t-cell's Blog

Anti-Immigration Forces Dwindling

Some of you may have noticed that the usual anti-immigration rhetorics have really dwindled, even on our own little neck of the woods of the blogosphere.  They are practically non-existent.

Also, months ago I mentioned about people possibly being paid to troll websites.  Some had their doubts but unfortunately there really are people being paid to render whatever service is very common in America.  This includes infiltrating certain websites and true grass-roots movements just to create havoc.

Anti-Immigration Forces Dwindling

by Prerna Lal

Excerpts:

The anti-immigration movement is in complete disarray. While tea-baggers are fighting other tea-baggers, Jim GilChrist from the Minutemen has continued to distance himself from William Gheen, labeling him as someone who is simply in the anti-immigrant business for money. In growing desperation, William Gheen, founder of anti-immigration organization called Americans for Legal Immigration (ALIPAC), probably thought that the best way to get more publicity and more than a dozen protesters to an anti-immigration rally was to unite with tea-baggers.

Embracing Sec. Napolitano's Message

Excerpts:

Last week DHS Secretary Napolitano implied that immigration reform is the next challenge that the administration will tackle. The Secretary’s vision of Comprehensive Immigration Reform is a “three legged stool,” where the three legs are:

- a commitment to serious and effective enforcement;
- improved legal flows for families and workers; and
- a firm but fair way to deal with those who are already here.

It is the second leg of the chair that appeals to those interested in liberalized Schedule A visa numbers. A law such as HR 2536 will allow for a steady flow of internationally trained nurses and physical therapists and also compel the recruitment community to fund domestic nurse education programs through additional filing fees for visas.

Toward that end, Sen. Schumer and his staff reportedly are also rewriting part of the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for improved worker flows, including perhaps a progressive nurse visa policy in line with HR 2536. Legislators and the media should keep in mind that the stool has three legs.

DHS Secretary says Obama "Fully Committed" to CIR

DHS Secretary says Obama "Fully Committed" to CIR

Excerpts:

Regular readers of this blog know that the best chance for liberalization of Schedule A visas – registered nurses and physical therapists -- is for the language of HR 2536 to be folded into next year’s Comprehensive Immigration Reform. Sen. Schumer has taken the lead on this issue and is rumored to be working on a CIR bill.

Nevertheless there has been some skepticism about whether CIR will ever be introduced. Some, like Rep. Gutierrez are getting anxious.

*Read full blog:  http://blogs.ilw.com/nurse_immigration/

Re: WHO: Swine flu originating in Mexico could develop into a pandemic

H1N1 update

Calgary mom's H1N1 struggle reveals toll of deadly flu
'They told me.. . prepare for the worst'

Excerpts:

CALGARY - One week after complete respiratory failure prompted doctors to put 27-year-old Jaclyn Bates into a medically induced coma while she battled H1N1 flu, the Calgary mother of two young children is slowly waking up.

Her fiance, who just days ago was told by health officials to prepare for the chance Bates might die, called it a miracle.

"She's not coherent and she can't respond to commands from the nurses yet, but that's expected," said Rob Pearce, 25, who has lived with the fear of losing Bates since she was diagnosed with swine flu last Wednesday.

*Read full article: http://www.calgaryherald.com/health/Calgary+H1N1+struggle+reveals+toll+deadly/2213973/story.html

Report says hospitals are rebounding from recession

A bit of a good news.  This news will benefit more those still patiently waiting as it means the likelihood of your employers/petitioners canceling your pending petitions will go down. 

Even though we can never tell 100%, the probability of employers canceling pending petitions now will likely go down.  Let's face it, if they haven't chosen to cancel by now even after the deepest recession since the 'Great Depression' then it is unlikely they will now. 

Now, if only immigration cooperates then everyone will be happy.

Report says hospitals are rebounding from recession

Excerpts:

Hospitals are starting to rebound from the recession, according to a report released Monday.
Thomson Reuters Corp., a New York-based financial information company, tracked 439 hospitals nationwide – 37 in Texas – covering small, medium and large community hospitals and teaching hospitals.

Among the key findings:

•The percentage of hospital revenue left over after regular business expenses increased from zero in the third quarter of 2008 to 4 percent in the second quarter this year. In Texas, the proportion increased from 6 percent to 8 percent.

