OPT Registered Nurse Jobs
Registered Nurse jobs on OPT are available, but sponsorship adds a layer of complexity most employers don't advertise upfront. Hospitals and health systems that sponsor typically file H-1B visa or EB-3 petitions. Your 12-month OPT window, with a possible 24-month STEM extension if your nursing degree qualifies, determines how much runway you have to secure a long-term visa.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Responsibilities
The Registered Nurse utilizes the nursing process in providing nursing care to patients in all settings in collaboration with other health care providers. The RN is accountable for his/her own professional development and practice within the scope of care defined by law. Utilizing organizational resources, the RN acts as a patient advocate for the delivery of safe care including delegation of care and participation in performance and practice improvement activities. The delivery of nursing care within the Kettering Health Network reflects the missions, vision, values and philosophies, of the organization and nursing departments. The Registered Nurse reports to the department manager. The oncology clinic RN provides quality nursing care to patients experiencing hematological/oncological/surgical and radiation treatments and disease management. Possesses and develops understanding of the oncologic process and oncologic emergencies. Knowledgeable to instruct patients and their support persons about disease, symptom management and treatment as well as advocate for their needs.
Job Requirements
- Graduation from an accredited nursing program
- Licensed in the state of Ohio as a Registered Nurse
- Bachelor of Science in nursing is preferred (must be completed within 5 years of hire)
- BLS certification
- ACLS certification required within six months of hire
Skills/Other
- ONS chemotherapy and Biotherapy administration certification (or obtained within 6 months of hire if working in an infusion center)
- OCN certification preferred
- Demonstrates knowledge of and compliance to Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Chemotherapy/Biotherapy guidelines and able to administer these agents in accordance with ONS guidelines (if hired to an infusion center)
Preferred Qualifications
- Responsible for knowledge of drugs/chemotherapy/biotherapy/immunotherapy treatments and procedures provided.
- Central line management and assessment of port function.
- Ongoing patient assessment prior to, during and following administration of treatment.
- Able to ascertain patient symptoms in relation to patient’s regimen and other oncologic modalities of treatment.
- Able to assess and recognize oncologic emergencies and intervene appropriately.
- Serve as an advocate for patients and their families in relation to their cancer treatment & diagnosis. Able to interact appropriately with patients and families who are in times of crisis.
- Able to communicate effectively and appropriately with staff members and members of the interdisciplinary team. Responds to patient’s requests/needs timely and effectively. Documents all patient contact within the EMR.
- Identifies learning needs/style of patients and families and provides the appropriate education to them.
- Able to utilize the oncology Electronic Medical Record (EMR) for all charting, charging, retrieval of orders, scheduling, etc.
- Maintains a highly professional and positive attitude and behavior towards patients, families and staff.
- Inputs, retrieves and interprets data from patient chart/EMR in a timely manner.
- Follows up promptly on patient concerns and questions.
- Instructs patients and families regarding medications, treatment plans and aftercare instructions.
- Provides a calm and understanding environment in which the patient can receive cancer treatment resulting in a positive experience.
Overview:
Kettering Health is a not-for-profit system of 14 medical centers and more than 120 outpatient facilities serving southwest Ohio. Our mission is to live God’s love by promoting and restoring health. Our commitment to our patients is to help individuals be their best. With that context, safety is our top priority. We provide an integrated system of healthcare experts committed to providing exceptional care.
Job Responsibilities
The Registered Nurse utilizes the nursing process in providing nursing care to patients in all settings in collaboration with other health care providers. The RN is accountable for his/her own professional development and practice within the scope of care defined by law. Utilizing organizational resources, the RN acts as a patient advocate for the delivery of safe care including delegation of care and participation in performance and practice improvement activities. The delivery of nursing care within the Kettering Health Network reflects the missions, vision, values and philosophies, of the organization and nursing departments. The Registered Nurse reports to the department manager. The oncology clinic RN provides quality nursing care to patients experiencing hematological/oncological/surgical and radiation treatments and disease management. Possesses and develops understanding of the oncologic process and oncologic emergencies. Knowledgeable to instruct patients and their support persons about disease, symptom management and treatment as well as advocate for their needs.
Job Requirements
- Graduation from an accredited nursing program
- Licensed in the state of Ohio as a Registered Nurse
- Bachelor of Science in nursing is preferred (must be completed within 5 years of hire)
- BLS certification
- ACLS certification required within six months of hire
Skills/Other
- ONS chemotherapy and Biotherapy administration certification (or obtained within 6 months of hire if working in an infusion center)
- OCN certification preferred
- Demonstrates knowledge of and compliance to Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Chemotherapy/Biotherapy guidelines and able to administer these agents in accordance with ONS guidelines (if hired to an infusion center)
Preferred Qualifications
- Responsible for knowledge of drugs/chemotherapy/biotherapy/immunotherapy treatments and procedures provided.
