Guenjae's Story
We are excited to share this one with you. Guenjae, an International US Graduate, got in touch with Conexus after hearing about how we can help International US Healthcare graduates continue their healthcare career in the USA after graduating from University in America. Through our graduate visa sponsorship program, Guenjae, a Nursing Graduate, is now able to plan his future in the USA doing the job he loves – nursing. We got together with Guenjae, one of our most adventurous RN’s to date, to ask him a few questions about how his journey started, his passion for nursing and what he hopes he will achieve as a US RN. Hello Guenjae, where is home for you and how did your journey in to Nursing start? “For me, home is the place where the people I love the most are. Physical location doesn’t matter. My journey in to nursing started in 2007 at Erie Community College, I then went to University at Buffalo College of Nursing for my undergrad school. After that, I moved to Cincinnati for my Master’s degree in Occupational and Environmental Nursing, and also for my work. What made you decide to study for your Nursing degree in the USA? “There is no better place that the USA to wide my world view and perspectives because USA is well known as a ‘melting pot’” Tell us more about why your chose to become a RN and what being a RN means to you? “I was always interested, and found great joy when I was helping and serving people. When I found out about the field of nursing, I thought that is was perfect for me. I enjoy having a therapeutic relationship with a patient and their family members. I love to learn about patient health and social history too. The fact that I become part of a patient’s life story (I hope) and influence them in a positive way. I love whenever I see a patient become better.” What do you enjoy the most about being in the USA? “I enjoy learning about different cultures (race, gender, ethnicity…) I enjoy travelling all around the USA to larger cities, visiting sites of beautiful nature and also experiencing the different climates” So, how did you hear about us? “I searched online for an international staffing agency and came across BONA CARE (now PANSEE). PANSEE our a partner with Conexus and they directed me in your direction. Conexus handled my application and placement process very professionally and efficiently. The interview process was done via phone and video conference, I loved the warm and encouraging interviewers!” How did you find our process? “Conexus tried everything they could to fulfil my preferences when it came to location of hospital and the department I wanted to work. They were very flexible for the transition process, taking in to account my schedule for school and work before relocating me to my placement. The staff at Conexus were very kind and showed my family genuine hospitality and caring” Would you recommend Conexus to other F1/OPT International USA Graduates looking to stay living and working in the USA after graduating their healthcare degree? “So far, I have totally enjoyed every moment with Conexus, and would recommend them to other International RN Graduates.” What’s your dream for your future in the USA? “I dream to have permanent status and permanent job in the USA, so that I can bring my parents here and live together” Finally, what would you say to other International RN Graduates in the USA who want to remain living and working in the USA after graduating? “I would tell them that, in the USA the number one trusted occupation is always a Nurse! People treat nurses in America better than in any other country. There are unlimited opportunities if you become a RN in the USA. Yes, you made a right choice to stay in the USA to live and work. Choose what you want to be and work hard. One day, before you even know, you will become what you wanted to be.” If you're an International US student on your F1 or OPT in the USA, and are wanting to stay living and working in the US once you gradudate from your Nursing and Allied Health degree, get in touch with us today.
