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H.R. 1001, The Nursing Relief Act of 2009 (309 comments ↓ | 3 wiki edits)
H.R. 1001 would create a new nonimmigrant visa category for registered nurses.
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Visitor Comments
Let them due with Swine Flu
May 6, 2009, 12:40pm (report abuse)I guess now Americans need foreign nurses now to take care of your sick ppl..
Kim
(logged in user) May 8, 2009, 10:06am (report abuse)This bill is outrageous! Despite the media's constant ringing of alarms, at the present time there is NO nursing shortage. This drastic measure is both unwarranted and harmful to American workers. New grad nurses all over the country are having extreme difficulties finding employment due to hospital hiring freezes and layoffs due to the economy. As a new grad, I face the real possibility that I will not be able to find a job. What was hundreds of jobs when I started my nursing program has turned into no new grad positions. Since the media's report of nursing shortages, people have flocked to nursing.
First they ship my job as a medical transcriber overseas, now they want to import foreign workers to take my job here at home?
I will fight tooth and nail to have this bill taken off the table. The only people who will benefit are the profit-driven healthcare corporations who wish to lower wages.
Indeed...this bill is outrageous!!
batangueno
May 11, 2009, 9:12am (report abuse)Im a foreign nurse and I usually handle about 30 - 50 patients a day. Imagine what we foreign nurses can do to help your nursing shortage problem
Re: Kim
May 11, 2009, 12:35pm (report abuse)I don't believe that you can't find a job. I am 100% that you're looking on the wrong places. I am a nurse and constantly receive calls form agencies asking if I want to work. I have many coworkers that are overwhelmed by the amount of work they have. I thin that your position is despicable, and you should be ashamed of yourself. Denying health care to millions of Americans in the near future is like a slap on their faces, after so many years of arduous work. I can assure that foreign nurses won't take your job. Many of this foreign nurses educated themselves in America and yet they can't work. Where is the competitiveness of the country? They educate nurses and they ship them abroad? It is an insane concept! Allow US-educated-foreign nurses work in the States!!!! Yes to this bill!!!
US Nurse
May 12, 2009, 4:11am (report abuse)Foreign nurses with BSNs do not get the same training that even an ASN nurse gets. Foreign nurses fail the NCLEX at twice the rate of US trained nurses and these are the lucky ones who qualify to take the exam. Often foreign nurses have instructors with no clinical experience. They are not trained in basic skills such as IV therapy. Most have not held a position as a RN.
Canada who does a competency based evaluation has determined many of the Foreign nurses are at the level of a Practical Nurse. Other countries require Foreign nurses to complete a bridging program.
Hospitals that use Foreign nurses have lower patient satisfaction rates.
Many national newspapers in Boston, Las Vegas, and Los Angles have cited that the nursing shortage is over.
So why do we need this bill? Nursing shortage is over. American nurses who can't find positions can now fill vacancies.
RN
May 12, 2009, 12:19pm (report abuse)They should ONLY allow foreigners who educated themselves in America, but cannot work because of proper documentation. There are thousands of International Students who invested on their education in America, and they're denied the possibility of working in a career that is highly needed. US Nurse, please be careful with what you say because you're not accurate about your facts. There's a shortage, and it will get worse before it gets any better. I would say create a new bill and only allow US-educated foreign nurses to work in the US.
Foreign Nurse
May 12, 2009, 1:37pm (report abuse)Dear US Nurse,
Most of the nurses who have excellent IV Skills are foreign nurses!!!! Get your facts straight Most of the national papers in Boston, Vegas, Los Angeles still report nursing shortages!!!! Hospitals that uses foreign nurses actually rate higher than those that don't!!!! PASS THE BILL! If you want a skills competition just name the place anytime anywhere!
