Nurse Joy William

BECAUSE I HAVE GOT A LOT OF REQUESTS I'M REPOSTING THIS!!!

STEP BY STEP PROCESS OF BECOMING A US 🇺🇸 REGISTERED NURSE.

If you are an internationally trained nurse living in Africa and dreaming of working in America, this is the step-by-step process of how to write the NCLEX-RN and become eligible to work as a registered nurse in the United States.

This process can feel overwhelming at first, but thousands of nurses from Africa complete it every year. The key is understanding the process clearly and preparing financially.

STEP 1: CHOOSE A BOARD OF NURSING (BON)

In the United States, every state has its own Board of Nursing. You do not apply to America as a whole. You apply to a specific state.

Some states are more friendly to international nurses than others.

Best Boards of Nursing for International Nurses:

1. New York
Why nurses choose it:
- Does not require a Social Security Number to take NCLEX
- Popular among African and international nurses
- Straightforward process
- Can write NCLEX outside the US

Requirements:
- Nursing school transcripts
- Verification of nursing license
- Infection control course
- Child abuse course
- Passport identification

Estimated costs:
- NY application fee: about $143
- Infection control course: $15–$30
- Child abuse course: $15–$30

2. Texas
Why nurses choose it:
- Large job market
- Faster processing
- Many hospitals sponsor international nurses

Requirements:
- Credential evaluation through CGFNS
- English exam may be required
- Fingerprinting/background check
- Nursing transcripts and license verification

Estimated costs:
- Application fee: around $150
- Fingerprints/background check: $40–$100

3. Illinois
Why nurses choose it:
- No Social Security Number needed for NCLEX eligibility
- Good for first-time applicants

Requirements:
- Credential evaluation
- Nursing transcripts
- License verification

Estimated costs:
- Application fee: approximately $98–$150

4. Florida
Why nurses choose it:
- Easier endorsement later
- Huge healthcare job market

Requirements:
- Credential evaluation
- Fingerprints
- Background check
- English proficiency may be required

Estimated costs:
- Application fee: around $110–$200

STEP 2: COMPLETE CREDENTIAL EVALUATION

Most states require your nursing education to be evaluated to confirm it meets US standards.

The most common organization used is CGFNS/TruMerit

What they evaluate:
- Nursing transcripts
- Nursing license verification
- Education hours
- Clinical rotations

Estimated cost:
- CES Professional Report: $350–$485

Additional possible costs:
- Transcript processing
- Courier fees
- Translation/notarization if needed

Estimated total:
$400–$700

STEP 3: SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION TO THE BOARD OF NURSING

Once credential evaluation is complete:
- Submit your BON application
- Send supporting documents
- Wait for eligibility approval

Documents commonly required:
- Passport
- Nursing diploma/degree
- Transcripts
- License verification
- Credential evaluation report

Processing time:
4 weeks to 6 months depending on the state

STEP 4: REGISTER FOR THE NCLEX EXAM

Register through Pearson VUE NCLEX after your BON approves your eligibility. (NCSBN)

Official fees:
- NCLEX registration fee: $200 USD
- International scheduling fee: $150 USD

Total:
$350 USD (NCLEX)

Important:
You can write NCLEX in international testing centers outside America including:
- South Africa
- Kenya
- India
- Philippines
- United Kingdom
- UAE

STEP 5: RECEIVE YOUR ATT (AUTHORIZATION TO TEST)

Once approved, Pearson VUE sends you an ATT email.

This allows you to:
- Schedule your exam
- Choose your testing center
- Select your exam date

The ATT is extremely important.
Do not lose it.

STEP 6: PREPARE FOR THE NCLEX

This is where many nurses fail because they underestimate the exam.

NCLEX is not about memorization.
It tests:
- Critical thinking
- Prioritization
- Safety
- Delegation
- Clinical judgment

Best NCLEX study resources:
- UWorld
- Archer Review
- Simple Nursing
- Kaplan
- Saunders Comprehensive Review

Estimated review costs:
- $50–$500 depending on the package
Study recommendation:
- Study consistently for 2–6 months
- Practice at least 85–150 questions daily
- Focus on rationales, not just scores

STEP 7: WRITE THE NCLEX

Exam duration:
Up to 5 hours

Question range:
Approximately 85–150 questions depending on performance

The exam is computer adaptive.
The difficulty changes depending on your answers.

