The Official Guide for Foreign-Educated Nurses : What You Need to Know About Nursing and Health Care in the United States

'[This book] will serve as your guide before and after you come to the United StatesÖ. [A]'must-read'for every nurse who is contemplating migrating to the U.S.'-Diana J. Mason, PhD, RN, FAANThis book is the only guide to the United States health care system for nurses immigrating to this country as well as foreign-educated nurses who are already here. The contributors provide a wealth of insight on how to address the challenges of being a foreign-educated nurse in the United States. Nurses can learn what is expected of them, how to prepare for the journey to the United States, and how to adapt to their new communities. The book can help foreign-educated nurses understand the health care system as well as their rights and roles within that system. Written in simple, accessible language, the guide will address the topics and issues that foreign-educated nurses care about, including living in the United States as a foreign-educated nurse, nursing practice in the United States, and the U.S. health care system.Key topics discussed:Preparing to leave the home countryThe process of entry into the U.S.A.Nursing education in the U.S.A.Understanding the U.S. health care systemEmployment challenges and guidelines for entering the U.S. workforceForeign-educated nurses'roles, rights, and obligationsMost importantly, this book will help foreign-educated nurses learn how to avoid being misunderstood by others, form enduring relationships with American colleagues, and join them in working to improve the quality of health care in this country--and worldwide. "

[This book] will serve as your guide before and after you come to the United States?. [A] 'must-read' for every nurse who is contemplating migrating to the U.S.

-Diana J. Mason, PhD, RN, FAAN

This book is the only guide to the United States health care system for nurses immigrating to this country as well as foreign-educated nurses who are already here.

The contributors provide a wealth of insight on how to address the challenges of being a foreign-educated nurse in the United States. Nurses can learn what is expected of them, how to prepare for the journey to the United States, and how to adapt to their new communities. The book can help foreign-educated nurses understand the health care system as well as their rights and roles within that system.

Written in simple, accessible language, the guide will address the topics and issues that foreign-educated nurses care about, including living in the United States as a foreign-educated nurse, nursing practice in the United States, and the U.S. health care system.

Key topics discussed:

• Preparing to leave the home country
• The process of entry into the U.S.A.
• Nursing education in the U.S.A.
• Understanding the U.S. health care system
• Employment challenges and guidelines for entering the U.S. workforce
• Foreign-educated nurses' roles, rights, and obligations

Most importantly, this book will help foreign-educated nurses learn how to avoid being misunderstood by others, form enduring relationships with American colleagues, and join them in working to improve the quality of health care in this country--and worldwide. "

Contents......Page 8 Contributors......Page 10 Foreword......Page 12 Preface......Page 16 Acknowledgments......Page 22 1 Foreign-Educated Nurses in the U.S. Health Care System......Page 24 2 Preparing to Leave Your Home Country......Page 44 3 Entry Into the United States......Page 66 4 Entry Into the U.S. Workforce......Page 94 5 Employment in the United States......Page 128 6 The U.S. Health Care System......Page 158 7 Nursing Practice in the United States......Page 184 8 Communicating in the U.S. Health Care System......Page 240 9 Adjusting to a New Community......Page 258 10 Continuing Your Education......Page 278 11 Resources at Your Disposal......Page 302 Appendix A: Job Interview Materials......Page 320 Appendix B: U.S. Government Visa Information......Page 324 Appendix C: Migration Resources......Page 354 Appendix D: CGFNS International Reports......Page 364 Appendix E: Slang Terms, Idioms, Jargon, and Abbreviations......Page 390 Appendix F: Educational Resources......Page 400 A......Page 404 C......Page 405 D......Page 406 L......Page 407 R......Page 408 T......Page 409 V......Page 410 A......Page 412 B......Page 413 C......Page 414 D......Page 416 F......Page 417 I......Page 418 L......Page 419 N......Page 420 P......Page 422 R......Page 423 S......Page 424 T......Page 425 V......Page 426 Y......Page 427 Foreign educated nurses in the United States healthcare system / Barbara L. Nichols, Catherine R. Davis, Donna R. Richardson Preparing to leave your home country / Catherine R. Davis, Donna Rae Richardson Entry into the United States / Donna Rae Richardson, Catherine R. Davis Entry into the United States workforce / Marcia M. Rachel Employment in the United States / Michael Evans The United States health care system / Nancy C. Sharts-Hopko Nursing practice in the United States / Winifred Y. Carson-Smith, Barbara L. Nichols Communicating in the U.S. healthcare system / Catherine R. Davis, Donna Rae Richardson Adjusting to a new community / Virginia C. Alinsao Continuing your education / Theresa M. Valiga Resources at your disposal / Lucille A. Joel. This book serves as the only guide to U.S. healthcare targeted specifically for nurses interested in immigrating to this country as well as FENs who are already here. Written in simple, accessible language, the guide will address a variety of topics related to living in the U.S., nursing practice, and the health care system in this country. Key topics discussed:.: The process for entry into the U.S. and into the U.S. workforce; Employment issues; Foreign Educated Nurses (FENs) rights and obligations; Nursing education in the U.S.; Communications and resources in the U.S. and internationally