Kenyan nurses now have a golden opportunity to get employed in the United States after a new international nursing certification program was launched by a consultancy firm. This comes after Australia, Canada and the US announced massive nursing job openings and created a pathway for Kenyan healthcare professionals to work abroad.
International Certification for Kenyan Nurses
Kenyan Nurse Consultants Limited in partnership with St Elizabeth Medical and Technical College Mukumu in Kakamega County has introduced a streamlined registration, testing and certification process for nurses who want to become United States Registered Nurses (USRN).
Justice Justus, the recruitment manager for Kenyan Nurse Consultants Limited revealed this during an educational workshop at Mukumu Nursing Training College. He outlined the registration process, qualifications and benefits of registering with their consultancy firm.
NCLEX Training and Certification Process
The training process involved four key steps to ensure nurses meet the required qualifications for international employment:
- NCLEX Training: A six months intensive preparation course for Kenyan nurses.
- Academic and License Verification: The Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) verifies academic transcripts, passports and nursing licenses.
- State Registration: Nurses choose a preferred US state for licensing, over 50 states are actively recruiting medical personnel.
- Visa Processing and Job Placement: The firm assists with visa screening and links nurses to reputable employers abroad.
Kenyan Nurse Consultants Limited works with healthcare and education experts, including Professor Regina Callion the founder of ReMar Review. Professor Callion developed the NCLEX V2 training course a structured program designed to help nurses pass the NCLEX exam efficiently.
Faster Pathway to International Nursing Jobs
Unlike the traditional requirements that demand 2-3 years of experience in a 300-400 bed capacity hospital before taking the NCLEX exam, Kenyan Nurse Consultants Limited has an accelerated pathway. This reduces the waiting period and allows Kenyan nurses to qualify faster for international roles.
Justice Justus emphasized that their consultancy will ensure a smooth transition for nurses going abroad.
“We help our learners navigate critical steps like visa processing efficiently. Our team ensures that employing companies are thoroughly vetted and contracts are favorable for our nurses,” he said.
He also warned nurses against fraudulent agencies that scam job seekers by making false promises and charging exorbitant fees without delivering results.
Growing Opportunities and Economic Benefits
Pamela Musinzi, Deputy Principal St Elizabeth Medical and Technical Training College Mukumu described the partnership as a big milestone for nursing in Kenya. She said the initiative will increase the college’s international recognition and contribute to the country’s economy through remittances from nurses working abroad.
“Nursing is a noble profession. If taken seriously it offers global opportunities. Mukumu fraternity is excited about this partnership and looking forward to signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize the arrangement,” Musinzi said.
Over 1,000 nurses already in the program and many have secured jobs abroad this is a new dawn for nurses seeking career growth in the global healthcare industry.