STEP 8: RECEIVE RESULTS

Results usually come:
- Unofficially within 48 hours in some states
- Officially within days to weeks depending on the BON (NCLEX)

If you pass:
You become eligible for RN licensure in that state.

STEP 9: APPLY FOR VisaScreen

Most international nurses need a VisaScreen certificate before immigration.

Handled by:
CGFNS VisaScreen

Requirements:
- NCLEX pass
- English exam
- License verification
- Credential review

Estimated cost:
$580–$750

STEP 10: FIND AN EMPLOYER OR AGENCY

After passing NCLEX:
- Apply directly to hospitals
- Use reputable international nurse agencies
- Begin EB-3 immigrant visa sponsorship process

Popular agencies include:
- Avant Healthcare
- O’Grady Peyton International
- PassportUSA
- Conexus MedStaff
- Health Carousel

TOTAL ESTIMATED COST FOR THE ENTIRE PROCESS

Credential evaluation:
$400–$700

Board application:
$100–$300

NCLEX fees:
$350

English exam:
$200–$250

VisaScreen:
$580–$750

Study materials:
$50–$500

Courier/document costs:
$100–$300

Estimated total:
$1,800–$3,000+

This process is expensive.
It requires patience.
But for many internationally trained nurses, it completely changes their financial future and opens doors for their families.

If you are serious about relocating, start gathering your documents early:
- Passport
- Nursing license
- Transcripts
- Birth certificate
- School records

The earlier you prepare, the smoother the process becomes.

International nurses are needed in America.
Do not let fear stop you from trying.

Let me know if you want to know different state board of Nursing and their requirements.

U.S. Hospitals Continue Facing Nurse Workforce Challenges in 2026

A recent national healthcare workforce report shows that hospitals across the United States continue to face significant challenges in recruiting and retaining registered nurses (RNs).

Despite ongoing efforts to strengthen the nursing workforce, RN turnover rates remain higher than many healthcare leaders would like to see. Hospitals in both urban and rural communities continue working to fill vacant positions while addressing concerns about burnout, workload, and employee retention.

Nurse leaders say the findings highlight the urgent need for continued investment in safe staffing practices, workplace support programs, professional development opportunities, and competitive compensation. Many healthcare organizations are also expanding mental health resources and wellness initiatives to support frontline staff.

The nursing profession remains one of the most trusted and essential parts of the healthcare system. However, experts warn that staffing shortages can place additional pressure on nurses, potentially affecting patient care and workplace morale.

Healthcare advocates believe long-term solutions will require collaboration between hospitals, policymakers, nursing organizations, and educators to ensure a strong and sustainable workforce for the future.

As healthcare demands continue to grow, nurses across America remain committed to delivering high-quality patient care while advocating for the resources and support needed to succeed.

🩺🇺🇸💙

NURSE RELOCATION SERIES: FLORIDA 🇺🇸

Thinking of moving to the U.S. as a nurse? Let’s talk about Florida — sunshine, opportunity, and steady nursing demand ☀️💰

Florida is one of the most popular states for internationally educated nurses, and here’s why 👇

✨ No state income tax
✨ Warm weather all year round
✨ Huge healthcare demand (especially with older population)
✨ Strong immigrant communities

💵 SALARY REALITY

Average RN pay: $35–$45/hour

Some experienced nurses earn $80k–$95k+ yearly
(Overtime and specialty units can push this higher)

Sign-on bonuses? ✔️
Shift differentials? ✔️
Plenty of job openings? ✔️✔️✔️

🏠 COST OF LIVING

Varies by city:

More affordable:
• Orlando
• Tampa
• Jacksonville

More expensive:
• Miami
• Fort Lauderdale

Average rent (1-bedroom): $1,400 – $2,200

Still manageable depending on your location and lifestyle.

☀️ WEATHER CHECK

This is where Florida shines 🌴

• Hot and humid most of the year
• Mild winters (no snow ❄️)
• Perfect for those from Africa or the Caribbean

⚠️ Hurricane season (June–November) is something to prepare for.

