Nursing in America

Welcome to another episode of the Nursing in America podcast. In the second part of this mini-series, we hear directly from two international nurses who faced one of the most challenging setbacks a nurse can experience on the journey to the United States — a rescinded contract — and came out the other side stronger, wiser, and living their American Dream.Mark G., a nurse from the Philippines, and Mohammad A., a nurse from Jordan, share their comeback stories in their own words. Joined by Danielle, host and advocate, and Ed S., Senior Director of Operations and Technology at AMN Healthcare International, this episode is a powerful reminder that the path forward is rarely a straight line and that the right support makes all the difference.This episode picks up where Part 1 left off, diving into what happens after a contract is rescinded and how to move forward. Mark and Mohammad share honest, encouraging accounts of their own restart journeys, from navigating immigration timelines to finding a new employer. Ed walks listeners through how AMN Healthcare International supports each nurse individually, outlining two key pathways (staffing and direct-hire) and why nurses with an existing priority date are highly attractive to new employers.Key Takeaways·      Your Place in Line is Protected: A rescinded contract does not mean starting over from scratch. Your priority date can be recaptured and preserved.·      Two Clear Pathways Forward: AMN Healthcare International offers two routes: staffing (temp-to-perm through O'Grady Peyton International) and direct-hire (through Connetics).·      Speed is Possible: Mohammad secured a new employer within one month and completed the full recapture process within two months.·      Rescinded Nurses Are Attractive Candidates: Employers recognize the value of hiring a nurse who already has an established priority date.·      The Journey is Not Always Linear: Both Mark and Mohammad describe a period of slowness followed by rapid momentum.·      Control What You Can: Improve your qualifications, complete licensing and English requirements, and make yourself as marketable as possible.·      Trust and Partnership Matter: Having a knowledgeable, experienced partner guiding you through the process can reduce the stress of an already complex journey.Timestamps·      00:00 – 02:30 – Cold Open & Recap: A quick look back at Part 1 and an introduction to Mark and Mohammad's comeback stories·      02:30 – 08:30 – The Recapture Process: Ed S. explains how AMN evaluates rescinded nurses, what the recapture process looks like, and why two pathways exist·      08:30 – 13:30 – Two Comebacks, In Their Own Words: Mark and Mohammad share their personal timelines.·      17:30 – 20:15 – Closing Advice From Those Who Lived It: Mohammad, Ed, and Danielle offer practical and motivational guidance for nurses facing a similar crossroads·      20:15 – 21:00 – Wrap-Up & Call to Action: A final message of encouragement and next steps for nurses ready to take action.Guest BiosEd S. is the Senior Director of Operations and Technology at AMN Healthcare International. With an engineering background and more than 25 years of experience in the healthcare staffing industry, Ed specializes in business operations and technology. He serves as a go-to resource for navigating the complexities of international nurse immigration.Mark G. is a registered nurse from the Philippines, now living and working in Jackson, Mississippi. A proud USRN, entrepreneur, Bible-believing Christian, and keynote speaker, Mark is passionate about empowering other international nurses to pursue their American dream. His own journey included navigating a rescinded contract in January 2024 and successfully recapturing his priority date to arrive in the United States with his wife, Zendi, and daughters, Ziana and Minnea.Mohammad A. is a registered nurse originally from Jordan who came to the United States from the United Arab Emirates. After a long immigration journey that included retrogression, deployment, and a rescinded contract, Mohammad successfully completed the recapture process and relocated to the U.S. with his wife and three children. Resources Mentioned:AMN Healthcare International: Start your journey to success in the U.S. today.Subscribe & ShareIf you find this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your fellow healthcare professionals. Together, we can build a thriving community of immigrant nurses in America.Powered by AMN Healthcare Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this packed immigration Q&A session, host Deirdre is joined by immigration attorneys Chris Musillo and Mike Hammond to break down some of the most significant developments in the U.S. immigration space. This includes the September Visa Bulletin, the 75-country visa pause, changes affecting H-1B and F-1 visa holders, and more. This episode delivers real-time insights for international healthcare professionals navigating their path to the United States.The session opens with an inspiring testimonial from Muhammad, a UK-based nurse who just received his EB-3 visa for himself and his family, which is a powerful reminder that the American Dream is absolutely within reach.Key Takeaways·      The September Visa Bulletin showing no movement is normal and reflects the end of the U.S. fiscal year. ·      The 75-country visa pause is actively being challenged in federal court.