Illinois RN
May 13, 2009, 5:12am (report abuse)This bill is a travesty to all of the experienced licensed RNs out of full time work right now in the United States. Chicago is on a hiring freeze. Hospitals are giving on-calls to regular full time nurses forcing us to use our saved vacation time in order to have a full paycheck. Over-time is obsolete. My hospital is one of 12 hospitals in its group, 11 of them which have laid-off nurses. The unemployment rate is at its highest since the great depression. The nursing profession is not economic proof. Hospitals are cutting staff. Adjust and move on. We’ve all had to. Americans need to work first. That is not selfish or racist and if you were American I would advocate your right to work as well. My hospital cancelled the Filipino nurses scheduled to come work this year because it doesn’t have the money to pay you. Someone has lied to you about the real truth of the matter and your arguments appear ignorant and desperate. Try listening to someone who actually works and lives here.
Re: Illinois RN
May 13, 2009, 11:55am (report abuse)I actually live and work here and I can tell you that we really need of nurses to help us with the work load. I am quite sure that you work for a hospital where patients squeeze Medicare and leave the staff with no money to pay them. Thankfully there will soon be reform in the health care system. It is not the nurses' fault that there are some lazy people in this country who live from medicaid, medicare, and welfare. If nurses come to this country they will pay big bucks in taxes, and contribute to the country's health care system. Don't you want that? Yes to this bill!
Bonnie
May 17, 2009, 2:52am (report abuse)My daughter is graduating next week from Nursing college and she can't find a job. She'll have to leave her family and travel to another state to work as an RN. There's not a shortage of RN's. There's a shortage of jobs. If our government in-sources RNs', you know they'll get first pick at any job that opens up. This is not fair to Americans. Who's our government working for? Us or them?
Charlotte NC
May 19, 2009, 11:05pm (report abuse)I am against this bill completely. There are many people that would love to be a nurse.I'm one of several other individuals who would love to be nurses.Government is blaming shortage on not enough teachers or enough interest in the job,that is so NOT TRUE.To simply complete the pre-req courses takes forever,then there are waiting listing that make you compete for a spot.The worst is the fact that you have to go FULL TIME in order to perform your clinicals. Most of the people I know, cannot afford to go to nursing school full time during the day.
I am a single parent and currently work FULL TIME during the day and the only schools that offer nursing programs in the evenings or part time are not accredited schools.In order for me to go to nursing school,I would have to quit my day job and work 3rd shift in order to participate.For many families, that is impossilbe.If nursing school was made more accomodating for single parents you would have a much better success rate and more nurses!
Poor Nurse
May 21, 2009, 5:44pm (report abuse)I have been working as a RN for 2 years, and I am still making $19/hour. I am leaving this so-called profession because of the poor conditions and low wages. Kill the bill!
RN
May 22, 2009, 2:08pm (report abuse)To Poor Nurse,
Dont you think it's better to look for another employer than to quit the profession?
US NURSE
May 23, 2009, 6:04pm (report abuse)Dear US Nurse,
Most of the nurses who have excellent IV Skills are foreign nurses!!!! Get your facts straight Most of the national papers in Boston, Vegas, Los Angeles still report nursing shortages!!!! Hospitals that uses foreign nurses actually rate higher than those that don't!!!! PASS THE BILL! If you want a skills competition just name the place anytime anywhere!
Philippine nurses who are the majority of nurses are not allowed to do IV therapy. They practice 1960 nursing.
https://www.ncsbn.org/1236.htm
Here are the results, look at international results you are 100% misinformed and your response shows how bad your nursing practice will be.
Nursing educators have to take a pay cut to teach, why allow foreign nurses who have had educator that would not qualify as nurses in the USA to teach nurses who wish to practice in the USA.
I ask all registered voters to contact their reps, kill the bill
Americans need employment.
RN
May 24, 2009, 3:08am (report abuse)US Nurse,
What's with the philippine nurses remark? You're just another racist, your true colors show that you're prejudice and it's not about wages or employment anymore.PASS the BILL just to spite you....
nurse
May 29, 2009, 3:39pm (report abuse)There are many nurses now who cannot find work and are collecting unemployment. There are a ton of imported nurses already. The fiipinos group together and try to drive the other races out. They ban together and cover up for each other and cheat on tests. Ultimately, they do not stand up for the patient or make any waves, they are under a lot of pressure to succeed and send all the money they can back to their country.
