With 690,000 nurses expected to leave the workforce by 2024, immigrant nurses may prove essential in filling this gap, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Here are five things to know:
1. Throughout the nation, immigrant nurses comprise 15 percent of registered nurses.
2. California, Florida, New York, New Jersey and Texas employ more than 50 percent of immigrant nurses.
3. Obtaining a visa can be a trying process for foreign nurses, with H-1B visas requiring RNs to have at least earned a bachelor's degree. While this is not often an issue, employers may also require more documentation. Nurses also have to abide by state licensure requirements.
4. Supply is likely to outpace demand for nurses in some parts of the country, according to a 2014 U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration report. However, certain communities, particularly rural regions, will experience a shortage.
5. The American Nurse Association said the nation should strategize to boost the nurse population and improve nursing education.