- Central line management and assessment of port function.
- Ongoing patient assessment prior to, during and following administration of treatment.
- Able to ascertain patient symptoms in relation to patient’s regimen and other oncologic modalities of treatment.
- Able to assess and recognize oncologic emergencies and intervene appropriately.
- Serve as an advocate for patients and their families in relation to their cancer treatment & diagnosis. Able to interact appropriately with patients and families who are in times of crisis.
- Able to communicate effectively and appropriately with staff members and members of the interdisciplinary team. Responds to patient’s requests/needs timely and effectively. Documents all patient contact within the EMR.
- Identifies learning needs/style of patients and families and provides the appropriate education to them.
- Able to utilize the oncology Electronic Medical Record (EMR) for all charting, charging, retrieval of orders, scheduling, etc.
- Maintains a highly professional and positive attitude and behavior towards patients, families and staff.
- Inputs, retrieves and interprets data from patient chart/EMR in a timely manner.
- Follows up promptly on patient concerns and questions.
- Instructs patients and families regarding medications, treatment plans and aftercare instructions.
- Provides a calm and understanding environment in which the patient can receive cancer treatment resulting in a positive experience.
Overview:
Kettering Health is a not-for-profit system of 14 medical centers and more than 120 outpatient facilities serving southwest Ohio. Our mission is to live God’s love by promoting and restoring health. Our commitment to our patients is to help individuals be their best. With that context, safety is our top priority. We provide an integrated system of healthcare experts committed to providing exceptional care.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Registered Nurse
Target hospital systems, not small clinics
Large hospital networks like academic medical centers and multi-state health systems have dedicated HR and immigration teams. They sponsor far more consistently than independent clinics or small outpatient practices, which rarely have the infrastructure to manage visa petitions.
Check NCLEX licensure requirements by state early
You must hold an active RN license in the state where you'll work. Licensing timelines vary by state and can take weeks. Apply for your license immediately after graduation so it doesn't delay your OPT start date or a pending job offer.
Ask explicitly about H-1B sponsorship during interviews
Don't assume sponsorship is available because a hospital is large. Ask HR directly whether they have sponsored H-1B visa petitions for nurses before and whether they cover attorney and filing fees. This saves weeks of pursuing roles that won't work out.
Understand the EB-3 pathway for nurses
Many hospital employers sponsor nurses through the EB-3 green card route rather than H-1B. This involves PERM labor certification and takes longer, but it leads directly to permanent residence. Ask whether the employer offers this track alongside or instead of H-1B.
Use your OPT period to build specialized experience
ICU, ER, and OR nurses are harder to find than general med-surg nurses. Employers are more motivated to sponsor candidates with in-demand specializations. Using your OPT period in a high-acuity unit strengthens your sponsorship case significantly.
Confirm your nursing degree qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Not all nursing programs are classified under STEM CIP codes. Check with your DSO whether your specific degree qualifies for the 24-month STEM extension. If it does, you have up to three years total to secure long-term sponsorship from an employer.
Registered Nurse OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Registered Nurse on OPT without an H-1B sponsor?
Yes, you can work as an RN on OPT without an H-1B sponsor, but only for the duration of your OPT authorization, typically 12 months. To stay in the U.S. and continue working after OPT expires, you'll need an employer to sponsor a nonimmigrant visa like H-1B or begin an immigrant visa process like EB-3. Hospitals that hire OPT nurses often have sponsorship pathways already in place.
Does a nursing degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on the CIP code assigned to your specific nursing program. Some nursing degrees, particularly those in biomedical science or health informatics concentrations, qualify. Traditional BSN programs often do not. Confirm with your Designated School Official before assuming you have 36 months total. If you qualify, the STEM extension gives you significantly more time to find a sponsoring employer.
Where can I find Registered Nurse jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and international students and filters jobs by visa sponsorship availability, so you can focus on hospitals and health systems that have a track record of sponsoring. Searching general job boards wastes time on roles that won't lead to long-term status. Migrate Mate surfaces RN roles where sponsorship is confirmed or strongly indicated.
Do I need a U.S. nursing license before I can start working on OPT?
Yes. You must hold an active RN license issued by the state where you'll be employed before you can legally practice as a nurse. OPT work authorization alone is not sufficient. Licensing requires passing the NCLEX-RN exam and meeting each state's application requirements, which can take four to eight weeks or longer. Start the licensing process immediately after graduation.
Is nursing classified as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
USCIS has historically scrutinized H-1B petitions for RN roles because nursing doesn't always meet the specialty occupation standard, which requires a bachelor's degree in a specific field as a minimum requirement for the position. Some employers successfully petition by emphasizing advanced clinical settings or specialized units. BSN-level nurses in roles requiring that specific degree have a stronger case than generalist positions. An immigration attorney experienced in healthcare is essential here.