Your U.S. Nursing Career Starts Here: May 2025 Broadcast Recap on Nursing, Life, and Immigration

At Health Carousel International, we believe that the journey of every international healthcare professional does not stop upon arrival in the United States—it only begins. In our May 2025 live broadcast, a panel of experts across departments shared in-depth insights on immigration, licensure, career advancement, relocation guidance, and the unique opportunities available through our program. This blog summarizes key discussions to help both prospective and current nurses understand the full circle of support designed to help them thrive.

Understanding the Journey to the United States with Employee of the Month Winners

Courtney Wilson, Associate Manager of International Recruitment, opened the event by acknowledging the emotional and logistical challenges that nurses face: “We know this is a question that we get a lot from our nurses... they want to grow their career once they're in the United States.”

Throughout the segment, employee of the month winners shared encouragement from their personal journeys, highlighting the importance of staying hopeful during long visa processing periods and emphasizing the power of community and purpose.

Relocation Spotlight: Massachusetts

Massachusetts took the spotlight as a featured state for relocation. Annette Sander, Manager of Account Management, emphasized its blend of urban amenities and nature: “You have access to pretty much anything you want to do. If you love the mountains, hiking, or the water—Massachusetts has it all.”

Elizabeth McCullough, Associate Director of Immigration and Licensing, added, “I lived in Boston, Massachusetts for about ten years. I loved every minute of it… It’s an incredible area of the country,” recommending fall and summer as the best times to enjoy its scenic charm and cultural vibrance.

Accelerating Careers Through Education

Career advancement is a core pillar of Health Carousel’s full circle of support. Ryan Kiefer, Quality Improvement Nurse Specialist I, and John Laird, Associate Success Manager, introduced academic pathways made possible through the organization’s partnership with Chamberlain University.

Health Carousel’s education program offers BSN, MSN, NP, and DNP degrees in a flexible, nurse-centered format. As Laird noted, “One of the big advantages is that it’s a fully funded, paid-for program for our international nurses.” He emphasized that it's not a reimbursement model—tuition is paid as the nurse progresses, without added contractual obligations post-graduation.

Alternatives to Formal Education: Clinical Ladder and Career Coaching

Not every nurse aims for a degree immediately—and Health Carousel recognizes that. “We do understand that not everybody has advanced education on their horizon,” said Kiefer. For those seeking growth outside the classroom, the company’s Clinical Ladder program offers a four-tiered path to professional development.

Kiefer outlined its purpose: “It’s a professional growth tool... designed to improve and grow as a professional,” featuring incentives such as fully paid memberships in professional and specialty-specific nursing associations, certification support, and access to continuing education via HealthStream.

Additionally, career coaches are available to help nurses set short- and long-term goals. “We break that down into short-term and long-term goals... putting together a professional development plan to map out how you might walk toward your clinical goals,” Kiefer explained.

Preparing for Life and Work in the United States

The team emphasized the importance of early preparation—not just for work, but for life. “Make sure while you’re practicing your English that you’re also looking up how to pronounce the names of medications… familiarizing yourself with the equipment you might be using,” advised Wilson.

McCullough added a vital tip: “Even if you have passed your English, you want to keep practicing… you’ll pick up the nuances once you arrive.”

From local dialects to cultural expectations, preparation goes beyond clinical skills. Nurses were also encouraged to research U.S. locations that best align with their lifestyle, schools, and community preferences.

Immigration Process and Visa Bulletin Updates

McCullough delivered a clear breakdown of the June Visa Bulletin changes, explaining, “For June, they are moving forward one month and a week to February 8, 2023… If you have a priority date before that, you have now become current.”

She clarified the significance of the priority date: “That date determines how long the rest of your journey is going to take.” For those still waiting, her advice was practical: “Collect your documents… make sure you have a valid passport… practice your English… gain bedside experience.”

Understanding the visa bulletin and tracking monthly updates is critical for anticipating next steps and being ready when the case moves forward.

A Future Full of Possibility

Whether you are just beginning your journey or are already a part of Health Carousel International’s program, this broadcast reinforced that you are not alone. “Whether it's earning a new degree or climbing the clinical ladder... your journey doesn’t have to stop once you arrive in the United States,” said Kiefer.

Health Carousel’s Full Circle of Support—from immigration assistance and fully paid education to career coaching and professional development—is built to help international nurses not just start, but succeed.

To explore your next steps, current nurses can contact their IES or career coach. Those interested in joining the program are encouraged to reach out to a recruiter to discover how they can begin their U.S. career.

Stay informed. Stay supported. Your future in nursing begins with the right support behind you.