Anna F
May 30, 2009, 8:33pm (report abuse)Filipinos are prone to being underhanded and will cheat at any chance. If you don't believe this just look at the crime rates in their country. Never let a filipino nurse touch you!
US Educated RN
May 31, 2009, 3:17am (report abuse)I have BSN from US university and worked in ICU for a year under OPT, now cant work anymore coz of visa. Please, pass this bill.
US Nurse
June 1, 2009, 7:06am (report abuse)http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/31/opinion/l31tanzania.html?_r=1&emc=tnt&tnt... />
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/31/opinion/l31tanzania.html?_r=1&emc=tnt...
American patient
June 3, 2009, 1:05am (report abuse)"Dont you think it's better to look for another employer than to quit the profession?"
That's precisely why there is a shortage.
Not only are some nurses unwilling to look for another employer but also unwilling to re-locate to another place. And their solution is always to quit.
American patient
June 3, 2009, 1:17am (report abuse)And by the looks from the comments here, some are racists as well.
If you ask me, the problem is there is too much back-biting, sabotaging of fellow nurses, eating-their-young syndrome and just plain too much drama.
There should be a mandatory retirement for bedside nursing or working in facilities. Only a minority are able to remain patient as one gets old. Bless them. They are like wine that gets better as it ages. HOWEVER, they are only a minority. Majority become BITTER, impatient and that is why there is too much drama in the nursing workplace.
I say mandate them to retire as they become cancers in the system. If you let them stay they are only teaching future generations all the bad traits.
wannabenurse
June 3, 2009, 2:53am (report abuse)just look what h1b visas did to the tech industry. as a person who left the tech field because jobs that paid $50k a year now pay around $12 an hour and all the higher skilled jobs are taken, i am petrified that i won't be able to find work when I finish nursing school. there are thousands ofnew grads in the same boat! do the math... some say there is a shortage of 150k-250k nurses. if our schools churn out 30k a year and you import 50k a year how long till no one can find work. not to mention how frustrated people get when dealing with ESL call centers, imagine when your life is on the line and you cant be understood!
Patient
June 16, 2009, 7:53pm (report abuse)Dear US Nurse,
Let me tell you about my experience. I had 2 Us trained nurses try to start an IV on me and both missed multiple times. I had a foreign nurse start the IV in one try. You can stick your degreee where ever you want, but I'm not convinced your training is better or equal to a foreign nurse.
Bourne
June 18, 2009, 6:31pm (report abuse)Nursing is universal. We take care of the sick and healthy without regard to their race, religion and beliefs. This is what seperates us from the rest. We are oftentime neglected and under valued by the community, our patient, and other healthcare team. Our only consolation in life is the belief that we have made a diferrence in this world. The only way to improve the profession is for us all to be united, Domestic or foreign. I vote Yes
nitty_gritty
June 23, 2009, 7:32am (report abuse)The idea that there is a shortage of nurses is a joke. If there is a shortage of nurses in a hospital or anywhere else, it is because the administrator's don't want to pay for additional staff. That is all there is to it.
Of course, if you have illegals coming into the workforce, think about how they would be very happy to work for far less. It's all about money and demolishing people's livlihoods so we all can be prepared to accept the new world order -- now then you will be real sick.
To Nitty_Gritty
June 23, 2009, 1:48pm (report abuse)We're not talking about illegals crossing the border here...foreign nurses are legal with ICS work visas, you must have the wrong website.
...
June 25, 2009, 8:21pm (report abuse)So since all the GIs left the PI the [vulagarity]s are looking for any way they can find to get to the states?
....
June 26, 2009, 1:13am (report abuse)Nope the GI's are still there....still exploiting and raping...
...
June 26, 2009, 9:51am (report abuse)I'm sure that is so not true. You are probably just mad because you can't catch one. Too bad.
To everyone
June 26, 2009, 12:36pm (report abuse)... is a guy, white and is not even a nurse. I got his IP number. HAHA, just ignore him....
To xxx
June 26, 2009, 12:39pm (report abuse)I actually got not one but two and they're a she! Got plenty of kids with them too....now, looking for a third one..hmmmm
To ...
