Beginning a nursing career in the United States can be daunting, especially for foreign-educated professionals navigating unfamiliar systems. For Linden-born registered nurse Alisha Kingston, those early obstacles became the blueprint for a powerful resource now guiding nurses around the world—her book, Blossom Where Your Feet Are Planted. The book is available for purchase on Amazon.
Rooted in her experience, Kingston’s book lays out a clear, step-by-step pathway for Caribbean and other internationally trained nurses seeking to transition into the U.S. healthcare system. It is both a practical manual and a source of motivation, shaped by the challenges she faced and the lessons she learned along the way.
Kingston, MSN, RN—now based in North Carolina—is a mother of two and the wife of a Marine veteran. Speaking with Nightly News, she reflected on her journey from Guyana to the United States, the cultural adjustments she had to make, and the determination required to rebuild her nursing career abroad.
“I grew up in Linden. I went to primary school, high school, and nursing school there—Charles Rosa School of Nursing. That is where I began my nursing education, earned my diploma, and worked after graduating as the best clinical nursing student at that time,” Kingston recalled.
From Linden to the U.S.: A Redefined Path
After spending about three years working at the Linden Hospital Complex, Kingston migrated to the United States in 2014. She lived there for approximately 18 months and also attended Georgetown American University, where she initially pursued medical studies.
That path later shifted. Kingston discontinued the programme and redirected her focus back to nursing, completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and then a Master’s degree in Nursing Leadership. She is currently enrolled in a Nurse Practitioner programme, continuing to build on her professional credentials.
Turning Struggles into Guidance
In her interview, Kingston spoke candidly about the barriers many international nurses encounter overseas—ranging from imposter syndrome and discrimination to cultural adjustments and the complex process of transcript evaluation.
“It was a positive experience,” she said. “But when it came to nursing, I struggled with translating my transcript and navigating the system with limited guidance. I didn’t know many Guyanese or Caribbean nurses here, but my husband helped me adjust, and I am grateful for that.”
Those experiences informed the content of her book, which offers practical guidance on scholarships, financial planning, certifications, and long-term career growth.
“Whether you’re planning to move to the United States or are already here trying to restart your career, this book serves as both a guide and encouragement,” Kingston explained.
A Toolkit for International Nurses
Kingston is firm in her belief that foreign-trained nurses can thrive in the U.S. healthcare system. Her book provides detailed guidance on:
Preparing for and passing U.S. nursing exams
Navigating transcript translation and credentialing
Understanding regulatory and credentialing bodies
Crafting résumés for U.S. employers
Managing imposter syndrome
Planning career advancement and continuing education
“This book includes all the information I wish I had when transitioning to the USA. It outlines necessary steps—from transcript evaluation to job hunting—and covers topics that would have made my journey much easier,” she said.
Global Reach and Positive Response
The response to Blossom Where Your Feet Are Planted has been strongly encouraging. Kingston said readers from across the Caribbean and beyond have connected with the book’s message.
“It has been wonderful! The book isn’t just for Guyanese nurses but nurses worldwide. I’ve received feedback from across the Caribbean. It has five-star reviews on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and I’ve been featured in local newspapers and by my hospital. I have another book signing in January,” she shared.
Holding on to Identity Abroad
Adjusting to life in North Carolina, Kingston noted, has been different from living in states such as New York or Florida, where Caribbean communities are larger and cultural comforts more accessible.
“Here, the Caribbean population is small, so the food and culture aren’t as accessible. Whenever we visit Guyana or my husband’s parents in New York, we bring back as much as we can,” she said.
Still, she described her work in the U.S. healthcare system as deeply fulfilling, particularly when collaborating with fellow Caribbean professionals.
On the issue of discrimination, Kingston offered a measured response: “Because of how I carry myself, respect is reciprocated.”
She added that despite cultural differences, she remains “uniquely Guyanese.”
A strong believer in God, Kingston said she also wrote the book to support nurses who face microaggressions or cultural challenges—experiences she has witnessed among colleagues, even if she has not personally endured them.
She credits her success to the unwavering support of her family, noting that her mother often stepped in to care for her children while she worked on the book.
From Linden to North Carolina, Kingston’s journey is now lighting the way for others—encouraging nurses everywhere to grow, persevere, and, as her title urges, blossom wherever they are planted.
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Sorry extracted and edited from HGP Nightly News