•The average number of days that hospitals could run their business with money readily available increased from 90 days in the first quarter to 150 days in the second quarter.

•The number of patients discharged from hospitals – the common way of counting hospital visits – dwindled when the recession started, but now it's growing.

*Read full article: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/stories/111009dnbusHospitalRebound.3d93a2a.html

Pacman wins TKO versus Cotto

Congrats, Pacman !!

Pacman wins TKO versus Cotto on 12th round, getting a record of 7 titles in 7 divisions

Meanwhile, another Filipino fighter (Z Gorres) was in a medically-induced coma after he underwent surgery to drain blood to relieve his skull of pressure build-up.  He collapsed in his corner after he won his 10 round fight the day before the the Pacquiao-Cotto fight.  Please put him in your prayers.

Initially, doctors from University Medical center (UMC) in Las Vegas said that he will continue to be in a medically-induced coma for the next 3-5 days. 

Latest reports, however, are saying that he reacted to the treatment better than anticipated (probably owing to him being an athlete) and allegedly already conscious and in stable condition.  Good news if this is true but prayers are still needed.

Re: WHO: Swine flu originating in Mexico could develop into a pandemic

H1N1 update

Swine flu has killed 540 kids, sickened 22 million Americans

Excerpts:

Swine flu has swept through about 22 million Americans from April to October, killing an estimated 3,900 people, including 540 children, health officials said Thursday.

The analysis represents the government's latest effort to assess a viral outbreak that in just six months has flooded emergency rooms and intensive-care beds in at least 48 states that have reported widespread flu cases. With flu season just beginning, an estimated 98,000 people have been hospitalized, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

"We've been tracking influenza for decades," says Anne Schuchat, director of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. "What we are seeing in 2009 is unprecedented."What the numbers don't reveal is what will happen next, because no one knows yet when the flu season will hit its peak or how many waves of cases to expect, says Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

The new national estimates are extrapolations of data drawn from a CDC emerging-diseases network of hospitals, laboratories and health departments in 10 states and from reports of hospitalizations and deaths, Schuchat says. They illustrate the extent to which swine flu, also known as H1N1, is hitting children, who account for 8 million infections, 36,000 hospitalizations and 540 deaths. In a typical flu season, about 80 children die.

*Read full article: http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-11-13-1Aflu13_ST_N.htm?csp=34&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+usatoday-NewsTopStories+%28News+-+Top+Stories%29

Re: WHO: Swine flu originating in Mexico could develop into a pandemic

H1N1 update

San Bernardino County declares swine flu emergency
Local officials hope that by declaring an emergency, they will be first in line for vaccines and other resources when available. But other counties and the state long ago made the same declarations.

Excerpts:

San Bernardino County public health officials have declared a state of emergency due to H1N1 flu, one in a series of federal, state and local declarations intended to position authorities to deal with people sickened by the new flu strain.

Re: requirement for ielts for rn in california

but i have one more doubt. u know i am planning to work for part time job and go for bsn course ( rn to bsn) .
is ielts required there for rn to bsn ?
and yah wht are the requirements that i have to do like anything i can do from india ?
please feel free to discuss.

-tenlha

You have to take that up with your prospective school if they require IELTS or any additional requirements. 

December 2009 Visa Bulletin

Essentially no change for all EB3.  EB3 India only moved 8 days.


*Source: http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/bulletin_4587.html

Re: How to apply to Illinois Board Of Nursing

hi t- cell,
i am planing to relocate at Algonquin, Illinois. and i already send an email to CGFNS and they said that they will state on the CES report whether our nursing education in the Philippines was in english or not, and if we are utilizing english textbooks. so no need to remind them of that.i hope the Board of nursing will waived it for me,and  also for those applicant who is seeking for Licensure in illinois. thank you so much..

-jayrfastdrip

If CGFNS will state that on their CES report then it's almost sure that IL will waive the IELTS req't, so don't worry. Your licensure in IL is in the bag !!

Good luck with your re-location and keep us updated.  Hopefully, in the near future you can come back here and share your insights on your experiences in IL specially as compared to CA.

Re: February 2010 CRNE

Mark, best of luck with your upcoming CRNE exam.  We'll be praying for you.  

Don't forget to always keep us updated here and post some pics as well when you find time for sightseeing.