🏥 JOB OPPORTUNITIES

HIGH demand in:
• Med-Surg
• ICU
• ER
• Geriatrics
• Home Health

Florida’s aging population = job security for nurses.

🌍 FOR INTERNATIONAL NURSES

Florida is:
✔️ Friendly for NCLEX licensing
✔️ Known for hiring foreign-trained nurses
✔️ Faster onboarding in many hospitals

⚠️ Some employers may prefer U.S. experience, but many still hire directly.

🚨 REAL TALK

• Salaries are slightly lower than Texas/California
• Rent can be high in major cities
• Weather = humidity + hurricanes

But…

⭐ FINAL VERDICT

Florida is perfect for nurses who want:
✔️ Warm weather all year
✔️ Steady job opportunities
✔️ No state income tax
✔️ A diverse, welcoming environment

If lifestyle matters just as much as income, Florida is a SOLID choice.

So tell me…

Would you choose sunshine 🌴 over higher pay in another state? 👀

NURSE RELOCATION SERIES: TEXAS 🇺🇸

Thinking of moving to the United States as a nurse?

Today we are looking at Texas — one of the largest, fastest-growing, and most opportunity-rich states for internationally educated nurses.

STATE OVERVIEW

Population: ~30 million
Capital: Austin

Major Cities:
• Houston
• Dallas
• Austin
• San Antonio
• Fort Worth

Overall Rating for Immigrant Nurses: 9/10

WHY NURSES CHOOSE TEXAS

Texas remains one of the top destinations for nurses due to:
• No state income tax
• High demand for nurses across all specialties
• Large hospital systems and teaching hospitals
• Fast job placement for new RNs
• Diverse immigrant communities
• Opportunities for overtime and bonuses

Many nurses increase their income significantly through shift differentials and overtime hours.

RN SALARY

Average RN Salary: $90,000 – $105,000/year
Median RN Salary: ~$92,000/year
Hourly Rate: $40 – $50/hour (higher in ICU/ER/L&D and major cities)

Some hospitals offer:
• Sign-on bonuses ($5,000 – $20,000+)
• Relocation assistance
• Night shift differentials

More than 240,000 registered nurses are employed statewide.

IMPORTANT FOR INTERNATIONAL NURSES

To work in Texas, you typically need:
• NCLEX-RN pass
• Credential evaluation (CGFNS or similar)
• English exam (IELTS/TOEFL if required)
• VisaScreen (for immigration sponsorship)
• Texas Board of Nursing (BON) license

Texas is considered one of the faster states for licensure processing when documentation is complete.

COST OF LIVING

Average One-Bedroom Apartment: $1,300 – $1,700/month
Dallas/Houston metro: $1,400 – $2,000/month

Utilities: $150 – $300/month (higher in summer due to AC)
Gasoline: Relatively low
Groceries: Moderate

Important Note:
Big cities (Dallas, Houston, Austin) are more expensive, while suburbs (Katy, Frisco, Cypress, Round Rock) are more affordable and popular with nurses.

Overall Cost of Living Score: 8/10

WEATHER

Spring: Warm and pleasant
Summer: Very hot (90–105°F / 32–40°C)
Fall: Mild and comfortable
Winter: Generally mild (40–65°F / 4–18°C)
Snow: Rare

Texas heat is intense in summer, especially for newcomers.

Weather Adjustment Score: 8/10

CRIME AND SAFETY

Safety varies widely by city and neighborhood. Suburban areas are generally much safer and preferred by families and healthcare workers.

Safer Areas Popular With Nurses:
• Frisco
• Plano
• Katy
• Sugar Land
• Round Rock
• Cypress

Safety Score: 7/10

MAJOR HEALTHCARE EMPLOYERS

• Texas Medical Center (Houston – one of the largest medical complexes in the world)
• HCA Healthcare
• Baylor Scott & White Health
• Memorial Hermann Health System
• Methodist Health System
• UT Southwestern Medical Center

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Nursing Demand: 10/10

High-demand specialties:
• ICU
• ER
• Med-Surg
• Labor & Delivery
• OR
• Behavioral Health
• Home Health
• Telemetry

HOME OWNERSHIP

Texas is one of the most affordable large states for home ownership.

