The Importance of Driving in the U.S. for International Clinicians

Driving in the U.S. is an essential “credentials” item international registered nurses and allied clinicians need to add to their agenda and check off their list before arriving.

If you’re an international clinician hoping to live and work in the U.S., you may be going to a suburb or rural location, so access to public transportation won’t be as readily available as you may be used to. If your job is located in the northern part of the U.S., you’re going to experience all seasons. Spring may be very rainy, and summer extremely hot. Fall can be the best part of the year, while winters can be cold with extreme winds, and in some cases, an abundance of snow.

No matter where you are within the different seasons, you need a plan for transportation.

The expectation upon your arrival to the U.S. is that you know how to drive, or learn quickly. You’ll need a local country driver’s license as well as an international driver’s license. In some states, it can take several months to obtain the local license, so remember to plan ahead because your employer will expect you to be at work at your scheduled time – license or not.

If your spouse drives, don’t count on them to drive you to and from work for a couple of reasons: 1) They may be unable to continue when they start working, and 2) If you have a home health job, it isn’t allowed for anyone else to be in a vehicle with you.

Cirrus’ international division has a great partner that enables every foreign clinician to purchase a new car. They negotiate and guarantee financing for selected cars. This is an unheard of program for someone trying to establish themselves in the U.S.!

If you’re a foreign-trained clinician wanting to work in the U.S., call one of our experienced recruiters at  800.299.8132 or email your resume to GlobalRecruitment@CirrusMedicalStaffing.com.