Re: requirement for ielts for rn in california

Hi and welcome to the forum. 

CONGRATS for passing the NCLEX-RN exam !!

No, IELTS is not part of CA's requirements.  The only thing you lack now is the US SSN req't w/c you can easily get once you land in America via the family immigration process.

If you were petitioned via the employment-based immigration system then you would have been required to get a Visa Screen Certificate and one of the req'ts of Visa Screen certification is a passing score in IELTS or TOEFL but since you are going to America via the family immigration process, you do not need visa screen certification.

Where in CA will your family be located? 

Please keep visiting our site and post about your experiences as you adjust to a new culture and environment.  We would really appreciate reading about your experiences.  Share photos as well if you have time.

Re: WHO: Swine flu originating in Mexico could develop into a pandemic

H1N1 update

Saudi Won't Bar Hajj Pilgrims Over Swine Flu Fears

Excerpts:

(AP)  RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) - The Saudi health minister said Saturday that the kingdom will not bar anyone considered high-risk for swine flu from performing the hajj pilgrimage this year, though he urged countries where pilgrims set out from to take precautions.

The hajj, required of all able-bodied Muslims at least once in their lifetime, has become a concern for world health officials because the density of pilgrims - with shoulder-to-shoulder contact as they pray - has raised fears of a massive spread of swine flu.

The pilgrimage attracts about 3 million people from 160 countries annually and begins this year on Nov. 25, as the winter flu season approaches in the Northern Hemisphere.

The H1N1 flu has killed 66 people in Saudi Arabia, and the government invited international experts, including from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, in June to a conference to examine Saudi measures to prevent the spread of the disease during the Muslim pilgrimage.

The conference recommended that the elderly, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases and children skip hajj this year.

Health Minister Abdullah al-Rabeeah said it is the responsibility of individual countries to enforce those recommendations.

"Saudi Arabia does not ban anyone because hajj is a religious event," al-Rabeeah told reporters. "Saudi Arabia has put in place strong recommendations that we hope individual countries will abide by."

*Read full article: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/11/07/ap/middleeast/main5562703.shtml

Health Care Bill passes in the House

Although this is just 1 part of 2 because the Senate version of the bill needs to be passed as well, this event is still considered a milestone and may give the Senate a badly needed push.

The House passed the bill with 220 yea votes, 2 more than expected (218 is needed to pass the bill) and 1 unexpected Republican yea vote.

An impt. amendment (Stupak amendment) was also passed to be included in the bill to make sure no Federal money will be used to subsidize abortion. 

House narrowly passes landmark health care bill

Excerpts:

WASHINGTON – In a victory for President Barack Obama, the Democratic-controlled House narrowly passed landmark health care legislation Saturday night to expand coverage to tens of millions who lack it and place tough new restrictions on the insurance industry. Republican opposition was nearly unanimous.

The 220-215 vote cleared the way for the Senate to begin debate on the issue that has come to overshadow all others in Congress.

"It provides coverage for 96 percent of Americans. It offers everyone, regardless of health or income, the peace of mind that comes from knowing they will have access to affordable health care when they need it," said Rep. John Dingell, the 83-year-old Michigan lawmaker who has introduced national health insurance in every Congress since succeeding his father in 1955.

In the run-up to a final vote, conservatives from the two political parties joined forces to impose tough new restrictions on abortion coverage in insurance policies to be sold to many individuals and small groups. They prevailed on a roll call of 240-194.

From the Senate, Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada issued a statement saying, "We realize the strong will for reform that exists, and we are energized that we stand closer than ever to reforming our broken health insurance system."

*Read full article: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/11/07/politics/main5570400.shtml

Re: How to apply to Illinois Board Of Nursing

hi..
i am already license here in California, but i am currently applying for endorsement in Illinois, as i have more opportunities there. is it really true that Illinois waived the English proficiency requirement for Filipino educated RN? i already pass an application for CES report, do i need to send a letter stating that our medium of instruction in the phil. is english and we are utilizing english textbooks or CES will automatically state it on my CES report when they review my credentials.
thanks and more power.
Rev,

-jayrfastdrip

Hello and welcome to the forum, jay. 