Latest blogs
What US RN's need to know: The Nurse Practice Act
WHAT IS THE NURSE PRACTICE ACT? The Nurse Practice Act is essentially your nursing rulebook! Each state has its own Nurse Practice Act that you must learn, know and live by when working as a registered nurse in the USA. The Nurse Practice act ensures that all registered nurses are qualified and competent of doing their job to the highest standard. Each Nurse Practice Act: Outlines its definitions Outlines the Authority, Power and Composition of the state Board of Nursing (BON) Sets out the standards for educational programs Sets out the standards and scopes of nursing practice Outlines the types of titles and licenses, and the protection of these titles and requirements needed for licensure Outlines the grounds for disciplinary action and other violations. Take a look at each states Nurse Practice Act here. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? The intimate nature of nursing means that the risk of accidents is high. The laws and regulations set out in a states Nurse Practice Act have been put together to reduce the risk of harm to patients and to protect patients by ensuring the highest level of competence. The Nurse Practice Act aims to ensure that patients are receiving quality care and promotes patient safety. WHAT IS MY INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY? All registered nurses have a duty to understand the states nurse practice act where they work, ensure that they adhere to the rules and regulations outlined, and to make sure that they are fully qualified and competent in their role as a registered nurse. It is also your responsibility to make sure that you are aware of the laws that regulate your profession and to you keep yourself updated on any changes made to the nurse practice act to ensure that you are evolving with the scope of practice that is expected of you. Want to know more about the Nurse Practice Act and nursing in the USA? Keep an eye out for #USReady #ComingSoon
Workplace Safety for Nurses
The bedside can be a dangerous place for nurses. Healthcare settings have some of the highest rates of workplace injury in the USA, with injuries and illnesses in healthcare environments occurring at almost twice the national average (OHSA 2011). Just as patient safety is vital and should never be underestimated, so is the safety of nurses. Healthcare environments are unique in risk, with no two days being the same, meaning nurses are exposed to many challenges at work making workplace safety a must. Nurses have little control over the situations that contribute to safety risks, but many things can be done to help reduce these risks and help keep nurses away from the occupational health office: Be diligent about workplace violence Unfortunately, violence within healthcare environments is not uncommon. Workplace violence accounts for 8% of injuries among hospital workers, with nurses particularly vulnerable to this type of injury. OHSA defines workplace violence as “physically or psychologically damaging actions occurring in the workplace”. To help reduce this risk it is important for nurses: - To be diligent - To familiarize themselves with their patients and to be careful of patients with a history of violence, drug or alcoholic addiction, or dementia. - To always bring along a fellow colleague if they suspect that a patient or their family may show signs of a violent nature. Be careful with those sharps High stress situations, being in a hurry and unpredictable patients mean accidental needle stick injuries are a common threat to nurse safety. In the 2011 report by OSHA needle stick injuries accounted for 13% of workplace injuries, with upwards of 300,000 sharps related injuries reported yearly. Nurses can make sure to use the safety features of needles to help avoid any injuries to themselves as well as be vigilant about the proper disposal of sharps. Handle with care 48% of the injuries reported by OSHA were related to body overexertion or movement such as bending or lifting. One bad lift has the potential to end a nursing career with nurses having the highest rates of work related back pain. The American Nurse Association (ANA) is committed to driving initiatives that prevent unnecessary injury to keep both patients and nurses safe. Nurses are at risk of injuries and musculoskeletal disorders (MSD),caused by manually lifting patients, every day and so it’s important for nurses to learn the proper way to lift and to always ask for help if they are required to lift something that is outside of their capabilities. Watch where you are walking Pay attention to the small safety hazards. Hospitals have the highest incidence pf trips, slips and falls amongst their staff. Nurses should be aware of their surroundings, after all a nurse can’t help a patient if they fall and hurt themselves rushing to their patient’s aid. Don’t ignore burnout symptoms We know nurses are incredibly good at caring for others, but it’s important that they look after themselves too. Practicing self-care and being your own number one patient as a nurse is vital in such a busy and relentless working environment. The most important thing is to be able to recognize symptoms as early as possible, and to make sure you listen to your body and mind. Nurses shouldn’t ignore the symptoms of a burn out – they must talk to someone. Nurses must be knowledgeable about workplace safety and ways to reduce the risk of injury. It is vital for nurses to advocate safety in the workplace to create a culture of safety for the benefit of the patient as well as themselves and their fellow colleagues. Education is key in helping to prevent injury and promote safety in the workplace, Conexus Medstaff's US Ready program will ensure that you are the best nurse you can be.
