcare themed TikToks have gone viral in recent weeks but, unfortunately, for all of the wrong reasons. CNN highlights a now deleted clip from a user named Nurse Holly, which was widely criticized for stating that abstinence is the best form of STI prevention. Prior to this, a nurse going by D Rose on TikTok mocked patients for faking their symptoms and accidentally kicked off a hashtag movement where thousands of users shared moments when medical professionals didn’t believe them. Year of the International Nurse The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated 2020 as the “Year of the Nurse and Midwife”, in honour of the 200th anniversary of the birst of Florence Nightingale. The year 2020 is significant for WHO in the context of nursing and midwifery strengthening for Universal Health Coverage. WHO is leading the development of the first-ever State of the World’s Nursing report which will be launched in 2020, prior to the 73rd World Health Assembly. For more information, visit the World Health Organization website. Stay tuned to our blog for more editions of Ripped From The Headlines or revisit the archive today.
in the news
As an F-1 nursing student, you’re likely to be aware of Optional Practical Training (OPT) - the 12-month employment authorization that enables you to work in the US after graduation. However, as a partner to colleges and universities across the US, Conexus regularly works with students who are still in the dark about OPT and its application process. In this blog post, we explore the key factors you need to be aware of both before and after graduation. Timing Is Everything You can apply for OPT no sooner than 90 days before graduation, and as late as 60 days following graduation. However, be aware of how strict this time period is. For example, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) must receive your OPT application before the 60 day period is over. In turn, don’t mail your application to USCIS more than 90 days before graduation as it will be rejected, and the fee is not returned. If you want to start working straight after you graduate, you should apply for OPT sometime during the 90 days before graduation. This is because it can take up to three months for OPT to be approved and, in some cases, even longer. So, applying late may result in the loss of OPT time and, therefore, the full range of employment opportunities available to you post-graduation. Be sure to keep in constant contact with your DSO or International Advisor through this whole process as their involvement and support is key! Have Your Documents Ready While the OPT application process is straightforward, some students can experience unnecessary delays due to missing or wrong documentation. Make a note of the following items that you need to send with your application: 2 x identical copies natural color passport photos taken within the last 30 days. You’ll need to lightly print your name and your SEVIS number on the back of each photograph. Do bear in mind that passport photos taken in your home country are not acceptable. Copy of your new OPT I-20 that you received after the OPT application session with your ISS advisor. Record of any prior CPT authorizations. Copy of your most recent I-94. Copy of your passport photo/information page showing the passport expiration date and your most recent US visa. Copy of your previous Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card if you’ve ever had one before. The OPT filing fee is $495, which you can pay via personal check or money order made payable to “United States Department of Homeland Security”. Personal checks are preferred as they can be more easily traced in the event of a problem. Be Aware Of The Process Your OPT application process will look like this: Complete the I-765 Form. Arrange an appointment with your International Student & Scholar Services Advisor (ISSSA), who will issue you with a new I-20 recommending OPT. You’ll then need to submit several documents to the USCIS so that they can grant your OPT and release your EAD. You’re ready to start working as a nurse in the US. EAD: What’s This? Once you’ve been approved for OPT, you’ll receive an EAD card from USCIS. This is your official employment authorization. Typically, the card will be mailed to your ISS, who will make arrangements to get the card to you immediately. On the card, you’ll find the specific 12-month period that you’re allowed to work. What happens after the end of the 12-month OPT? Once your OPT expires, you will only be able to remain in the USA for a further 60 days unless you have: Obtained a new I-20 to start a new degree Applied to extend your OPT if your degree is in a STEM area (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) Applied to change to another nonimmigrant status. If you use your OPT and return to school to complete a new degree at a higher level of study than your previous one, you’re entitled to another year of OPT. For example, if you’ve done a Bachelor’s degree, 12 months of OPT, then started a Master’s program, you will be eligible for another 12 months of OPT following the completion of your Master’s. Working With Conexus Conexus offers the advice you need to get started in your US nursing career. While we’re unable to complete applications on your behalf, our experienced team is fully clued up on all aspects of the process. It’s this knowledge that enables us to educate students on all of the latest developments regarding F1, OPT, and EAD. Contact our team today with any questions or concerns by calling +1 832 406 3040 or emailing info@conexusmedstaff.com.
