The Need For Foreign LVN and RN Nurses Today
Date: July 15, 2022
The demand for foreign Licensed Vocational and Registered Nurses has increased over the last 10–15 years. Accordingly, “there has never been a more urgent need for the care that foreign-born physicians and foreign-trained nurses provide than during the current COVID-19 pandemic,” said the American Hospital Association and the American Organization for Nursing Leadership in a [recent] statement.”1
Analysts have attributed shortages primarily to some of the following items:
- Rising demands to provide care for an aging population;
- An older nursing workforce approaching retirement;
- Limited trained nurse educators and faculty;
- A high turnover rate within the industry.2
Upward Globalization
The demand has seen responses from the upward globalization of primary healthcare workers within developing areas. Countries like the Philippines and India have cashed in on this opportunity and sent many foreign nursing applications each year. “Consider this: One-sixth of our healthcare workforce is foreign-born,” said Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin in a recent statement provided to ABC News. “Immigrant nurses and doctors play a vital role in our healthcare system, and their contributions are now more crucial than ever.”1
Quite recently, hospitals began hiring foreign nurses for multiple reasons. Whether one is from India, the Philippines, or the United States doesn’t matter. Qualified applicants from other countries may fill professional roles regardless of their native residence. Trained Licensed Vocational and Registered Nurses need only relevant skills, competency within their training scopes, the willingness to relocate, and a passion for nursing. Without examining all hiring rationale, let’s provide some common questions asked by foreign Licensed Vocational and Registered Nurse applicants.
Some Questions Answered
Q: What is the difference between a Licensed Vocational Nurse and a Registered Nurse?
A: LVN stands for Licensed Vocational Nurse, while RN stands for Registered Nurse. A Licensed Vocational Nurse does not have the education or training and is not licensed to do everything a Registered Nurse can do. In most cases, Registered Nurses supervise Licensed Vocational Nurses.
Q: Universities have waiting lists to admit students. Does one have the option of entering a waiting list when applying as a foreign Vocational or Registered Nurse?
A: Generally, one’s nursing application must be submitted by March 1 for Fall admission of the year they wish to enter and September 30 for Spring admission. Applications are checked and evaluated against multi-criteria. One may be accepted, denied, or asked to submit more information upon evaluation.
Q: Does a Registered Nurse earn more than a Vocational Nurse?
A: Given the differences in the amount of education Registered Nurses need and the scope of their responsibilities, RNs typically make more money than Licensed Vocational Nurses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Licensed Vocational Nurses in California made a median annual wage of $64,090 as of May 2020.3 By contrast, Registered Nurses in California earned a yearly median salary of $120,560 as of May 2020.4 However, it’s crucial to remember salaries vary considerably due to experience, schooling, workplaces, geographic locations, and other factors.
Q: Why are hospitals hiring foreign Licensed Vocational and Registered Nurses?
A: This question can be answered in two parts:
- Hospitals wish to save on labor costs. One way to do this is by hiring foreign nurses, who may be hired at lower wages.
- Hospital leaders also communicate a shortage of skilled Licensed Vocational and Registered Nurses. This lack of supply and demand has forced hospitals to look outside the United States for nursing staff.
Q: Do nurses face status or role discrimination as Vocational and Registered Nurses within hospitals?
A: Beyond academic acumen, the skills needed for nursing include empathy, advocacy, critical thinking, and decision-making.5 In early 2022, a Gallup poll ranked nursing as the most trusted profession for the 20th year.6 Generally, Licensed Vocational and Registered Nurses are respected positions within hospitals and are typically seen with esteem by patients and other staff members.
Q: What do I have to do to apply for a foreign Licensed Vocational Nurse position?
A: Most colleges or medical institutions will ask applicants to submit credits. Credits are testimonials of previous work experience in medical institutions. Typically, one must also submit their ACT or SAT examination scores. Ultimately, one’s application package should include the completed application form, credits, and SAT scorecard. Notably, a foreign vocational or registered nurse applicant must take a US license exam that certifies them to work within a healthcare organization.
If you think nursing may be a profession for you, find out how you can enroll today.