The Giving Tree
The Conexus Medstaff team will be leaving presents under the Giving Tree to be delivered to patients in our US hospitals this Christmas. Conexus Medstaff are involved in charity work all year round, and that doesn’t stop at Christmas. After all, Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting. Unfortunately not everyone can wake up at home on December 25 to gifts under the Christmas tree. Some will wake up in a hospital bed away from their home and Christmas just won’t feel the same. Thanks to the Giving Tree campaign, taking place across some of our client hospitals in the USA, Christmas day promises to be a bit brighter for those who will be spending Christmas day in hospital. Conexus Medstaff will be helping to bring a smile to patients that are feeling unwell this Christmas by buying small gifts to sit at the bottom of the Giving Tree that will be delivered to patients across the hospital. We believe that it is the little things that make the biggest difference, and through random acts of kindness we can let others know that someone is thinking about them. For us here at Conexus Medstaff it is in the giving that we receive. Why not give someone the gift of joy this christmas by donating to your local charity or volunteering at your local hospital. We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone!
Have you been abandoned by a previous sponsor?
The Visa Bulletin for December 2018 has been released! The EB-3 Priority Date could mark the end of the US Visa retrogression in the near future especially for Filipino nurses who's priority date is currently 15 JUNE 2017, however it’s not just international nurses from the Philippines who should start preparing for their next adventure. The priority date for Indian nurses has jumped forward 2 months to 01 MARCH 2009! This jump in priority date means that the American Dream may be just around the corner for the backlog of thousands of Indian registered nurses who already have existing US visa priority dates. The Conexus team are not only here to help recently inspired International Nurses take their first step in their international nursing career, but if you are one of the thousands of nurses with an existing priority date who has been abandoned by their previous sponsor, then look no further! We encourage all Indian nurses with priority dates to get in touch with us today. Our in-house Immigration team can help any abandoned nurses with an existing priority date recapture their original I-140 petition, so if you have a current priority date and have been abandoned by a previous sponsor, then get in touch with us today and we will get to work straight away; the land of opportunity is waiting for you! For abandoned nurses who still dream of working in the USA, your #AmericanDream could be a lot closer than you think. Get in touch. It's time to pick up where you left off!
Committed to Health Care Recruitment
The Conexus Management team have been busy on the road over the last month attending various events held by Healthcare Recruitment Associations across the USA. In October, Andrew, Tom and Tiffany attended the Indiana Association for Health Care Recruitment. The IAHCR is a statewide membership organization of professional health care recruiters. For over 20 years the IAHCR has provided members opportunities to listen to expert industry speakers as well as share information and participate in industry education, facilitating best practice in Indiana health care recruitment. The goal of the IAHCR is to unite Indiana health care organizations and join forces to collaboratively promote the health care profession in the USA. Being part of committees like the IAHCR allows Conexus Medstaff to be continually informed on HR’s evolving role in the healthcare industry. It also allows us to make sure our team follow best practice in health care recruitment so that we can ensure all of our international registered nurses are getting the care and attention they deserve! We are proud to announce that our Senior Operations Manager, Tiffany Bradley, has been appointed the Committee Lead for the IAHCR Scholarship Committee. Well done Tiffany! The Indiana chapter awards a $1,000 scholarship to a student pursuing their Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Tiffany will work closely with local schools in Indiana and the other members of the committee to decide a worthy winner of the health care scholarship. Conexus Medstaff are committed to the US health care workforce of the future and are dedicated to supporting international nursing students and graduates in the USA! Members of the Conexus Management team will be attending the Texas Association of Health Care Recruitment and the North Carolina Association of Health Care Recruitment events later this month to learn more about the latest recruiting practices in the industry in Texas and North Carolina.