If you haven't passed your application for the CES report, I would have recommended that you included a cover letter with it to remind them of that.  Since you already passed the application form, then you really don't have a choice but to wait it out to find out.  Next best thing to do I would suggest is to directly contact CGFNS to find out directly from them. 

If you don't mind, where in IL you plan to re-locate?

Re: WHO: Swine flu originating in Mexico could develop into a pandemic

H1N1 update

Seasonal flu may hit Europe after H1N1: experts

Excerpts:

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) – The H1N1 pandemic flu virus could kill up to 40,000 people across Europe and be followed by seasonal flu waves that could kill the same number, European health experts said on Friday.

The Sweden-based European Center for Disease Prevention and Control said epidemics of H1N1, known as swine flu, were now affecting almost all countries in the European Union but it could not predict how intense the peaks would be.

What was certain, it said, was that the pandemic would continue to kill thousands and put many patients into intensive care as the northern hemisphere's winter sets in.

*Read full article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20091106/hl_nm/us_flu_europe_1

Re: How to apply for the Visa Screen certificate for the first-time

Admin's note:

Just bumping this thread to facilitate new members applying for the visa screen certificate for the 1st time to post under here instead as this is the appropriate thread for 1st time applicants.

Thanks.

Re: CGFNS VisaScreen Renewal Questions

Admins' note:

Closing this thread temporarily for new comments to help divert new members who are applying for the Visa Screen for the first time to instead post on the correct thread.

Thank you for understanding.

Re: CGFNS VisaScreen Renewal Questions

ADMINS' NOTE

Hello everyone and new members.  Just reminding everyone that this particular thread is solely for questions about Visa Screen Renewals as the title of the thread indicates, so as not to go off-topic pls. limit questions posted on this thread about Visa Screen Renewal questions.

Any questions about applying for the visa screen certification for the first time, pls. go on this specific thread:  http://foreign-nurse.lefora.com/2009/02/27/visa-screening/page1/#post7008201 and post your questions there.

It is also advisable to back-read the thread firs and downloading and reading the instructions for the application packet.

Thank you for understanding.

P.S. Clickable shortcut links can also be found on our sidebar on the right and the thread about applying for the Visa Screen for the first time entitled 'How to apply for the Visa Screen certificate for the first-time' can be found there as well.

Re: CGFNS VisaScreen Renewal Questions

oh, so i can just send them $10 for the copy of test results and they will send the copy to CGFNS/ICHP? but how about the request for validation/license for visa screen form, will they fill it out with no additional charge? or i have to pay for it? m really sorry for having lots of questions, m just making sure.

-someone19

As I said, only one service will suffice and doing both is unnecessary. 

If you choose to do the $10 service, you do not need to do the 'request for validation/license' anymore. No need to send them that form anymore and just write a Request Letter for the 'copy of test results'.

Hope that clarifies everything.  Try to forget what you've read from the internet that you need to do both.  I'll say to you blantly that it is wrong.

So, to answer your question, yes.  Once you request for the $10 'copy of test results' that is all you need.  they will send 1 copy to where you instruct them to send it and as mentioned you can even instruct them to send it to other addresses you indicate in your letter such as your own address so that you can also have a copy for yourself.  Each copy is $10 and you can request for them to send as many copies as you want and instruct them to send it to multiple addresses as long as you indicate all the detailed mailing address and you pay for each copy.

Re: CGFNS VisaScreen Renewal Questions

which is which? $60 and the verification form or all that is said above and $70? hope any1 could help.

-someone19

Both the $60 verification service and the $10 copy of test result are accepted by CGFNS/ICHP. You only need to choose one.   Doing both is only going to be redundant.

Majority choose to just request CA BRN for the $10 copy of test results and it has always been accepted by CGFNS/ICHP.  A few choose to do the $60 because it is the safest thing to do. 

If you choose to do the $10 service, you only have to send a formal Request Letter (there are no forms for this, so a letter is needed) to CA BRN that a copy of test results be sent to CGFNS/ICHP as a requirement for the visa screen and enclose a $10 bank draft.  You may also choose to instruct CA BRN to send you a copy as well w/c I recommend doing as that serves as another proof of having passed the NCLEX via CA BRN.  This also has your digital picture taken before the exam on the letter. 

It will be $10 per copy and you can make out a single bank draft for the total fees.  Don't forget to include in your request letter an accurate mailing address of the places where you want those copies of test results be sent.