Novel Coronavirus 2019
Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. On the 7th January 2020 Chinese authorities confirmed that they had identified a new strain of Coronavirus, following investigations into a growing number of people suffering from pneumonia in Wuhan City, Hubei Province of China since December 2019. The new strain of Coronavirus has been named Novel Coronavirus 2019, or 2019-nCoV. Coronaviruses are zoonotic by nature, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans. Human to human transmission of this strain of Coronavirus has been confirmed. The incidence of 2019-nCoV is of growing concern to the World Health Organisation, healthcare providers, and people all around the world, as the number of confirmed cases and deaths continues to rise. On Thursday 30th January the World Health Organisation declared that the outbreak is a public health emergency of International concern. Currently the worst affected country remains China where more than 9,000 people have been diagnosed with 2019-nCoV and over 210 people have died. Small but growing numbers of confirmed cases have been found globally in countries including the US, the UK, the Philippines, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Australia, France, South Korea, Germany, UAE, Italy, Canada, Vietnam, India, Nepal, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Finland. No deaths have been reported outside of China. People of all ages can be infected by the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus. Signs and symptoms of 2019-nCoV qre typical of respiratory illness, and inlcude: fever cough shortness of breath breathing difficulties. Currently not enough is known about the epidemiology of 2019-nCoV to draw definitive conclusions about the full clinical features of the disease, the intensity of the human-to-human transmission, and the original source of the outbreak. It is thought that symptoms begin to show after around 2 - 10 days after contracting the virus. However it is not clear whether transmission may be able to occur even before symptoms show, which may add to the difficulties in stopping the spread of infection. Practicing good hand, food and respiratory hygeine are steps you can take to protect yourself from 2019-nCoV, and the World Health Organisation has issued the following advice for people to protect themselves from contracting the virus: Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water; When coughing and sneezing cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – throw tissue away immediately and wash hands; Avoid close contact with anyone who has fever and cough; If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing seek medical care early and share previous travel history with your health care provider; When visiting live markets in areas currently experiencing cases of novel coronavirus, avoid direct unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals; The consumption of raw or undercooked animal products should be avoided. Raw meat, milk or animal organs should be handled with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices. Avoid travel if you have a fever or cough Updates will be given on the advice of the World Health Organisation.
International Nurse Students & Graduates: Getting A Job On An F1 Visa
While some international nurses on an F1 visa will return to their home country, most will look to remain in the US and enter the nursing profession. The question is, how do you get started? And what will your journey look like? For most international nursing students, the process will look like this: F1 Visa - Employment Authorization Document (EAD) - OPT (Optional Training Program) - H1B - EB3 (Green Card Visa) Of course, your path will vary depending on whether you’re a graduate or are still in nursing school. Here, we look at the steps both students and graduates can take to ensure they can secure work in the US. Still Studying Even though you’re still studying, there are several actions you can take to make your job search after graduation a lot easier. Finding an employer that provides the kind of assistance and support a new graduate nurse needs can be very difficult. It can be really tough to find a position immediately after graduation without complicated immigration paperwork. You’ll want to be sure you are keeping a very strong relationship with your International Advisor, and if you have questions you can always call Conexus, too. It may seem that post-graduation is the time to look at companies like Conexus, but you may actually find the optimal time to research sponsorship opportunities is during your last year of school. When you graduate you will be faced with a lot of important moments and decisions - pinning ceremony, NCLEX, graduation (and your family may come to see your US home for the first time at graduation!), you may have additional placement tests, your lease might be up and it’s time to move, or many other events that you can’t predict. The last thing you want is to try and fit in time to speak with multiple agencies and interview several times. Your friends might be preparing for interviews, or they may have gotten a dream internship at a larger facility near your school. If you do find yourself interviewing with a local hospital or a dream GN Internship, it’s very important to speak frankly with them about your immigration needs. While it may frustrate you to find that most hospitals do not or can not sponsor to green card, it is much better to know this before you spend your year working toward a goal that can’t be met. You could be using that year of OPT to gain experience and sponsorship somewhere else! Approaching/After Graduation In the US, after graduation, you need an employment authorization document (EAD) to start working on OPT lawfully. With F1 status, you’re allowed up to a total of 12 months of OPT at each educational level (undergraduate, graduate, post-graduate), as long as the work is related to your field of study. Remember that OPT can’t begin before receipt of the physical EAD card approval notice (Form I-765). You can then use this approval notice as evidence of work authorization for up to 30 days while you wait to receive the EAD card. You can apply for OPT no sooner than 90 days before graduation/completion of your study program. You can still apply for up to 60 days post-graduation as long as the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) receive your OPT application before the end of the 60 days. Do bear in mind that the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) strongly discourages students from applying during these 60 days as it takes an average of 120 days for OPT to be approved. The average processing time for OPT is currently three months, but it can be shorter or longer in individual cases, further highlighting the importance of applying well in advance. Conexus asks that you allow yourself an absolute minimum of ten months on OPT to work at one of our facilities. This means that if you’re waiting to receive OPT to reach out to us, you will want to call us immediately upon graduation! You’re Not Alone Whether you are the only International student in your school’s nursing program or one of many, reaching out to a proven nurse staffing agency, like Conexus, is wise. A conversation with Conexus may simply be information gathering, and we are on-hand to offer advice on the best way to get started in your career, as well as provide a plethora of exciting job opportunities. Conexus is partnered with universities and colleges across the US to help ensure both international nursing and US graduates can secure work post-graduation. If you haven’t spotted the Conexus team on your campus, get in touch with our team with any questions you have about securing work in the US by calling +1 832 406 3040 or emailing info@conexusmedstaff.com. Study Tips for the NCLEX