·      A global immigrant visa interview pause was reportedly issued by the Department of State as a response to the court ruling.·      Unused family-based visas from fiscal year 2025 have already carried over, increasing the employment-based visa pool for fiscal year 2026 to approximately 186,000.·      Fiscal year 2027 may see another surplus, potentially reaching up to 215,000 employment-based visas.·      H-1B cap cases face a proposed new filing fee of over $100,000, currently under a 30-day public comment period.·      The $100,000 overseas H-1B fee proclamation expires September 21–22, which could reopen cap-exempt H-1B filings.·      Major F-1 visa rule changes took effect September 15, including new restrictions on changing programs, CPT authorization, and grace periods.·      Rest-of-world EB-3 candidates with an approved I-140 are well-positioned to become current as early as October.·      Processing times remain long, but premium processing (at approximately $3,000) remains an available option for faster I-140 adjudication.Timestamps00:04:31—Welcome and Audience Check-In00:09:09—September Visa Bulletin Breakdown00:11:35—The 75-Country Visa Pause Explained00:19:34—H-1B Program Changes00:25:02—Audience Q&A: Mixed Nationalities and Visa Eligibility00:26:44—Visa Bulletin Movement During the Pause00:27:21—Unused Family Visas and the EB-3 Backlog00:31:32—F-1 Visa Rule Changes00:39:51—Switching Embassies for Middle East-Based Applicants00:41:29—Entering the U.S. on a B-1/B-2 Visa with an Approved I-14000:44:05—Administrative Processing and the Visa Pause00:47:10—October Visa Bulletin Predictions00:52:13—Processing Times and What to Expect00:54:25—Adjusting Status as an F-2 Visa HolderMeet the GuestsChris MusilloChris Musillo is a partner at Musillo Unkenholt Immigration Law Firm, based in Cincinnati, Ohio. He specializes in healthcare immigration law and works closely with nurses, healthcare staffing companies, and hospitals to navigate the complexities of U.S. employment-based immigration. With decades of experience, Chris is a trusted voice in the industry and a frequent contributor to AMN Healthcare International's immigration Q&A series.Mike HammondMike Hammond is a healthcare immigration attorney with more than 25 years of experience helping international nurses and healthcare professionals navigate the U.S. immigration system. He is known for his ability to explain complex legal concepts in clear, practical terms and for his long-standing partnership with AMN Healthcare International to support nurses throughout their immigration journey.Resources Mentioned·      Clinic v. Rubio—Federal lawsuit challenging the 75-country visa pause; filed by CLINIC (Catholic Legal Immigration Network) and ESI https://www.nilc.org/litigation/clinic-v-rubio/ ·      SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program)—Agency within DHS that issued new CPT guidance for F-1 students·      Form I-539—Required for F-1 students transitioning between degree programs under the new rule https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/sevis-help-hub/student-records/fm-student-employment/f-1-curricular-practical-training-cpt·      Premium Processing—Approximately $3,000 fee for 15-day I-140 adjudication through USCIS https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/how-do-i-request-premium-processing Resources Mentioned:AMN Healthcare International: Start your journey to success in the U.S. today.Subscribe & ShareIf you find this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your fellow healthcare professionals. Together, we can build a thriving community of immigrant nurses in America.Powered by AMN Healthcare Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens when the contract you've been counting on suddenly disappears? For thousands of international nurses pursuing careers in the United States, a rescinded contract can feel like the end of the road. In this powerful first installment of a two-part episode, host Danielle F. sits down with two registered nurses — Mark G. from the Philippines and Mohammad A. from Jordan — alongside AMN Healthcare International's Senior Director of Operations and Technology, Ed S., to talk honestly about what it feels like when your immigration journey takes an unexpected turn. This episode covers the emotional reality of receiving a rescission notice, the myths that keep nurses from moving forward, and the truth about priority dates, including how recapturing yours may be more possible than you think. Key Takeaways A rescission is not the end. Priority dates are your most valuable immigration asset. The journey isn't always a straight line. You don't have to figure it out alone. What you can control matters.   