Visa Bulletin - December 2018
The Visa Bulletin for December 2018 has been released, and our Immigration team have confirmed that there has been some movement for this month! The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for the month of December 2018 EB-3 for the Philippines (15 JUN 2017) EB-3 for India (01 MAR 2009) The EB-3 priority date for the Philippines has moved forward 7 days (7 days is better than retrogression!) whilst the priority date for India has moved forward 2 months. For the current final action dates for other nationalities take a look here. The Visa Bulletin has two different tables - Table A and Table B. Table A shows the Final Action dates - applications with these dates may be approved for their Permanant Residency or Immigrant Visa appointment. Whilst Table B shows the dates for filing. This means that the Department of State may work on application with these dates but a visa can'tr be approved until the date is current per Table A. Remember, 'Good things come to those who wait' If you want to know more about the visa and immigration process, visit our Learning Hub, or if you have any questions about what the Visa Bulletin means for you, then get in touch with us today.
in the news
This time it’s the Conexus Medstaff Charlotte, NC, team making the move to a new office. Due to the growing team and a new hospital client in North Carolina – check out why we love the Queen State here - we decided that now was the perfect time to move our Charlotte team to a newer, bigger office. For our nurses the new office will be a great place from them to drop in with any questions, do additional training and above all feel like a part of the Conexus family. There’s even opportunity for them to play a game of ping-pong on our very own ping-pong table! And if our nurses just want to see a familiar face, our open door policy will allow nurses and their families to pop in to say hello to the Conexus team at any time. We asked the Conexus team in Charlotte what they loved most about the new office: Laquanda, one of our Operation Managers said that “The new office space will really allow us to connect better with our nurses throughout their contract with us. It’s going to be great!” and one of our other Operation Managers, Kristin, had something to say on the new office view; “The office is an incredible open space that overlooks the beautiful South Park” If you are a nurse working in North Carolina, feel free to pop by and to check out our new home! Come and say hello at our new address: 6201 Fairview Road, Suite 200 Charlotte, NC 28210
Achieve your US RN Dream (No Fee to Pay!)
You may have seen that Conexus Medstaff visited South Korea earlier this month to meet registered nurses who are considering making the move to the USA and looking for a sponsor for their EB-3 visa (look no further!) We were overjoyed with the reception we received from the South Korean Government and feel so proud to work alongside HRD Korea/ KOHI in helping promote overseas work for Korean nationals. It is always a privilege to meet people and organizations who share the same values as us. We believe that South Korean registered nurses, and other international registered nurses from across the world, are a true asset to hospitals in the USA. They bring with them a wealth of nursing knowledge and a passion to succeed, qualities that make world-class nurses who always practice with compassion, dignity and respect. Besides sponsoring international registered nurses to work in the USA on the EB-3 visa and supporting them through the immigration process required to move to the USA, we offer a package of benefits that help international registered nurses to feel at home and settled as soon as they arrive in the USA to work and live, like the cost of flights to the USA, the first 30 days of accomodation and a deployment bonus. Not to mention an addtional $1,000 bonus if a registered nurse already has their NCLEX-RN. What’s more is that we will never charge a sign on fee to international registered nurses that apply directly with us, unlike many agencies in South Korea who request registered nurses to pay high sign on fees. To start your application and find out about how Conexus Medstaff can make your US RN dream come true, apply with us directly today – there shouldn’t be a financial cost to achieving your American Dream!
