The landscape of nurse education and recruitment is undergoing significant change in Maryland a shift that holds crucial implications for U.S. healthcare organizations looking to hire international nurses. In early June 2024, a leading Maryland health system University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) announced an update to its nursing degree requirements, a move designed to help address nursing shortages and open doors for international nurse candidates.
Expanding Pathways: Accepting Associate Degree Nurses
Previously, many major hospitals, including those affiliated with UMMS, required new hires to possess either a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or be enrolled in a BSN program upon hire. The new policy will soon allow candidates with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) to apply for hospital nursing positions and to pursue further education once on staff.
For international nurses and the U.S. healthcare organizations hoping to recruit abroad, this is a transformative development. Many foreign-trained nurses begin their careers with an ADN-equivalent qualification but face roadblocks when seeking employment due to BSN requirements. The new hiring policy at Maryland hospitals breaks down significant barriers and increases opportunities for globally educated nurses to contribute to American healthcare.
Meeting Demands in the Face of a Nursing Shortage
The United States is experiencing a persistent nurse shortage a challenge that has been intensified since the pandemic. Healthcare staffing agencies and international nurse recruiters have witnessed sustained demand for highly skilled nursing professionals, particularly for roles in hospitals and acute care centers.
Opening nursing roles to ADN-prepared applicants dramatically increases the candidate pool. For international nurses who meet state credential evaluation and licensing requirements, this means more streamlined access to coveted hospital jobs.
What International Nurse Employers Should Know
Healthcare organizations and immigration attorneys coordinating the hiring of international nurses should be aware of the following:
1. Credential Evaluation:
International nurses with ADN-equivalency should have their credentials evaluated by a recognized credentials evaluation service to ensure compliance with Maryland Board of Nursing requirements.
2. Visa Sponsorship:
With more employers accepting ADN credentials, the pathway to immigrant and nonimmigrant nurse visas (including the popular EB-3 and H-1B for specialty roles) broadens. Employers considering green card sponsorship for international nurses should coordinate early with immigration counsel to ensure all education and licensing steps are fulfilled.
3. BSN Completion Pathways:
UMMS and similar Maryland health systems are requiring ADN-hire nurses to obtain a BSN within five years of employment. For foreign nurses, selecting a supportive workplace that offers tuition assistance or flexible BSN-completion programs is a significant advantage.
4. NCLEX and Licensing:
Regardless of degree, all international nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN exam and meet Maryland licensing standards before beginning clinical practice.
VisaMadeEZ: Your Partner in International Nurse Recruitment
At VisaMadeEZ, we help healthcare organizations streamline international nurse recruitment and immigration processes. We provide legal guidance on credential evaluation, visa sponsorship (including EB-3 visas for nurses), and compliance with latest state and federal regulations.
The changes in Maryland’s hiring standards reflect a nationwide trend to broaden access for international nurses and respond to critical staffing needs. For hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and healthcare staffing agencies, now is the time to revisit recruitment strategies and leverage the expanded pool of qualified international nursing talent.
If your healthcare organization is interested in sponsoring international nurses or has questions about nurse immigration law, contact VisaMadeEZ today. Our team of experienced immigration attorneys can help you hire the international nursing talent your patients deserve.
Please note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For tailored legal guidance, please contact VisaMadeEZ directly.
