OPT Contract Nurse RN Jobs
Contract Nurse RN jobs on OPT are available, but your 14-month STEM extension does not apply to nursing, standard OPT gives you 12 months. Most contract roles are through staffing agencies, which can sponsor H-1B visa or EB-3 if you transition off OPT. Licensing requirements vary by state, so confirm your RN license is active where the contract is located.
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Overview:
Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide.
The School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences houses the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice. The unit offers B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, M.S. in Pharmacology, Ph.D. in Pharmacological Sciences, and Pharm.D.
Responsibilities:
Under general supervision, the incumbent is responsible for the financial and administrative management of extramural and intramural funds that support various research, operations, and instructional programs within the school. Works with faculty and finance team on contracts and grants proposals and post-award management; provides financial analysis and reports. Develops research proposals, awards and/or transactions related to contract and grant management and maintains contract and grant records in compliance with institutional and research sponsor policies. Works on proposals of moderate scope where analysis of financial information or reports requires review of a variety of factors (e.g. budgets, salaries, expenses, etc.). Fully analyzes problems, gathers data and information, and recommends solutions.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- Ability to perform effectively under conditions of fluctuating workload.
- Ability to work efficiently and effectively under stress and with many interruptions, with conflicting deadlines.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to identify problems and recommend solutions and contingency plans.
- Strong organizational and time management skills and ability to prioritize workload and possess the flexibility to shift priorities to meet deadlines.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality in all business matters.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills and effective listening skills to independently analyze issues and present information and recommendations concisely, work effectively with people with diverse backgrounds.
- Ability to keep accurate and complete records, paying attention to detail and records retention requirements.
- Initiative and ability to work independently, cooperatively, and as part of a team.
- Ability to perform moderately complex financial analysis and customized reporting.
- Demonstrated competence in the use of spreadsheet and database software in financial analysis, fiscal management, and financial reports.
- Knowledge of federal, state and University regulations related to contracts and grants administration, including Uniform Guidance. Knowledge of grant funding processes, procedures and techniques.
- Working knowledge of University of California policies and procedures as they relate to general accounting, travel, contracts & grants, sales and service activities, equipment management, and gift administration.
- Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
- 1-3+ years of experience.
Preferred:
- Experience using Excel and campus financial systems, including KFS, KC and Data Warehouse.
TOTAL REWARDS:
In addition to the salary range listed below, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCI community. As part of this commitment, all applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the following conditions of employment:
- Background Check and Live Scan
- Employment Misconduct
- Legal Right to work in the United States
- Vaccination Policies
- Smoking and Tobacco Policy
- Drug Free Environment
- Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
The following additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements:
- California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
- E-Verify
- Pre-Placement Health Evaluation
Details of each policy may be reviewed by visiting the following page - https://hr.uci.edu/new-hire/conditions-of-employment.php
CLOSING STATEMENT:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.
We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.
UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact Human Resources at (949) 824-0500 or eec@uci.edu.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Contract Nurse RN
Confirm your RN license covers the contract state
Nursing licenses are state-issued. If your contract is in a non-compact state, you need a separate license there. Start the endorsement process early, some states take 60 to 90 days to process, which can delay your start date.
Target staffing agencies with a history of visa sponsorship
Many large travel nursing agencies have sponsored H-1B visa and EB-3 petitions for international nurses. Ask recruiters directly about their sponsorship track record before committing to any contract or relocation package.
Understand OPT's 12-month limit for nursing roles
Nursing is not a STEM-designated field, so the 24-month STEM extension does not apply. You have 12 months of OPT. Plan your H-1B or EB-3 timeline with that window in mind to avoid a gap in work authorization.
Ask about cap-exempt H-1B sponsorship through hospital systems
Nonprofit hospitals and university health systems are often cap-exempt H-1B employers. A contract placed at one of these facilities through an agency may qualify, letting you bypass the H-1B lottery entirely.
Keep your OPT employment reporting current
Contract nursing roles frequently change locations and employers. Each new placement must be reported to your DSO within 10 days. Gaps between contracts longer than 90 days can jeopardize your OPT status.
Get your NCLEX and credential evaluation completed before you search
Most contract RN roles require an active NCLEX pass and a credential evaluation from a body like CGFNS. Having both ready before applying removes a common barrier and signals to recruiters that you can start quickly.
Contract Nurse RN OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Contract Nurse RN on OPT?
Yes, you can work as a Contract Nurse RN on OPT as long as the role is directly related to your nursing degree and you maintain valid work authorization. Nursing is not a STEM field, so you're limited to 12 months of post-completion OPT. Each new contract placement must be reported to your DSO, and you cannot have more than 90 days of unemployment during your OPT period.
Does the STEM OPT extension apply to nursing roles?
No. The 24-month STEM OPT extension is only available to graduates of programs in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Nursing programs are not on the STEM designated degree program list, so Contract Nurse RN roles on OPT are limited to the standard 12-month authorization period. Plan your visa transition, whether H-1B or EB-3, within that window.
How do I find Contract Nurse RN jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists Contract Nurse RN positions from employers and staffing agencies open to candidates on OPT and visa sponsorship. Filtering by work authorization type helps you avoid wasting time on postings that require permanent residency or citizenship. Searching Migrate Mate specifically for OPT-friendly nursing contracts is the most efficient starting point.
Can a staffing agency sponsor my H-1B or green card after my OPT?
Yes, some travel nursing and healthcare staffing agencies have sponsored H-1B petitions and EB-3 green cards for international nurses. The EB-3 pathway is particularly common in nursing due to established PERM labor certification processes. Ask any agency recruiter directly about their sponsorship history and whether they have immigration counsel on staff before signing a contract.
Do I need a separate nursing license for each state where I take a contract?
It depends on whether the state participates in the Nursing Licensure Compact. Compact states allow nurses with a multistate license to practice without obtaining an additional license. Non-compact states require a separate endorsement application, which can take 60 to 90 days. Always verify the licensure requirement for the specific state before accepting a contract to avoid delays.