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Professional Development
The Role of International Nurses at Houston Methodist The Woodlands (HMTW)

By Angelina Brannon, MS, MA, RN, ACCNS-AG, CEN, NPD-BC, Professional Development Leader, Houston Methodist The Woodlands

Each Houston Methodist entity hosts a different number of international nurses. Over the past four years, Houston Methodist The Woodlands (HMTW) has welcomed 15 international nurses through a system-wide initiative in partnership with an international nursing agency. These professionals bring valuable clinical experience from various countries around the world. The agency manages recruitment, screening, and onboarding processes, helping ensure a smooth transition into the U.S. health care system. Additionally, international nurses must complete the registered nurse (RN) Endorsement Application through the Texas Board of Nursing.   During their first two years, these nurses serve as contract employees. As their contracts near completion, they meet with department leaders to determine whether they wish to remain with the organization. If they choose to stay, they transition into the standard onboarding process for new hires, according to Melissa Goykhman in Human Resources. International nurses contribute not only clinical expertise but also cultural diversity to the organization.