Many nurses earning $85,000–$120,000/year can buy homes, especially in suburbs outside major cities.

Downside:
Property taxes are higher than some states, which balances out the “no income tax” advantage.

Family Friendliness: 9/10

IMMIGRANT FRIENDLINESS

• Large African, Caribbean, Asian, and Latino communities
• Strong church and cultural networks
• High job mobility for nurses
• Many employers open to international experience

Immigrant Friendliness Score: 9/10

FINAL REPORT CARD

Salary: 9/10
Housing Affordability: 8/10
Weather: 8/10
Safety: 7/10
Career Growth: 10/10
Family Life: 9/10

OVERALL SCORE: 51/60

VERDICT

Texas is one of the strongest U.S. states for nurses who want:
• High earning potential
• Fast job opportunities
• Career growth in major hospitals
• Affordable suburban living
• A large immigrant support network

However, nurses should be prepared for:
• Very hot summers
• Higher property taxes
• Large-city traffic and cost differences by area

Would you move to Texas for a nursing job paying $45–$55 per hour with bonuses and overtime opportunities?

Let me know in the comment section which state you would want us to talk about.👇👇👇

12 Australian Agencies Recruiting International Nurses in 2026

Australia continues to face nursing shortages, especially in aged care, mental health, rural health, emergency nursing, theatre, ICU, and midwifery. Many employers use recruitment agencies to source nurses from overseas and assist with job placement, sponsorship, relocation, and registration support.

1. CCM Recruitment

One of Australia’s most established international healthcare recruiters with over 25 years of experience placing nurses in Australia and overseas.

2. Medacs Healthcare Australia

Global healthcare recruitment company recruiting nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals for Australian employers.

3. IHR Group

Specializes in nursing and midwifery recruitment across Australia and New Zealand.

4. AJN Healthcare Services International Nursing

Offers international nurse sponsorship services, AHPRA guidance, relocation support, and employer matching.

5. Medfuture Healthcare Recruitment

Provides international recruitment pathways and healthcare placements throughout Australia.

6. CC Medical

Recruits nurses for public and private healthcare facilities across Australia.

7. ETA Healthcare

Recruits nurses, midwives, and healthcare professionals for permanent and temporary positions nationwide.

8. TFG Employment

Focuses on international nurse recruitment, migration support, and healthcare staffing solutions.

9. Top Healthcare Talents

Australian healthcare staffing agency recruiting registered nurses and allied health professionals.

10. MediRec Australia

Connects healthcare professionals with hospitals, clinics, and aged care facilities throughout Australia.

11. MOR Healthcare Recruitment

Sources healthcare professionals both locally and internationally for Australian employers.

12. Austra Health Recruitment

Recruits nurses across acute care, critical care, midwifery, and research settings.

Before You Apply

Most employers and agencies will typically require:

• Nursing qualification recognized by Australia
• English language proficiency (IELTS, OET, PTE, or equivalent)
• Registration eligibility with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency)
• Clinical experience (often 1–2 years minimum)
• Visa eligibility or employer sponsorship pathway

Australia has recently streamlined registration pathways for some internationally qualified nurses to help address workforce shortages.

SAVE THIS POST.

If you’re a nurse dreaming of Australia, start contacting agencies now. Many international nurses secure jobs months beforehand!

So I made this post yesterday on X and this was someone's reply to my post.

I have been hearing a lot of people say this travelling abroad is not an achievement blablabla!!

Let me highlight just the few basics!

I know other people will add more

Traveling abroad is a very big achievement for me bro!

I can afford to eat ANYTHING I want comfortably not from hand to mouth.

I can afford to send money to my family members comfortably, are you aware that what is really sustaining Nigeria is money sent from abroad if not that country for collapse by now.

I can afford to invest money comfortably.

I can afford to give my kid the life I never had.

I can afford to drive a 2027 car in 2026 not driving 1915s in 2026😂

Above all I can afford to sleep on my bed eye closed not thinking if arm robber will come and rub me at gun point like the did twice in 6 months in Nigeria and the list continues bro!

NURSE RELOCATION SERIES: NORTH CAROLINA

Thinking of moving to the United States as a nurse?

Today we are looking at North Carolina, one of the fastest-growing states in America and a favorite destination for many internationally educated nurses.