June 26, 2009, 12:55pm (report abuse)Now I know why you're mad. Because I talked to you PI Girlfriend and she says [insult]......
...
June 26, 2009, 4:02pm (report abuse)Somebody said "I got his IP number." And? What are you going to do with something that changes every hour and never leads to my ISP? You're such a dink!
xxx
June 26, 2009, 4:12pm (report abuse)Awww, ... just got mad, well, who wouldn't be? When a PI Girl dumps you for another? Bitter, bitter.... your issues are totally different from this website...got dumped by a PI Girl? go to heartaches.com.
...
June 28, 2009, 12:28pm (report abuse)Nope, I wouldn't [vulagarity].
To ....
June 28, 2009, 11:40pm (report abuse)Your [insult]?
webmaster
(logged in user) June 29, 2009, 12:21am (report abuse)A reminder: Comments that are impolite, off-topic, violations of others' rights, or advertisements may be edited or removed. Please refrain from personal attacks and foul language, which do not help site visitors form opinions of this legislation.
cioman94
June 29, 2009, 4:53am (report abuse)Basic math: how many nurses does US need? If US citizens can supply the need, then "no" for the bill. If US citizens cannot supply the demand for US nurses, then "yes" for the bill.
If you want "qualified" nurses, then still "yes" for the bill and just tightened the qualifications.
Common sense..
MWDRN
July 5, 2009, 10:09am (report abuse)There are many foreign born nurses from English speaking countries who given a viable option for immigration to the US would relocate here with there families. Canadian, British, Australian, etc.. RNs have equal if not sometimes superior nursing educations to American RNs. Much like in other industries ex. energy, technology, these qualified foreign born workers would come here if immigration was possible.
Also as an RN working in a major American hospital I know that some of these 'foreign' Nurses are American citizens who immigrated in the diversity lottery program and pursued nursing education in the US, and yes a lot of them are still improving their English.
We need to make the health care institutions responsible for hiring appropriate workers into their health care settings regardless of country of citizenship.
Pinoynurse
July 10, 2009, 12:12am (report abuse)Please bear in mind that all nurses working in the US whether American or foreign, have been licensed by their respective State Boards of Nursing. Be aware also that ALL FOREIGN nurses before they are given visas to go to the United States have to pass English exams (writing reading and speaking) except for nurses coming from UK Canada Australia etc. So all this talk about incompetent nurses should be directed to the responsible Board of Nursing because these BON's are responsible for the licensure and competency of their nurses. Likewise if the foreign nurses' english is sufficient to pass an internationally recognized English exam .....well. All this talk about foreign nurses cheating and other things is just pure hate and xenophobia. Your Congressmen are NOT IDIOTS to file a bill on nursing shortage if there is NO SHORTAGE. People who disagree should run for Congress and file a bill to deport all foreigners, that should leave a few thousand native amricans in the US in reservations
To US Nurse
July 18, 2009, 7:49am (report abuse)Hey why don't you come bully this website for a change instead of H.R. 2536. This bill will allow 50,000 foreign nurses into the US instead of 20,000 at H.R.2536
David Ferguson, ARNP, CRNA
July 18, 2009, 8:52am (report abuse)Winter Haven hospital recruited 50 Filipino nurses to import. When they were inbound it was discovered that they did ot speak English. The very few who made it are not stars by any means.
Beowulf12
July 18, 2009, 9:05am (report abuse)The nursing boards across the nation fail miserably in adequately measuring the knowledge acquired by the nursing candidates. The pass/fail ratio is grossly disproportionate. I could take someone of average intelligence off the street and prep them for these boards in a couple of weeks. My lowest score was 698 and the state of Florida requred 350 to be licensed. I never prepared for these exams!
CA RN
July 18, 2009, 10:11am (report abuse)To Mr Ferguson,
Don't spread lies, I am a registered nurse working in E.R and ICU and now an american citizen, ANA and CNA member. I am also filipino. Immigration requirements include passing IELTS or TOEFL exams in writing, reading and speaking. I myself and thousand of filipino nurses took those exams. So How can Winter Haven Hospital be able to hire foreign nurses who can't speak english?
