Navigating the Nurse Shortage: How VisaMadeEZ Can Help Healthcare Organizations Hire Top International Talent
The healthcare industry in the United States is facing a critical nursing shortage, with demand for registered nurses (RNs) projected to grow significantly in the coming years. This challenge presents both a pressing need and a unique opportunity for healthcare organizations to look beyond domestic borders and explore the pool of qualified international nursing talent.
At VisaMadeEZ, we understand the complexities of hiring international nurses and the importance of ensuring a seamless and compliant process. As an immigration law firm specializing in healthcare staffing, we are dedicated to helping our clients navigate the legal and administrative hurdles to bring top-tier nursing professionals from around the world to meet their staffing needs.
In this article, we will explore the RN pay landscape across the United States, adjusted for cost of living, to provide healthcare organizations with valuable insights as they consider expanding their talent pool to include international nurses.
Below are the mean hourly wages for nurses in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., adjusted for cost of living. Becker’s calculated these figures using May 2023 salary data from BLS and 2024 cost of living index data from the World Population Review.
| State | RN hourly mean wage | Cost of living index | RN hourly mean wage, adjusted by cost of living |
| California | $66.20 | 134.5 | $49.22 |
| Minnesota | $45.59 | 94.1 | $48.45 |
| Georgia | $43.27 | 91 | $47.55 |
| Oregon | $54.54 | 115.1 | $47.38 |
| New Mexico | $44.30 | 94.2 | $47.03 |
| Texas | $43.37 | 93 | $46.63 |
| Illinois | $42.14 | 90.8 | $46.41 |
| Washington | $53.38 | 115.1 | $46.38 |
| Nevada | $46.97 | 101.3 | $46.37 |
| Oklahoma | $39.48 | 86 | $45.91 |
| Michigan | $41.45 | 92.7 | $44.71 |
| Delaware | $45.51 | 102.6 | $44.36 |
| Wisconsin | $41.93 | 95 | $44.14 |
| Wyoming | $40.38 | 92.8 | $43.51 |
| Indiana | $39.76 | 91.5 | $43.45 |
| Connecticut | $48.96 | 113.1 | $43.29 |
| Ohio | $40.59 | 94 | $43.18 |
| New Jersey | $49.02 | 114.1 | $42.96 |
| Nebraska | $38.36 | 90.1 | $42.57 |
| Mississippi | $36.30 | 85.3 | $42.56 |
| Pennsylvania | $42.08 | 99 | $42.51 |
| Alaska | $52.51 | 124.4 | $42.21 |
| Louisiana | $38.83 | 92 | $42.21 |
| Missouri | $37.30 | 88.4 | $42.19 |
| Kentucky | $39.31 | 93.8 | $41.91 |
| Colorado | $44.10 | 105.5 | $41.80 |
| Kansas | $36.65 | 87.7 | $41.79 |
| Tennessee | $37.61 | 90.4 | $41.60 |
| Rhode Island | $45.71 | 110.5 | $41.37 |
| North Carolina | $39.68 | 96.1 | $41.29 |
| Virginia | $42.48 | 103.1 | $41.20 |
| Arizona | $43.96 | 107.2 | $41.01 |
| New York | $51.26 | 125.1 | $40.98 |
| South Carolina | $39.13 | 96.5 | $40.55 |
| West Virginia | $36.53 | 90.3 | $40.45 |
| North Dakota | $38.07 | 94.6 | $40.24 |
| Iowa | $35.87 | 89.7 | $39.99 |
| Florida | $40.75 | 102.3 | $39.83 |
| Utah | $39.95 | 101.5 | $39.36 |
| Arkansas | $35.05 | 90.3 | $38.82 |
| Alabama | $34.31 | 88.8 | $38.64 |
| Montana | $39.88 | 103.7 | $38.46 |
| Idaho | $39.95 | 106.1 | $37.65 |
| New Hampshire | $42.98 | 115 | $37.37 |
| Maryland | $44.27 | 119.5 | $37.05 |
| Vermont | $42.49 | 114.9 | $36.98 |
| Maine | $40.55 | 111.5 | $36.37 |
| South Dakota | $33.19 | 93.8 | $35.38 |
| Massachusetts | $52.33 | 148.4 | $35.26 |
| District of Columbia | $51.37 | 148.7 | $34.55 |
| Hawaii | $57.55 | 179 | $32.15 |
The Role of VisaMadeEZ in Recruiting International Nurses
As healthcare organizations face the daunting task of addressing the nursing shortage, VisaMadeEZ is here to support your efforts in hiring qualified international nurses. Our team of immigration law experts specializes in:
- Visa Assistance: We guide healthcare organizations through the complex process of obtaining the appropriate visas for international nurses, ensuring full compliance with all relevant regulations.
- Credential Verification: We assist in verifying the credentials and qualifications of international nursing candidates, ensuring they meet the necessary requirements to practice in the United States.
- Onboarding Support: We provide comprehensive support throughout the onboarding process, helping international nurses navigate the cultural and administrative challenges of relocating and integrating into the U.S. healthcare system.
- Ongoing Legal Counsel: Our team of immigration attorneys is available to provide ongoing legal guidance and support, ensuring that healthcare organizations remain compliant with all relevant laws and regulations.
By partnering with VisaMadeEZ, healthcare organizations can access a pool of talented international nurses, while streamlining the hiring process and ensuring a smooth transition for both the organization and the new hires.
Conclusion
The nursing shortage in the United States presents a significant challenge, but it also presents an opportunity for healthcare organizations to explore the vast pool of qualified international nursing talent. By partnering with VisaMadeEZ, an immigration law firm specializing in healthcare staffing, organizations can navigate the complexities of hiring international nurses and build a strong, diverse, and committed workforce to provide exceptional patient care.
Contact VisaMadeEZ today to learn more about how we can help your healthcare organization address the nursing shortage through the recruitment of top international talent.