Direct Hire versus Recruitment Agency

When coming to the US for work as a nurse you have two primary options to consider. The first is Direct Hire, which means you apply right with the employer. The second option is to use a Recruitment Agency. The agency will put your resume into a database and attempt to match you up with prospective employers for a fee. We discussed the possible dangers of using a Recruitment Agency in a previous article . Below I will discuss some points to consider for each of these two options.

Direct Hiring:

1. You can apply directly to the employer in the US.  Often times, you can find employers who accept direct applications online or by referrals.
2. Employers have affiliate institutions in the Philippines where you will have to undergo training for a minimum of 6 months.  This training is paid for by the employer.  Examples of training required are skills in Dialysis, Telemetry, and other special areas.
3. You will prepare your papers on your own like CGFNS credentialing and exam, certification, and other documentation necessary for the application.
4. You will need to do the necessary follow ups with the employer regarding the application process at the USCIS.
5. The employer will file the petition at the USCIS.  The employer pays for filing the petition.
6. Once the petition is filed at the USCIS, you are responsible in tracking the status with the Service Center until it reaches the embassy. 
7. You have to make sure that the employer provides you with the contract before your interview is scheduled.
8. Necessary coordination and communication with the employer is important.
9. Usually, you will have to shoulder all the expenses on your own until you get your visa.
10. The employer will provide you with the airplane ticket.
11. All other expenses incurred during the application process like CGFNS, medical exam, visa application fees, and the like are reimbursable upon arrival in the US.  You may need to provide the payment receipts.
12. The employer will usually arrange airport pick up and will allocate a 3 months paid housing and allowance once in the US.
13. If you are lucky enough, the employer gives you a sign up bonus of up to $5,000. 

Recruitment Agency:

1. There are several recruitment agencies in the Philippines.  You might want to go to Metro Manila for a more established agency.  You have to verify if that agency is registered with the POEA.
2. Most agencies require a minimum of two years experience, but others accept those who don't have experience especially if you were a doctor who became a nurse.
3. When you submit your resume to the agency, they will put that in their applicants data bank.  It is where employers can browse over thousands of applicants.  If the employer likes your resume, then the agency will supply them with your data.  This is what you call the selection process, so it is very important that you create a quality resume.
4. Sometimes when the agency thinks that you are very qualified, they will recommend you to the employer right away, without going through the selection process.
5. Once selected, the agency takes care of all the necessary paperworks and the communication with the employer. 
6. Sometimes, the agency prepares for your CGFNS also.
7. The agency is responsible for tracking the application status at the USCIS level, where the employer filed the petition.
8. The contract is prepared between you and the agency.  There is a separate contract between the agency and the employer.
9. All you need to do is wait for your medical exam and visa appointment schedule.
10. The agency will provide you with all the necessary documents for your interview.
11. Sometimes, the agency pays for the CGFNS, medical exam and visa application fees, but most of the time, the applicant shoulders it.
12. Most of the time, the employer provides you with the airplane ticket and reimburses the fees incurred for CGFNS, medical exam and visa application fees, provided you give them the payment receipts.
13. The employer will arrange an airport pickup and a paid accommodation with allowance upon arrival.  The accommodation and allowance varies from 1 month to 3 months.
14. Usually, the Recruitment Agency will take the sign up bonus as part of their payment.

You should look carefully at the Pros and Cons of these two methods when deciding how you should best pursue getting a nursing job in the US.

Comments

[Lovlee Cristobal]

I am a Filipina who graduated in the Phil. on April of 2009, and after taking the Nurses Licensure Exam, I moved to HOuston TX with my mom and stepdad. I applied for CGFNS-CES report as a requirement to sit for NCLEX, and still waiting for my transcript of record sent by my school in the Phil. last September of 2009 to reach the office of CGFNS. It's been 4months since my application, and my mom and stepdad are wondering if there's an agency that could help me get through my application for CGFNS/NCLEX. Thank you very much.