Kenyan Nurse Consultants Limited and St Elizabeth Medical and Technical College Mukumu have launched a comprehensive training programme for nurses seeking jobs in the US.
The partnership provides specialised training to Kenyan nurses, focusing on the qualifications necessary to become a US Registered Nurse (RN).
Through this programme, nurses will not only gain relevant international certifications but also understand the registration and licensing processes required to work in the US.
Justice Justus, the recruitment manager for Kenyan Nurse Consultants, explained the critical role this programme plays in the global nursing workforce.
“The United States is currently experiencing a significant nursing shortage, and there are abundant job opportunities for qualified nurses. Through this collaboration, we are equipping our nurses with the necessary tools to secure positions in the US healthcare system,” Justus said.
The initiative comes at a time when the demand for healthcare professionals, especially nurses, is soaring worldwide.
With the US healthcare sector facing a projected nursing shortage in the coming years, this programme aims to bridge the gap by providing Kenyan nurses with the required expertise and certification.
The partnership will provide training in both theoretical and practical skills that align with US nursing standards.
Nurses who complete the training will be prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam, a mandatory certification exam required for all US nurses.
The exam ensures that nurses meet the clinical standards necessary to practice in the U.S. healthcare system.
In addition to the training, the programme also helps nurses understand the process for visa applications and the overall logistics of moving to the U.S. for work.
“This support is crucial, as it ensures that nurses are fully prepared for the challenges of working abroad, he said.
At the launch of the partnership, several local stakeholders, including representatives from the Kenyan Ministry of Health and education leaders, expressed their enthusiasm for the potential benefits this initiative brings.
The partnership has already attracted attention of prospective nursing students and health professionals who see this as a gateway to international career opportunities.
"This partnership is an excellent opportunity for our nursing professionals," said Dr Lucy Mwai, a lecturer at Mukumu College. "The US nursing sector is in great demand for qualified staff, and through this programme, we can enhance our nurses' qualifications, giving them the chance to work in one of the most advanced healthcare systems globally."
With over 50,000 US nursing vacancies expected to remain open in the coming years, Kenyan nurses, who are highly regarded for their training and work ethic, are expected to fill a significant number of these roles.
The partnership between Mukumu College and Kenyan Nurse Consultants seeks to not only increase the number of qualified nurses but also strengthen Kenya's presence in the global healthcare workforce.