Passed the NCLEX? What Kenyan Nurses must do next to work in the U.S.
By Conexus MedStaff - Posted Feb 17, 2026
Congratulations – you passed the NCLEX. This is one of the biggest achievements in your nursing career.
You studied hard. You sacrificed time. You stayed focused. And now your effort has paid off.
Take a moment to celebrate. You earned this. Now you may be asking:
What happens next?
Passing the NCLEX is a major step. But it is only the beginning of your journey to working as a nurse in the United States.
The good news?
The U.S. needs skilled, internationally educated nurses. Kenyan nurses are respected for their training, experience, and strong work ethic.
The challenge is knowing:
- What steps come next
- How the visa process works
- How long will the process take
- Who can you trust to guide you
This guide will explain:
- What happens after you pass the NCLEX
- Why Kenyan nurses are in demand in the U.S.
- How Conexus MedStaff supports you from start to finish
You are not alone in this process. And you do not have to figure it out by yourself.
What Happens After Passing the NCLEX Exam?
Passing the NCLEX means you’re now eligible to practice as a registered nurse in the United States. But eligibility and actually working in the U.S. are two different things. Here’s what you need to know:
Understanding Your Eligibility
Your NCLEX pass confirms that you have the clinical knowledge required to work as an RN in the U.S. However, to actually practice, you’ll need:
- A valid and active U.S. state nursing license (often linked to your NCLEX state)
- Immigration sponsorship (work visa)
- A confirmed job placement with a U.S. employer
This is where many nurses get stuck. The paperwork, visa applications, and job search can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re navigating it alone.
Why NCLEX Is Just the Beginning
Think of the NCLEX as your entry ticket. It proves you have the skills, but the real journey, such as securing licensure, finding the right placement, and relocating to the U.S., requires expert guidance, patience,e and the right support system.
That’s where Conexus comes in.
Why Kenyan Nurses Are in Demand in U.S. Hospitals
The U.S. is facing a critical nursing shortage. According to recent projections, the country will need over 200,000 new registered nurses annually through 2030 to meet growing demand. Factors driving this shortage include:
- An aging population requiring more healthcare services
- An aging nursing workforce (many RNs approaching retirement)
- Increased burnout and turnover following the COVID
International nurses, including those from Kenya, are helping fill this gap. Kenyan nurses bring:
-Strong clinical training: Kenyan nursing programs focus heavily on hands-on clinical practice. Nurses gain real experience in hospitals and community settings, which prepares them to deliver safe, high-quality patient care from day one.
-English proficiency: English is widely used in Kenyan education and healthcare. This helps nurses communicate clearly and confidently with patients, families, doctors, and other healthcare team members in the United States.
-Cultural adaptability: Kenyan nurses are used to working in diverse environments. Many have experience caring for patients from different backgrounds, which makes it easier for them to adjust and succeed in U.S. healthcare settings.
-Commitment to patient-centered care: Kenyan nurses are trained to treat patients with respect, compassion, and dignity. This approach closely aligns with the values and standards of care expected in the U.S. healthcare system.
U.S. hospitals recognize these strengths, which is why demand for internationally educated nurses from Kenya continues to grow.
Why Work with Conexus MedStaff?
At Conexus MedStaff, we specialize in helping international nurses like you navigate the complexities of moving to the U.S. We’ve successfully placed thousands of nurses from over 150 countries, including many from Kenya, and we understand exactly what you’re facing.
Here’s what sets Conexus apart:
1. No Agency Fees
Unlike many recruitment agencies, Conexus never charges nurses any fees. Your transition to the U.S. should be an investment in your future, not a financial burden. We’re paid by our partner healthcare facilities, not by you.
2. Full Visa and Immigration Support
Navigating U.S. immigration can feel like a maze. We handle:
EB-3 green card and other visa pathways
- Legal documentation and filing
- Step-by-step case guidance
- Regular status updates. Our team has over 40 years of immigration experience, so you can trust that your case is in expert hands.
3. Guaranteed U.S. Hospital Placements
We don’t just help you get to the U.S., we ensure you have a job waiting for you. Conexus partners with hospitals and healthcare facilities across all 50 states, giving you access to:
- Competitive salaries
- Comprehensive benefits (health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off)
- Career advancement opportunities
We match you with facilities that align with your clinical interests, whether that’s critical care, medical-surgical, labor and delivery, or another specialty.
4. Long-Term Career Support
Many agencies disappear once you arrive in the U.S. Conexus is different. We stay with you long after you land. Our support includes:
- Conexus Academy: Free, personalized education and training (over 48,000 hours delivered to our healthcare professionals in 2025)
- Cultural orientation: Helping you adjust to life in the U.S., from understanding healthcare systems to navigating daily life
- Career development: Scholarships, certifications, and pathways to leadership roles
- Community connection: You’ll join a Conexus community of international nurses from over 150 countries, many from Kenya, who understand exactly what you’re experiencing
Conexus and Kenya: A Partnership Built on Impact
Conexus has a strong connection to Kenya beyond recruitment. Through our Global Impact program, we partner with Village HopeCore International in Tharaka Nithi County, supporting Maternal and Child Health clinics and nutrition interventions for over 388 beneficiaries (88 children and 300 family members). This work is close to our hearts because we believe in strengthening healthcare globally, not just in the U.S.
When you join Conexus, you’re not just advancing your own career; you’re part of a mission to make the world healthier.
Relocation Support and Financial Incentives
We know that moving to a new country is a major life decision. That’s why Conexus provides comprehensive relocation support:
Financial Support
- Transition pay: Financial assistance to help you settle in during your first months
- Milestone bonuses: Rewards for completing key stages of your journey
- Relocation package: Assistance with moving expenses, temporary housing, and getting settled
Family Support
Bringing your family is often top of mind. Conexus helps with:
- Dependent visa sponsorship
- Guidance on schools, housing, and settling your family into American life
Community and Benefits
- Health insurance: Comprehensive coverage from day one
- Retirement planning: 401(k) and other long-term financial benefits
- Conexus community: Connect with other Kenyan nurses and international healthcare professionals through events, online forums,s and local meetups
Ready to Get Started?
If you’ve passed the NCLEX and you’re ready to explore what’s next, applying with Conexus is simple, and there’s no commitment required to talk to our team.
Here’s what happens when you apply:
- Fill out a simple application (it takes about 10 minutes)
- We’ll review your credentials and schedule a conversation with a Conexus recruiter
- We’ll walk you through the process, answer your questions, and help you understand your options
- If it’s a good fit, we’ll get started on your visa, licensing, and placement, with you in control every step of the way
You’ve worked hard to pass the NCLEX. Don’t let uncertainty hold you back from a future you’ve already started building. The U.S. needs nurses like you, and Conexus is here to make sure you don’t walk the journey alone.
Apply Today
Visit https://www.conexusmedstaff.com/your-application-with-conexus-medstaff/