CA RN
July 18, 2009, 10:40am (report abuse)Does the real David Ferguson know that you're using his name?
CA RN
July 18, 2009, 10:42am (report abuse)I called Winter Haven Hospital Human Resources and this allegations were vehemently denied.
Bourne
July 18, 2009, 2:51pm (report abuse)TO Mr. Ferguson,
The Phils. Educational System, As far as I know is tought in English except Filipino subjects, thus English is the main language of teaching from primary, secondary and college level. Your accussation of their inability to speak english is baseless and could be racially motivated. Firstly, interviews, examinations and instructions are in english, so how can they not speak the language. UNLESS YOUR JUST FEEL THREATENED BY THEIR SKILLS AND ABILITY. I feel sorry for you sir...
VET
July 18, 2009, 5:22pm (report abuse)Guys, I really suggest to not anymore feed the troll by not visiting this thread anymore and replying.
Besides, there's nothing left to discuss and you are not changing her mind. You are just wasting your time and allowing yourself to be affected.
Bourne
July 20, 2009, 8:34pm (report abuse)If you are a graduate of that education system your use of the language is a perfect example of why the whole idea is ridiculous.
To the TROLL
July 20, 2009, 11:14pm (report abuse)Stop it already
...
July 21, 2009, 2:28pm (report abuse)P.O.
...
July 21, 2009, 5:27pm (report abuse)P.O.BOX
...
July 21, 2009, 9:48pm (report abuse)APO NRW YORK
...
July 21, 2009, 9:50pm (report abuse)APO NEW YORK
...
July 23, 2009, 1:01am (report abuse)Ok then, [vulgar insult]
stealth9210
(logged in user) August 9, 2009, 9:50pm (report abuse)I think the whole idea of creating these bill is for the safety of patients care that they deserve ... wheather there is a shortage or there isnt a safe nurse:patient ratio should be maintained all avenues of maintaining safe nurse: patient ratio wheather foreign nurse or us nurse should be allowed depending on how HR will do that in recruiting nurses. As i have said PATIENTS SAFETY IS ALWAYS A PRIORITY
n
August 13, 2009, 3:29pm (report abuse)I am American born, but I would not agree to perform an abortion in the US. So if another country would give me status to transfer my license and citizenship so that I would not have to perform abortions, then I would gladly take it. I do not want to be a slave to the hospital telling me to leave my family to come to the hospital and I am running around like a mad hatter taking my child to daycare, then to be told I have to do something against my own personal beliefs. So if these foreigners are here to replace some of the Christian nurses, then they are filling a need. It is a sinking economy because we have turned our back on God. So Rome is burning!
Mr. Houston
August 21, 2009, 5:33am (report abuse)Baby boomers are getting old and retiring in the next 5 years. They are our parents and love ones.Some of them are nurses too.
if we can supply enough nurses to care for them in the next 5 years then vote NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.
If we can't supply the coming demand then vote YES.
Simple math: Even if there are 200,000 college freshmen taking BSN this year, they won't be nurses until 5 years later. Who will do the mentoring when they start working? 1 mentor to 25 new 100% american nurses?
patriotism is not an issue here. its our own healthcare!
miles
August 24, 2009, 5:16am (report abuse)Wherever Filipino Nurses go, we excel because of our hard work, compassion, dedication , knowledge and skills. Before we can work in the US we have to pass series of exams including English test for writing, listening, speaking and reading. We also have to pass the test same as the US educated Nurses are taking so how come that you will be prejudiced to foreign educated Nurses. And for JR who said that we have to take two times to pass the exam and passing it is just luck well you are certainly wrong because I pass mine first time and the computer shuts down after 75. It's not luck but because we're capable, competent , skilled and knowledgeable. Our goal here is to provide a high quality, safe and caring environment for all the patients which are all evidence based. Pass the bill please.
