What Nurses Need to Know: November 2025 Broadcast Highlights & Visa Bulletin

At Health Carousel International, our goal is to help you thrive on your journey to the United States. The November Pathway to Success Broadcast featured our October Employees of the Month, cross-department experts who shared valuable insights on the four major regions in the U.S., U.S. healthcare facility types, what it’s like to live in Maine, and the December 2026 visa bulletin update for international nurses preparing for their U.S. journey. Watch the full video to hear this month’s full discussion.

‍Employee of the Month Recognition: John Bryan and Sofia

Presley Owusu-Bonsu from the International Employee Supervisor (IES) team kicked off the broadcast by honoring our October Employees of the Month: John Bryan P., RN in South Carolina and Sofia Shain E., RN in Oregon.

John Bryan, also known as JB, has been serving in a high-pressure Trauma ICU after previously working five years in the Philippines. Calm under pressure and skilled in managing complex cases, JB is known for his compassion, clinical precision, and quiet leadership. His dedication has left a lasting impact on both colleagues and patients.

“To be awarded Employee of the Month is a great way to express my gratitude and inspire other Filipino nurses to go beyond their comfort zone.”

Sofia, a nurse in Oregon, is already making a strong impression in just her first year. With experience across ICU, surgical wards, and PICU, Sofia is known for her empathy, teamwork, and ability to lift the entire unit with her calm, can-do presence.

“A healthy work environment builds your confidence. You grow the most when you build good relationships with patients and coworkers.”

Both honorees reminded us that success as an international nurse isn’t just about skill—it’s about mindset, heart, and showing up with purpose each day.

Celebrate these outstanding nurses and explore more inspiring stories in the blogs below:

• Read John Bryan and Sofia’s Winner Spotlight Blog to learn how they’re making a difference in U.S. healthcare.

• View the October Nominees Blog to explore the stories of all the incredible nurses recognized this month.

Life in the USA: Choosing the Right U.S. Region for Your Lifestyle

Where you live in the U.S. will greatly shape your experience. Chad Hiett from the IES team explained the four major U.S. regions—Northeast, South, Midwest, and West—to help nurses build a better understanding of the US and how different each part of the country can feel.

Key takeaways:

• Northeast: Home to world-class hospitals and vibrant immigrant communities. Expect compact housing, excellent public transit, and all four seasons. Best for nurses who enjoy fast-paced environments and cultural diversity.

• South: Warm hospitality, family-friendly suburbs, and growing healthcare systems. More affordable cost of living and car-based transportation. Popular for international nurses starting their journey.

• Midwest: Known as "America's Heartland" for its welcoming communities, affordable housing, and balanced lifestyle. Great for raising a family and building long-term stability.

• West: Diverse, innovative, and scenic that is perfect for outdoor lovers. While housing can be more expensive in cities like Los Angeles or Seattle, many nurses enjoy nearby suburbs and natural beauty.

For a closer look at individual US cities and states, explore our Location Guides.

English Tip of the Month: How to Sound More Confident in Conversations

Strong communication is essential in every U.S. healthcare role—especially when working alongside doctors, patients, and interdisciplinary teams. This month, Lauren Williams, our Language Proficiency Program Manager, shared simple but powerful ways to sound more confident when speaking English.

How to Speak with Confidence in English:

• Pause instead of filling space. Replace “um” or “like” with a short pause to sound more thoughtful and in control.

• Start strong. Use clear, direct phrases like “I can…” or “I will…” instead of uncertain openers like “maybe” or “I think.”

• Finish your thoughts. Ending your sentences completely helps your message land clearly and shows you're confident in what you're saying.

Confidence doesn’t come from perfection—it comes from preparation and practice.

Nursing in the USA: Facility Types Explained

Not all U.S. nursing roles are alike—and where you're placed can significantly shape your day-to-day responsibilities and career development. This month, we broke down the most common facility types where international nurses may work, so you can feel more confident as you prepare for deployment.

Here’s a quick overview of the settings you might encounter:

• Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) & Long-Term Care (LTC): Ideal for nurses providing ongoing care to patients recovering from surgery or managing chronic conditions. Expect to focus on wound care, daily living support, and medication management.

• Critical Access Hospitals: Located in rural areas, these smaller hospitals require nurses to wear many hats—often caring for patients across ER, outpatient, and med-surg units.

• Correctional & Mental Health Facilities: These placements require compassion, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. You’ll support patients with complex behavioral or mental health needs.

• Children’s Hospitals: Pediatric roles often include working with families, using specialized tools and techniques to care for young patients.

• General Hospitals: The most common placements, where nurses deliver bedside care, coordinate with care teams, and educate patients and families.

• Long-Term Acute Care (LTAC) & Rehab Centers: These facilities care for patients needing extended recovery, such as post-surgical or ventilator-dependent cases.

Understanding the type of facility you're entering is key to your success—and our Clinical Nursing Team is here to prepare you through coaching, mock interviews, and personalized support.

Learn more about common U.S. nursing specialties and how each setting supports different patient needs and career growth opportunities.

Featured Location: Why Maine Might Be the Right Fit for You

If you're looking for a peaceful, affordable place to begin your U.S. nursing journey, Maine deserves a closer look. Known for its small-town charm and natural beauty, Maine offers a slower pace of life that many international nurses find comforting—especially those relocating with families.

Here’s what makes Maine stand out:

• Affordable living: With a cost of living index of 97 and average rent around $1,200 for a one-bedroom apartment, your paycheck goes further.

• Four-season scenery: From snowy winters and colorful autumns to mild summers and fresh spring days, Maine offers stunning backdrops all year long.

• Lifestyle balance: Enjoy access to outdoor activities, coastal living, and safe, supportive communities without the congestion of big-city life.

Client partner Amy Guptill, who lives and works in Maine, described it as one of the safest states in the U.S., with strong schools, community support, and a welcoming environment for healthcare professionals.

Read more about Maine and discover how this can be a great location you can consider.

Visa Bulletin Update: December 2025

Elizabeth from the Immigration team shared some much-needed good news: All EB-3 visa categories moved forward for December!

Key takeaways:

• Philippines: forward movement of two weeks

• India: forward movement of one month

• China: forward movement of one month

• Mexico: forward movement of two weeks

• Rest of World: forward movement of two weeks

Read the full December Visa Bulletin update to understand this month’s forward movement and what it means for your timeline.

Apply today and join thousands of nurses building their futures in the U.S.