Chapters [00:00 – 02:30] — Introduction Danielle sets the stage, introduces the episode theme and previews key topics: rescissions, recaptures, and priority dates. [02:30 – 05:00] — Meet the Guests Brief introductions from Ed S., Mark G., and Mohammad A. and a glimpse at life on the other side of the journey. [05:00 – 09:00] — Understanding Rescissions Ed explains what a rescission is, why it happens, and why most are driven by systemic factors, not a nurse's performance. [09:00 – 14:00] — Mark and Mohammad's Stories Both nurses share what it felt like to have their contracts rescinded and how staying positive, with AMN's support, helped them move forward. [14:00 – 18:00] — The Expert Perspective Ed walks through the emotional and logistical impact of a rescission and makes the case for working with a trusted, experienced partner. [18:00 – 20:00] — Closing Thoughts and What's Next A final reminder that a rescinded contract changes the route, not the destination; and a preview of what's ahead in Part 2. Guest Bios Ed S. is the Senior Director of Operations and Technology at AMN Healthcare International. With an engineering background and more than 25 years of experience in the healthcare staffing industry, Ed specializes in business operations and technology. He serves as a go-to resource for navigating the complexities of international nurse immigration. Mark G. is a registered nurse from the Philippines, now living and working in Jackson, Mississippi. A proud USRN, entrepreneur, Bible-believing Christian, and keynote speaker, Mark is passionate about empowering other international nurses to pursue their American dream. His own journey included navigating a rescinded contract in January 2024 and successfully recapturing his priority date to arrive in the United States with his wife, Zendi, and daughters, Ziana and Minnea. Mohammad A. is a registered nurse originally from Jordan who came to the United States from the United Arab Emirates. After a long immigration journey that included retrogression, deployment, and a rescinded contract, Mohammad successfully completed the recapture process and relocated to the U.S. with his wife and three children. Resources Mentioned Apply with AMN Healthcare International:amnhealthcare.com/international Start your journey today. AMN recruiters are ready to help you pursue your American dream through both direct-hire and staffing pathways. $1,000 Referral Bonus Program: Know a nurse who may qualify for priority date recapture? Refer them to AMN and earn a $1,000 bonus. Eligibility requirements apply, including NCLEX completion. Registration link available through AMN's live show chat. Onwards and Upwards — Monthly Immigration Q&A: A live show featuring AMN's immigration attorneys answering your visa and immigration questions in real time, including the latest Visa Bulletin updates. Free to attend. AMN Academy: Weekly shows every Monday, featuring career guidance, specialty spotlights, and a Dream Job segment with AMN's Director of Recruitment. O'Grady Peyton International: AMN's staffing division, offering a fast-track refiling option for rescinded nurses, with potential I-140 filing within 30 days. Connetics: AMN's direct-hire division, helping rescinded nurses find new sponsoring employers across the United States. Resources Mentioned:AMN Healthcare International: Start your journey to success in the U.S. today.Subscribe & ShareIf you find this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your fellow healthcare professionals. Together, we can build a thriving community of immigrant nurses in America.Powered by AMN Healthcare Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome back to another episode of the Nursing in America live show. This session tackles one of the most pressing topics on every international nurse's mind: what is happening with U.S. immigration right now? Host Ed Skornia is joined by two of the country's leading healthcare immigration attorneys, Chris Musillo and Mike Hammond, to break down the August 2026 Visa Bulletin, embassy delays, visa bans, public charge updates, and much more. Whether you're just starting your immigration journey or deep in the process, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to keep moving forward. Key Takeaways The August 2026 Visa Bulletin showed minimal movement. The EB-3 "All Chargeability Areas" category advanced by one month (to September 1, 2023). The Philippines remained unchanged at August 1, 2023. India EB-3 held at January 2014. Expect slow movement in September, but watch October closely. The new U.S. fiscal year begins October 1, and the October Visa Bulletin typically brings the largest forward movement of the year. Embassy delays are a major issue. Staffing shortages and lengthier security vetting are slowing interview scheduling worldwide, particularly in parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. A 221(g) notice is not the end. If your delay is related to a visa ban rather than missing documents, your case is generally held, not closed. Country of birth vs. citizenship matters differently depending on whether you're looking at Visa Bulletin priority dates or visa ban restrictions. Cross-chargeability through a spouse can be a significant advantage. Adding a spouse or children to your case is common and manageable as long as you act before your immigrant visa is issued. The proposed $100,000 bond requirement is unlikely to affect nurses sponsored by AMN Healthcare International based on current analysis. If your sponsor withdraws, hope is not lost. An approved I-140 gives you the ability to recapture your priority date with a new employer. Stay focused on the long-term goal. Delays are real, but healthcare professionals remain highly valued and the pathway to the U.S. is still achievable. Chapters with Timestamps 04:50 – Welcome and Introduction Host Ed Skornia opens the show, introduces the episode's focus on immigration anxiety and updates, and welcomes immigration attorneys Chris Musillo and Mike Hammond. 