Epic International Staffing has worked with countless persevering nurses and other allied clinicians in the realm of international healthcare staffing to pursue their dreams of becoming medical professionals in the US. Today we turn a spotlight on one of our hardworking and determined employees, Nita Sharma, who shared her incredible journey on the road to becoming a United States nurse.
Originally from Kathmandu, Nepal, Nita completed her nursing education at Tribhuvan University, earning her Bachelor’s degree while under scholarship. She spent five years working in clinical bedside nursing in multiple units, including the Emergency Department, Medical ICU, Pediatric Ward, and Pediatric ICU, before deciding to join Epic to embark on her next journey continuing her nursing career in the US.
Nita made this decision because the US offered a vast horizon of advanced studies and a blooming scope for a career in nursing, driving her to pursue this path. She noticed the respect for nurses in the US throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, where they were hailed as “heroes” along with the balance of life and work afforded to them, the dignity of work, and the opportunity to earn amazing benefits. These were the essential factors that made her inclined toward pursuing her big dream opportunity in the US.
Nita began her process with Epic in 2020 when she began working with the coordinator in Nepal, who helped her significantly through the process. She faced multiple obstacles throughout her experience and shared her reflections in an interview with us.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH Epic?
Epic International Staffing has been a true guardian for me throughout my application process. I got step-by-step guidance from Epic right from starting the process to passing my NCLEX exam. I was provided with all the study materials to cover my exams and travels. I worked hard to get a good score in IELTS and completed CGFNS registration. Importantly, Epic entirely sponsored my Permanent residency, which was a fantastic accomplishment. After arriving in the US, Epic ensured we had all the comfort needed to adapt to the new country and helped us until we settled down and became independent. It has been almost two years, and I still feel I have safe hands around me, and I can reach out to them without hesitation whenever I go through adverse circumstances.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER NURSES WITH A DREAM TO COME LIVE AND WORK IN THE U.S.?
The US is a wonderful, hospitable, and diverse nation. If you dream of becoming a nurse in the US, you should start taking the path now. There is a shortage of human resources available in the nursing sector, so there is a bright future. Also, if you have thoughts of pursuing further studies, you will have the opportunity to do so here.
What are you enjoying most about the U.S.?
In the US, our jobs are well-respected, and we have a proactive role in patient care with many self-decisions and responsibilities. Along with work, there is a sense of proper involvement with the care team. The salary is decent, and I see better prospects for me out here.
WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME CHALLENGES YOU’VE EXPERIENCED SINCE LIVING IN THE U.S.?
The main challenge initially was adapting to the system. However, you receive sufficient training and guidance to get through it. Choosing a decent apartment, balancing living expenses, and driving were other challenges I faced, but with time and experience, I overcame them.
What do you hope for in the future?
I aim to become a nurse practitioner and want to be directly involved in patient care in the future.
Nita’s experience shows that you can set your goals and reach them with perseverance and grit. Matched with the right resources and support, the Epic International Staffing team helps talented clinicians and nurses like Nita navigate the complexities of visa options, licensure, and sponsorship to help them reach the U.S. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors, Nita!