Only when you I485, you can file EAD card, which is three years later after you file I-140. Current immigration law is very good to RN born in China. My friend is going to get a BSN soon, although INS saids with a BSN, in certain area like emmergency room, intersive care unit, you might able to apply H1B visa for working, but she just checked with laywer, they said it is very hard to get approved, the hospital has to demonstrate that this position is normally require BSN, which is very hard for hospital to do, because, even in these units, the majority nurses are ADN.
Sounds not very encouraging now, but hopefully, later the law will change back like last year when you can file I140/I485 together also file EAD at the same time.Let 's pray....