05:55 – August 2026 Visa Bulletin Overview Chris Musillo breaks down the key numbers from the latest Visa Bulletin. EB-3 All Chargeability Areas moved forward by one month. The Philippines stayed flat. India EB-3 remained unchanged. Most other categories saw little to no movement. 07:24 – What to Expect in the Months Ahead Ed raises the question that nurses ask most: "When am I going to get to America?" Mike Hammond explains the U.S. government's fiscal year structure, the "use it or lose it" visa system, and why October is the most important bulletin of the year. He also addresses how visa bans and pauses may create spillover numbers that benefit employment-based categories. 10:46 – Embassy Delays: What's Causing Them? Chris explains why so many applicants are waiting an unusually long time between becoming documentarily qualified and receiving an interview appointment. Key factors include staffing shortages at U.S. consulates and more rigorous background vetting. Advocacy efforts across the healthcare industry are ongoing, though change has been slow. 16:16 – Understanding Country Caps Mike clarifies why certain countries—India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines—appear separately on the Visa Bulletin. He explains per-country allocation limits and why some nationalities face wait times measured in years while others face waits measured in decades. 19:22 – Visa Bans, Public Charge Restrictions, and 221(g) Notices Chris addresses why some applicants from countries affected by presidential proclamations are still being called to embassy interviews. He explains how a 221(g) notice works, when a case is at risk of being closed, and when it simply remains on hold pending policy changes. 22:20 – Public Charge Policy Changes Mike discusses recent changes to public charge rules, including the removal of Biden-era policies and what a potential "totality of the circumstances" approach could mean for nurses. He reassures that healthcare professionals are unlikely to be significantly impacted given their earning levels, though additional documentation requirements may arise. 26:35 – Country of Birth vs. Citizenship and Cross-Chargeability Chris untangles a common source of confusion: how your country of birth affects your Visa Bulletin priority date versus how your citizenship affects visa ban restrictions. He explains the cross-chargeability rule and how a spouse's country of birth can dramatically reduce waiting times in certain situations. 30:22 – Audience Q&A: Name Changes, Marriage, and Adding Family Members Ed reads a live question from a nurse who married, changed her name, and had children after filing her original petition. Mike explains how and when to add family members, why name changes are straightforward, and why immigration authorities handle these situations routinely. Chris emphasizes: notify your immigration team as soon as life changes happen. 35:28 – Children Aging Out: The Child Status Protection Act Chris addresses a question from the chat about children approaching age 21 during a long immigration process. He explains the general rule (over 21 = ineligible as a derivative beneficiary), the important exception under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA), and how I-140 processing time can be subtracted from a child's age for eligibility purposes. Key message: tell your attorney early. 38:02 – Visiting the U.S. on a Visitor Visa During the EB-3 Process Mike advises that visiting on a B-1/B-2 visa is acceptable as long as you have a genuine reason for your trip and comply with all visa terms. He strongly cautions against entering with the intent to adjust status, noting this can raise serious fraud or misrepresentation concerns under the current administration. 42:45 – How to Apply with AMN Healthcare International Ed takes a short break from the Q&A to explain how nurses can apply at amnhealthcare.com/international, what to include in your CV, and why candidates with an approved I-140 and established priority date often receive priority consideration. 44:05 – What Else Is the Industry Talking About? Chris addresses the widely reported $100,000 bond proposal for immigrant visa applicants. He explains why, based on current analysis, this is unlikely to affect nurses with a U.S. job offer at competitive salaries. The panel encourages viewers to stay informed but not to panic. 48:49 – Words of Encouragement Mike draws a powerful analogy between the immigration journey and earning a university degree—years of effort, moments of doubt, but a finish line that is absolutely worth reaching. He reminds viewers that healthcare professionals are still highly valued and that the vast majority of committed, qualified nurses ultimately succeed. 53:40 – When Your Sponsor Withdraws: What Happens Next? Chris and Ed address a painful but real scenario: your sponsoring employer pulls back. Chris explains how an approved I-140 enables priority date recapture with a new employer, and why the nursing shortage means your skills remain in strong demand. He also outlines AMN Healthcare International's two pathways—Connetics (direct hire) and O'Grady Peyton International (staffing). 1:01:05 – Emerging Topics: F-1 Regulations and Retrogression Mike flags significant new F-1 regulatory changes that could affect U.S.