Guenjae's Story
We are excited to share this one with you. Guenjae, an International US Graduate, got in touch with Conexus after hearing about how we can help International US Healthcare graduates continue their healthcare career in the USA after graduating from University in America. Through our graduate visa sponsorship program, Guenjae, a Nursing Graduate, is now able to plan his future in the USA doing the job he loves – nursing. We got together with Guenjae, one of our most adventurous RN’s to date, to ask him a few questions about how his journey started, his passion for nursing and what he hopes he will achieve as a US RN. Hello Guenjae, where is home for you and how did your journey in to Nursing start? “For me, home is the place where the people I love the most are. Physical location doesn’t matter. My journey in to nursing started in 2007 at Erie Community College, I then went to University at Buffalo College of Nursing for my undergrad school. After that, I moved to Cincinnati for my Master’s degree in Occupational and Environmental Nursing, and also for my work. What made you decide to study for your Nursing degree in the USA? “There is no better place that the USA to wide my world view and perspectives because USA is well known as a ‘melting pot’” Tell us more about why your chose to become a RN and what being a RN means to you? “I was always interested, and found great joy when I was helping and serving people. When I found out about the field of nursing, I thought that is was perfect for me. I enjoy having a therapeutic relationship with a patient and their family members. I love to learn about patient health and social history too. The fact that I become part of a patient’s life story (I hope) and influence them in a positive way. I love whenever I see a patient become better.” What do you enjoy the most about being in the USA? “I enjoy learning about different cultures (race, gender, ethnicity…) I enjoy travelling all around the USA to larger cities, visiting sites of beautiful nature and also experiencing the different climates” So, how did you hear about us? “I searched online for an international staffing agency and came across BONA CARE (now PANSEE). PANSEE our a partner with Conexus and they directed me in your direction. Conexus handled my application and placement process very professionally and efficiently. The interview process was done via phone and video conference, I loved the warm and encouraging interviewers!” How did you find our process? “Conexus tried everything they could to fulfil my preferences when it came to location of hospital and the department I wanted to work. They were very flexible for the transition process, taking in to account my schedule for school and work before relocating me to my placement. The staff at Conexus were very kind and showed my family genuine hospitality and caring” Would you recommend Conexus to other F1/OPT International USA Graduates looking to stay living and working in the USA after graduating their healthcare degree? “So far, I have totally enjoyed every moment with Conexus, and would recommend them to other International RN Graduates.” What’s your dream for your future in the USA? “I dream to have permanent status and permanent job in the USA, so that I can bring my parents here and live together” Finally, what would you say to other International RN Graduates in the USA who want to remain living and working in the USA after graduating? “I would tell them that, in the USA the number one trusted occupation is always a Nurse! People treat nurses in America better than in any other country. There are unlimited opportunities if you become a RN in the USA. Yes, you made a right choice to stay in the USA to live and work. Choose what you want to be and work hard. One day, before you even know, you will become what you wanted to be.” If you're an International US student on your F1 or OPT in the USA, and are wanting to stay living and working in the US once you gradudate from your Nursing and Allied Health degree, get in touch with us today.
Maria's Story
RN Maria, and her family, have already joined the Conexus team in the USA and are settling in to the American way of life perfectly. Before Maria made the move to the USA she was happy to share her story with us on what inspired her to make the decision to move to the US. Hi, I’m Maria and I have been working as a registered nurse for 15 years. I decided to become a nurse after witnessing my siblings’ interest and devotion for the profession. As they express their sentiments for caring for people, I felt that it’s something I could be good at too! What I find most rewarding about nursing is a strong feeling of accomplishment and self-worth in being involved for touching someone’s life. Nursing for me is a noble profession for many reasons. I was inspired to become a nurse in the USA because of job security and many opportunities for advancement. I will be moving to the USA with my family! I choose to be sponsored by Conexus Medstaff because of their experienced and their capability to provide better service as well as their attentiveness to your needs. What I will miss most about home is my family especially my ailing mother, however the thing I am most looking to about living in the USA is the new adventure and the continuous learning opportunity. For me, being a nurse is more than a job or even a career, its happiness and wealth. My dream is to see my kids later in life with a fulfilling career they can be proud of. If nursing is your passion, get in touch with us today and let's plan your life-changing adventure to the USA.