Boone Karlyle
August 27, 2009, 4:21pm (report abuse)I recently read there is a nursing shortage in India. Maybe I could get a job there? Right now the market is pretty tight here in the US do you think I could get a job in on e of the oft entioned countries of India, China or the Philippines?
yiling
(logged in user) August 28, 2009, 11:34am (report abuse)i think every foreign nurse has to work hard to survive in a foreign country. English speaking skill is the basic, however, i've seen some native speaker make mistakes.. everyone deserves a chance. On the other hand,don't think a lot american are pursuing this hard job afterall.. why not let someone else do it? even more and more people consider this as a type of dream job. It still can't meet the need of nurse shoreage in a near years...doctors don't stand in the first line to take care pf patients.
Toolz
(logged in user) September 1, 2009, 3:02pm (report abuse)Pass the Bill, this will benefit everyone. Currently Americans are going overseas for cheaper and competant health care, why not have it here right at home. Allow the US trained undocumented nurses to work rather than spending money with the agencies looking for nurses elsewhere and having to pay double the amount...the reality is..YES we need more nurses. This will decrease the amount of hospital errors, Hospital Law suits...hiring home grown Nurses is the key right now...so I say PASS THE BILL and HIRE THE HOME GROWN NURSES, and give other American the services they deserve.
RN-ICU
September 15, 2009, 12:06am (report abuse)The nurses that spend tons of money to finish nursing school in US need opportunity to get nursing jobs. Do not forget that some of these nurses came young to US, speak perfect English, do not have accents and are the best students. We need experts and people that love their jobs not the ones that go to nursing because there are so "called vacancies" and they lost their jobs in autmotive industry. Pass the BILL for the people that truly love their nursing jobs!!!! and
Bobby
October 1, 2009, 8:32am (report abuse)A friend of mine left Jamaica in the 1970's. She got her training in Jamaica as many other nurses in that now work in the USA. It is very unfair to say that foreigners lower the standard of care. I agree with the bill but the birth rate in this country is growing rapidly and 126,000 nurses per year is a drop in the bucket 10 years from now that number will double. Training must be coupled with the bill.
The government and hospital administrators do not need to go searching for people who are non -english speaking, that will actually drive fear in the hearts of the conservative Americans; especially those who are racist. The Caribbean has millions of English speaking nurses who would gladly serve the US even if it is just for 3 years. I think the way to go in search and recruit from your neighbours where the standards are similar and offer incentives to young graduate, eg. sign on bonus.My wife is a nurse for 10 years and she is searching for jobs in insurance. That the new trend.
Dawn
October 9, 2009, 8:47pm (report abuse)I do not agree that hiring immgrants as nurses would lower the standard of care in any way. I do think, however, there are too many current citizens that are in dire need of a job and our government should be encouraging those individuals to pursue a career in nursing.
Peter,
October 10, 2009, 6:30am (report abuse)Philippines Employment Policy.
The Philippines has a Constitution that prohibits the employment of non Filipinos in the professions. So you will not find any foreign nurses, doctors, engineers,lawyers or teachers, employed in the Philippines.
This is not a principled position, since the country also has a policy to export its manpower to any country willing to take it.
Its a duplicitous self serving situation.
The sauce for the goose is not the same as the sauce for the gander.
NOYPI RN
November 9, 2009, 12:42am (report abuse)i am fresh filipino nurse just landed here in this countrty to work as a trauma level 1 ER nurse,lately i felt that i am physically drained out because they always assigned me to work in the trauma rooms for about 6 months now coz they dont trust most american er nurses to work in their trauma rooms who has 5-10 yrs experience,trauma surgeons prefers me to work w/ them rather than these nurses,i am not bragging but just an FYI that filipino nurses are the best.
KN
November 13, 2009, 10:22am (report abuse)Well, there is so much confusion, RN union talk, as well as simply lies. To get licenced here you need to pass exams.
VOTE YES. There is a major health care overhaul bill. How are you going to care for additional influx of patients? Your baby boomers???? US is a country of immigrants. Just people tend to forget that majority came from somwhere.... Just re-brush your roots, and stop spreading antiimmigrant sentiments.
TheMaleNurse
November 18, 2009, 10:04am (report abuse)If you goober's want foreign nurses taking care of you then fine move there. If you have ever had a foreign nurse taking care of you while in the hospital and you are still alive today, then you are indeed lucky to still be with us. They are God awful I"m just saying.