-educated international nurses, particularly those who came to the U.S. as students. He also notes that retrogression remains an ongoing conversation, with the October Visa Bulletin just weeks away. 1:03:01 – Closing Remarks and Upcoming Shows Ed thanks Chris and Mike, recaps the core message of the episode—stay focused on your goal, trust the process, and work with experienced partners—and previews upcoming AMN programs including a July 31 session on protecting your priority date and August immigration academy sessions. Meet the Guests Chris Musillo Chris Musillo is a partner at Musillo Unkenholt Immigration Law Firm, based in Cincinnati, Ohio. He specializes in healthcare immigration law and works closely with nurses, healthcare staffing companies, and hospitals to navigate the complexities of U.S. employment-based immigration. With decades of experience, Chris is a trusted voice in the industry and a frequent contributor to AMN Healthcare International's immigration Q&A series. Mike Hammond Mike Hammond is a healthcare immigration attorney with more than 25 years of experience helping international nurses and healthcare professionals navigate the U.S. immigration system. He is known for his ability to explain complex legal concepts in clear, practical terms and for his long-standing partnership with AMN Healthcare International to support nurses throughout their immigration journey. Resources Mentioned:AMN Healthcare International: Start your journey to success in the U.S. today.Subscribe & ShareIf you find this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your fellow healthcare professionals. Together, we can build a thriving community of immigrant nurses in America.Powered by AMN Healthcare Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Nursing in America podcast, brought to you by AMN Healthcare International, we discuss one of the most common clinical settings you'll encounter in the U.S. healthcare system: Medical-Surgical nursing. Whether you trained in the Philippines, the UK, or anywhere else in the world, med-surg in the U.S. comes with its own set of expectations, responsibilities, and challenges. Two experienced professionals join us to share what it's really like working in the U.S. and the best ways to transition. Guest Bios Mark J. is a clinical manager at AMN Healthcare International who works directly with international nurses as they transition into U.S. clinical practice. With hands-on experience supporting nurses from diverse backgrounds, Mark is a trusted advocate for international healthcare professionals navigating the differences in medical-surgical nursing. Carl D. is an internationally trained nurse with a career that spans three countries. He earned his nursing degree in the Philippines, worked as a clinical instructor and then as an RN at Saint Luke's Medical Center in the Coronary Care Unit. He went on to spend 15 years in the UK, working in general surgery, vascular surgery, and as one of the founding nurses of a dedicated infectious disease unit at Royal Sussex County Hospital. Since July 2021, Carl has been working as a med-surg nurse at Mercy South in St. Louis, Missouri. His journey from Manila to Brighton to Missouri makes him the perfect guide for nurses stepping into U.S. healthcare for the first time. Episode Summary This episode is a candid, practical conversation about what it means to practice med-surg nursing in the United States as an internationally trained nurse. From the structure of nursing education across different countries to the realities of EMR systems, patient ratios, and clinical expectations, Mark and Carl cover the terrain in full detail. Carl brings firsthand perspective on how nursing training in the Philippines compares to the U.K. and the U.S., while Mark breaks down what facilities and support teams expect from nurses during and after orientation. Together, they address the clinical, cultural, and professional skills you'll need to lead confidently in a U.S. med-surg unit. Timestamps 05:53 – Mark Jones introduces himself and his role supporting international nurses 06:17 – Carl de los Santos shares his nursing journey from the Philippines to the UK to Missouri 08:13 – Comparing nursing education: Philippines, UK, and the U.S. 10:28 – Orientation experiences across three countries 12:07 – Carl on the challenge of transitioning to electronic medical records 13:04 – Mark on why orientation is critical for international nurses in the U.S. 14:00 – The emotional reality of coming off orientation for the first time 15:39 – What to expect in terms of orientation length: four to six weeks minimum 17:52 – Mark's advice on building cross-cultural relationships in the workplace 25:11 – The importance of assessment skills in U.S. med-surg 26:00 – Nurses as leaders and drivers of patient care in the U.S. 45:35 – Carl's patient safety rule: "If you are in doubt, do not act" 1:04:21 – How to advocate for yourself when a preceptor isn't the right fit Resources Mentioned:AMN Healthcare International: Start your journey to success in the U.S. today.Subscribe & ShareIf you find this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your fellow healthcare professionals. Together, we can build a thriving community of immigrant nurses in America.Powered by AMN Healthcare Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.