The tale of two health care reforms

In an ironic twist of events, in less than 24 hours that the American Medical Association (AMA) and AARP (American Association of Retired Person) took their stand of endorsing the House version of the Health Care Reform - the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) in charge of unbiasly analyzing the different versions put forth thrashed the Republican's 11th hour version of Health Care Reform saying that it will not cover as much people as compared to the Democrat version.  What's more stunning is not only does the Democrat version cover more people (36 million more vs. a measly 3 million more for the GOP version), the Dem version will actually decrease the budget deficit by $104 billion as compared to just $68 billion via the GOP version.  In short, the Dem version (even though not perfect - no plan is! ) is far, far more a superior plan compared to the GOP plan. 

It's ironic because we can actually see things forking out from these series of events that had unfolded.  One gaining more momentum, while the other loosing steam.

Congressional Budget Office Thrashes Republican Health-Care Plan

Excerpts:

Republicans are learning an unpleasant lesson this morning: The only thing worse than having no health-care reform plan is releasing a bad one, getting thrashed by CBO and making the House Democrats look good in comparison

This is a major embarrassment for the Republicans. It's one thing to keep your cards close to your chest. Republicans are in the minority, after all, and their plan stands no chance of passage. It's another to lay them out on the table and show everyone that you have no hand, and aren't even totally sure how to play the game. The Democratic plan isn't perfect, but in comparison, it's looking astonishingly good.

*Read full article: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/ezra-klein/2009/11/congressional_budget_office_th.html

AMA, AARP back House health care bill

Excerpts:

Washington (CNN) -- The push to overhaul health care received a major boost Thursday as the American Medical Association and AARP endorsed legislation drafted by top House Democrats.
The AARP, the nation's largest organization of older Americans, is a nonpartisan group that advocates for people 50 and older. The AMA, historically an opponent of health care reform, is considered one the nation's most influential doctors' advocacy groups.

"I want to thank both organizations again for their support, and I urge Congress to listen to AARP, listen to the AMA and pass this reform for hundreds of millions of Americans who will benefit from it," President Obama said at the White House.

The backing of those two groups comes as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-California, oversees final changes to the $1.1 trillion health care bill. The measure likely will come to a final vote Saturday.

*Read full article: http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/11/05/health.care/index.html

Re: CGFNS VisaScreen Renewal Questions

Admin's note:

Hi everyone and new members.  I would just like to suggest to try back-reading first on this thread starting from page 1 as some frequently asked questions may have already been asked and answered there.  If your query has not been previously been answered or discussed before, pls. don't hesitate to ask.

Re: CGFNS VisaScreen Renewal Questions

Hi, I would like to ask about the best thing to do regarding Visa Screen, I am here in the Philippines. I took my NCLEX Exam last Sep 2009 for the the state of Vermont, and I'm planning to take IELTS this December, I'm just worried because I've learned that there is expiration of 2 yrs for IELTS.  But my teacher told me, that I can apply for Visa Screen after taking IELTS so it will not expire, is it true?  is it necessary to take CGFNS to obtain Visa Screen? or NCLEX + IELTS to obtain Visa Screen is okay already? since there is retrogression, I know it will take time for us to go in the US, so I am hoping I can get VIsa Screen, is it true that it is valid for 5 years? 
I hope you can help me with this issue. Thanks in advance! :)

-chiechies

Hi and welcome to foreign-nurse.lefora.com

What your teacher told you is both correct and incorrect.  Let me explain further.

Once you submit your IELTS as part of the requirements for the visa screening and you've been granted the visa screen certificate you don't have to renew the IELTS anymore after 2 years BUT until only as long as the visa screen certificate is still valid.  The Visa Screen certificate is good for 5 years until you will be asked to renew it again.  It will only be at this time that you need to renew your IELTS again as part of the req't for the visa screen renewal is to give them a new IELTS results.  You still have to renew your IELTS once the Visa screen certificate expires after 5 years.

In short, the visa screen certificate has effectively extended the usual 2 years expiration that other institutions asks.  Note that this is only true for the visa screen certification. 

If you are going to use your IELTS for other purposes besides the Visa Screen Certificate, such as going to another country such as UK or Australia they will usually only accept IELTS results that are not more than 2 years.