STATE OVERVIEW

Population: Approximately 11 million

Capital: Raleigh

Major Cities:
• Charlotte
• Raleigh
• Durham
• Greensboro
• Winston-Salem

Overall Rating for Immigrant Nurses: 9/10

WHY NURSES CHOOSE NORTH CAROLINA

North Carolina offers a combination of affordable living, strong healthcare systems, mild weather, and excellent career opportunities. Many immigrant nurses choose North Carolina because it provides a better balance between salary and cost of living than many high-paying states.

RN SALARY

According to recent BLS-based salary data:

Average RN Salary: Approximately $90,470 per year

Median RN Salary: Approximately $84,350 per year

Average Hourly Rate: About $40.55 per hour

More than 111,000 registered nurses are employed across the state.

COST OF LIVING

Average One-Bedroom Apartment:
$1,368 per month

Average Apartment (All Sizes):
$1,551 per month

Utilities:
$150–$250 per month

Gasoline:
Usually lower than many Northeastern states

Groceries:
Moderate

Overall Cost of Living Score:
8/10

WEATHER

For Nurses Coming From Africa or the Caribbean

Spring:
Beautiful and mild

Summer:
Warm and humid
80–95°F (27–35°C)

Fall:
Comfortable and colorful

Winter:
Generally mild
35–60°F (2–15°C)

Snow:
Rare in most cities
More common in mountain areas

Weather Adjustment Score:
9/10

CRIME AND SAFETY

North Carolina’s violent crime rate is slightly above the national average, while property crime is also somewhat higher than the U.S. average.

Safer Areas Frequently Chosen By Nurses:
• Wake Forest
• Cary
• Apex
• Holly Springs
• Morrisville

Like any state, safety varies greatly by neighborhood and city.

Safety Score:
7/10

MAJOR HEALTHCARE EMPLOYERS

• WakeMed
• Duke Health
• UNC Health
• Novant Health
• Atrium Health

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Nursing Demand:
10/10

Specialties in High Demand:
• Med-Surg
• ICU
• Emergency Department
• OR
• Behavioral Health
• Home Health
• Case Management

HOME OWNERSHIP

Median Home Prices vary by region.

Many nurses earning between $80,000 and $120,000 annually are able to purchase homes, especially outside the largest metro areas.

Family Friendliness:
9/10

IMMIGRANT FRIENDLINESS

Large international communities

Growing African and Caribbean populations

Strong healthcare job market

Good public schools in many suburban communities

Immigrant Friendliness Score:
9/10

FINAL REPORT CARD

Salary: 8/10

Housing Affordability: 8/10

Weather: 9/10

Safety: 7/10

Career Growth: 10/10

Family Life: 9/10

OVERALL SCORE

51/60

VERDICT

If I were starting my U.S. nursing journey today, North Carolina would be one of my top recommendations because it offers strong job opportunities, manageable living costs, mild weather, and excellent quality of life.

Would you move to North Carolina for a nursing job paying $45 per hour?

This is 💯💯💯💯💯 accurate 📍📍📍📍

Back in Nigeria, there was no opportunity I didn’t put my head into. Even though my number one goal was the US, I didn’t sit and wait,I moved.

I applied everywhere I heard there was an opening: Qatar, Saudi, Nova Scotia (Canada)… all while my US process was still ongoing.

Fast forward to today,I just woke up to an email from Nova Scotia… after over a year of already being in the US 🇺🇸. That means it took more than 2 years just to get a response.

So what’s the point of this post?

First, for anyone trying to japa,understand this: it’s a process. It can take years. If you start today, it might take 3 years or more to land where you truly want. For some, it’ll be faster. But one thing is certain,it will not happen if you don’t start.

If you keep focusing on how long it takes, 3 years will pass anyway… and you still won’t be any closer because you never even entered the queue.

Secondly, don’t be too fixated on one country. Yes, have your dream destination,but apply to other opportunities too. Keep multiple doors open. Whichever one opens first, enter.

The most important step is Start now!!

Because the right time is not tomorrow… it’s today.

LET’S TALK ABOUT “HUNGER HORMONES” – GHRELIN!

Ever wondered why your stomach starts “talking” right before mealtime?