Visa Information for Other Nationalities
As part of your healthcare journey in the USA with Conexus Medstaff, we will sponsor your visa for you for no fee. Our friendly in-house immigration team are experts at what they do and will handle the full visa and immigration process for you, so you really don’t need to worry about a thing. Using an award-winning, and piece of the art Case Management System our immigration team will support and update you every step of the way! For healthcare professionals from the rest of the world, Conexus will be able to sponsor you on the EB-3 or EB-2 visa so that you can live and work in the USA. Both visas are permanent residency visas meaning that you can remain living and working in the USA indefinitely – even after you have completed your contract with us. If you are a Registered Nurse we will be able to sponsor you on the EB-3 (Permanent Residency) visa. If you are an Allied Health professional we will be able to sponsor you on the EB-3 or EB-2 (Permanent Residency) visa. The EB-3 and the EB-2 visa bring more security for families looking to set up home in the USA. A major perk is that the spouse and dependent children of a healthcare professional on the EB-3 or EB-2 visa, will be able to work and attend school in the USA allowing you all to start building solid foundations for your future in the USA. The processing time for the EB-3 and the EB-2 visa can vary month to month, keep an eye on Facebook for the latest information from the US Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs. Take a look at Joselyn’s story who made the move from Malaysia to the USA to work as US RN.
Visa Information for Chinese Nationals
As part of your healthcare journey in the USA with Conexus Medstaff, we will sponsor your visa for you for no fee. Our friendly in-house immigration team are experts at what they do and will handle the full visa and immigration process for you, so you really don’t need to worry about a thing. Using an award-winning, and piece of the art Case Management System our immigration team will support and update you every step of the way! For healthcare professionals from China, Conexus will be able to sponsor you on the EB-3 or EB-2 visa so that you can live and work in the USA. Both visas are permanent residency visas meaning that you can remain living and working in the USA indefinitely – even after you have completed your contract with us. Due to the movement of the priority date for Chinese nationals, we aren’t at this time offering visa sponsorship for new candidates, however here at Conexus we can also help healthcare professionals who have been abandoned by a previous sponsor. If you are a Registered Nurse we will be able to sponsor you on the EB-3 (Permanent Residency) visa. If you are an Allied Health professional we will be able to sponsor you on the EB-3 or EB-2 (Permanent Residency) visa depending on your experience. The EB-3 and the EB-2 visa bring more security for families looking to set up home in the USA. A major perk is that the spouse and dependent children of a healthcare professional on the EB-3 or EB-2 visa, will be able to work and attend school in the USA allowing you all to start building solid foundations for your future in the USA. The processing time for the EB-3 and the EB-2 visa can vary month to month, keep an eye on Facebook for the latest information from the US Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs.
Visa Information for Philippine Nationals
As part of your healthcare journey in the USA with Conexus Medstaff, we will sponsor your visa for you for no fee. Our friendly in-house immigration team are experts at what they do and will handle the full visa and immigration process for you, so you really don’t need to worry about a thing. Using an award-winning, and piece of the art Case Management System our immigration team will support and update you every step of the way! The EB-3 and EB-2 Visa For healthcare professionals from the Philippines, Conexus will be able to sponsor you on the EB-3 or EB-2 visa so that you can live and work in the USA. Our office in the Philippines will be able to tell you which visa is the right one for you, get in touch for a consultation. Both visas are permanent residency visas meaning that you can remain living and working in the USA indefinitely – even after you have completed your contract with us. Another thing is that that we don’t just offer visa sponsorship for new candidates, here at Conexus we can also help healthcare professionals who have been abandoned by a previous sponsor. If you are a Registered Nurse we will be able to sponsor you on the EB-3 (Permanent Residency) visa. If you are an Allied Health professional we will be able to sponsor you on the EB-3 or EB-2 (Permanent Residency) visa depending on your experience. The EB-3 and the EB-2 visa bring more security for families looking to set up home in the USA. A major perk is that the spouse and dependent children of a healthcare professional on the EB-3 or EB-2 visa, will be able to work and attend school in the USA allowing you all to start building solid foundations for your future in the USA. What is the processing time? The processing time for the EB-3 and the EB-2 visa can vary month to month, keep an eye on Facebook for the latest information from the US Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs To see what you can expect from moving from the Philippines to the USA, why not take a look at our RN, Racquel’s story or join our Facebook page to hear from other Filipino RN’s and healthcare professionals.