Growing Your Nursing Career in the USA: Support, Education, and Empowerment from Health Carousel

Relocating to the United States as an international nurse is both an exciting opportunity and a complex transition. From understanding housing logistics to building community and navigating career development, every step matters. That’s why Health Carousel International (HCI) offers more than just job placement—it delivers long-term support focused on professional growth, education, and total well-being.

Trusted support throughout your journey makes a significant impact during your arrival and beyond. HCI’s programs are designed to help international nurses thrive both clinically and personally.

A Commitment to Career Advancement for International Nurses

For many internationally educated nurses, the path to career growth in the U.S. is not always clear. HCI addresses this gap with structured support and development opportunities that guide nurses to reach their full potential.

HCI helps nurses at every stage—from those just beginning their U.S. practice to those planning their next professional move—with tools and guidance that instill confidence and direction in career decision-making.

Professional Development Designed for You

During your first U.S. contract, we provide a variety of career development opportunities designed to help you grow professionally—without the need to pursue an advanced degree right away.

These programs are part of your on-assignment journey and include:

• Personalized career coaching with licensed nurses

• A structured Clinical Ladder Program to recognize and reward progress

• Access to CE credits and certification pathways that support your growth in real time

‍

These resources are designed to strengthen your skills, build confidence, and prepare you for the next phase of your U.S. nursing career.

1. Career Coaching

Nurses receive personalized, one-on-one guidance from licensed nurse coaches who help develop a Professional Development Plan (PDP) tailored to each nurse’s career goals. This plan may include:

• Creating short- and long-term career goals

• Earning CE (continuing education) credits

• Pursuing clinical certifications that support professional growth

2. The Clinical Ladder Program

This four-tiered professional advancement framework rewards nurses for their achievements in clinical excellence, leadership, and community involvement.

Ryan Kiefer, Quality Improvement Nurse Specialist I, shares, “We break goals down into short-term and long-term, then help create a professional development plan to guide the journey.”

Incentives That Support Development

Career advancement should be accessible—not financially burdensome. HCI offers meaningful incentives to support ongoing education and professional growth tied directly to Clinical Ladder Program progression, including:

• Earned memberships in national and specialty-specific nursing associations

• Certification exam fee coverage for areas such as Medical-Surgical and Critical Care Nursing

• Access to CE credits through HealthStream throughout the nurse’s time with HCI

• Milestone-based recognition and résumé-building achievements

“All of these things help demonstrate that after school, you didn’t just stop learning. You continue to grow and stay current with best practices in your specialty,” says Kiefer.

How to Get Started: Career Coaching for Every Nurse

International nurses are paired with a dedicated Career Coach around 9 months after starting their U.S. assignment. This coach will serve as a guide throughout their time with HCI. Nurses can also take initiative by requesting support through:

• Their International Employee Supervisor (IES)

• The Employee Dashboard, under the Accelerate Your Career section

Kiefer notes, “You’ll be assigned a career coach who will support your entire journey and career with Health Carousel.”

‍

Education-Focused Pathways After Your Initial Assignment: Fully Funded Nursing Degrees

Health Carousel’s partnership with Chamberlain University opens doors for international nurses to pursue U.S.-recognized nursing degrees—without the financial burden. This fully funded initiative covers tuition in real-time available only after completing an initial contract with Health Carousel, so nurses don’t need to worry about reimbursement or out-of-pocket costs.

As John Laird, Success Manager, explains, “We fully pay for it. It’s not a reimbursement program—we actually pay for it as you are in school.”

Available degrees include:

• BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)

• MSN (Master of Science in Nursing)

• NP (Nurse Practitioner)

• DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice)

Specializations such as Nurse Education, Nursing Informatics, and Gerontology are also available. The program is structured around the realities of working nurses, making it feasible to advance education while balancing professional and personal responsibilities.

“The program is wonderful—it’s structured around working nurses and provides flexibility with no added time commitment after graduation,” adds Laird.

Going Beyond Staffing: Building a Purpose-Driven Nursing Career

HCI’s commitment doesn’t end with your first U.S. assignment—it extends into helping you shape the next chapter of your nursing career. As your initial contract nears completion, we work closely with you to plan what comes next, based on your goals and interests.

If you’re an international nurse preparing to launch or elevate your nursing career in the United States, know that you don’t have to take that journey alone. With Health Carousel, you gain strategic partners devoted to your success—professionally and personally.