Meet ghrelin 🤝your body’s hunger hormone! 🍽️

What is Ghrelin?

Ghrelin is a hormone produced mainly in the stomach.

Its main job?

To signal your brain that it’s time to eat.

When does it increase?

- Before meals (hello, hunger pangs 👀)
- When you skip meals
- During dieting or calorie restriction

😴 Did you know?
Lack of sleep can increase ghrelin levels 🤷 making you feel hungrier than usual! That’s why late nights often lead to extra snacking.(Night. nurses this is why you all don't loose weight 😆😆)

Why does it matter?
Ghrelin plays a key role in:

- Appetite control
- Body weight regulation
- Energy balance

💡 How to manage it naturally:
✔️ Eat regular, balanced meals
✔️ Get enough sleep (7–9 hours)
✔️ Include protein and fiber in your diet
✔️ Stay hydrated

👀 Bottom line:

Your hunger isn’t just “in your head” it’s hormonal!

Understanding ghrelin can help you make smarter choices about when and how you eat.

UPDATED NEW ZEALAND PROCESS.

The New Zealand - Australia pathway continues to undergo various changes, the requirement to start credential evaluation now starts with self assessment to know your personalised requirements for the journey.

Use this link:
nursingcouncil.org.nz/IQN/ #

*Knowing your pathway ahead helps you to accept the conclusion of your application before hand and you can plan well for Whats coming.*

Step 1. Create account with cgfns,

cgfns.my.site.com/applicantPorta…

Fill your Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, India, etc Nursing registration details and your UK registration details.
Minimum of 2years Experience

Registration and 1 year experience working as a nurse in UK, USA, Ireland, Singapore, Canada etc.

Pay the application fees

NOTE: you must meet the IELTS requirements.

Step 2.
1. Send your transcript from your university or school of nursing.

2. Do verification from Nigeria nursing council and UK nursing Council if registered.

3. You will need to self-upload your school transcripts and Photo ID: Passport and BRP/Marriage Certificate

4. This period may take around 2-5 months, do well to ring them to facilitate your evaluation.

While doing this after one month begin your fit2work ICHC application for criminal background check for where you have lived for the past 5yrs

fit2work.com.au/PreEmployment/…

After approval it goes directly to New Zealand nursing board who will contact you to create account and register with them.

Then you pay the application fees of about NZ$480 (confirm current fee)

They check criminal record in Nigeria and UK cost about $130 (confirm current fee)

Within one month after paying, please complete an online cultural competence modules for IQN as directed by new Zealand nursing council, use this link.
learnonline.health.nz

Download certificates for the two modules you are instructed to do, and upload where instructed on your personal page on nmcnz website.

Note that your application for registration should be completed from six months upward.

New Zealand NMC would determine if you are suited for OSCE and CBT or not based on the self assessment you did before starting your cgfnsnz evaluation.

After meeting the requirements, you will pay for your Annual Practicing license (APC), and then you have your license.

Your license can be can be used to secure direct registration with APHRA. This is the only reason why we are applying via new Zealand to Australia. Its a Trans-tasmania agreement pathway.
Your journey starts with self check

nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/Accreditation/…

After meeting their requirements, I learnt this timeline might now take 2- 14days.

After getting your APC/AHPRA Registration, start applying for jobs and commence your modified skill assessment with ANMAC.

Study and inquire about how healthcare job system works in Australia, both public, NGO and private have their modus operandi and visa sponsorship package. Check skilled visas, and Permanent Residency visa.
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-…

You are advised to visit individual state government health websites,create an account and apply for jobs.

Use this for private/NGO employment search: seek.com

Skill assessment: anmac.org.au/skilled-migrat…

You need to also study the ANZSCO Code list to see which Area you want to be assessed, and sometimes your assessor can review your skills and assigned you to a skill code.

Documents required:*l
Photo ID: BRP, Passport, Marriage certificate, Driving license (upload same Notarised copy you used for your CGFNSNZ)

Academic Certificates: Degree, Certificates, APC/APHRA, Academic Transcripts

Work reference: To be sent directly from manager to [email protected] and/or [email protected] to be copied to you, so that you can upload.

Request your nursing councils to send your nursing registration to them as well.