Nursing is a dynamic and rewarding field, but it can also be challenging and stressful. For those who want to live abroad or work with children, finding the right nursing job can seem daunting. Fortunately for nurses looking for an overseas position, there are many opportunities available both locally and internationally. This article will discuss some of the best places around the world where you can start your career as a foreign nurse, what qualifications you need to apply, and tips on getting started in this exciting new profession
What are the benefits of working overseas as a nurse?
There are many benefits to working abroad as a nurse. This can be especially beneficial for nurses looking to travel, gain experience in different settings, increase their overall skill set, and learn about new cultures. Working overseas offers unique opportunities that you just can’t find at home.
It’s widely documented that nurses working in countries with high needs have a greater chance of receiving a higher salary, as well as better work-life balance. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), nurses working abroad can often receive an average of 25% more than those who remain in their home country. In developed countries such as the UK and the USA, qualified nurses are required to deal with a high volume of patients, which can be quite stressful. While this may not sound like a significant difference, this can also lead to fewer sick days, which adds up over time. Working overseas offers nurses valuable insight into how healthcare is delivered in other countries and regions that they might not otherwise experience.
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If you are thinking about working internationally as a nurse, here are some additional benefits,
1. The ability to work in a country that speaks the same language as you
2. You will be able to experience different cultures and meet new people
3. You can make more money working overseas than in the United States
4. There are no taxes on your paycheck, so you get all of your earnings
5. Working abroad will allow you to broaden your nursing skills and knowledge base
6. You can take time off between contracts if needed for medical reasons or family commitments
How do I find an overseas job?
1. The first step is to research the different countries that are hiring nurses
2. Next, you need to find out which country has the best job prospects for you
3. Once you have chosen a country, check out their requirements and visa restrictions
4. If everything looks good, apply for one of the available jobs in your desired location
5. Finally, pack up your bags and get ready to start a new adventure!
6. Make sure that all documentation is complete before leaving home so there are no delays at customs or border control when arriving abroad
7. Once you find employment, make sure to follow your contract details and keep up on all of the paperwork like your visa renewal
When looking for an overseas job as a nurse, it is important to remember that you will be working in another country with different cultural norms. It is important to research how nursing is practiced in the area where you want to work. Some countries demand more training than others, which can result in having different requirements like certification, education, and language fluency.
If you are interested in working overseas or traveling while getting paid at the same time, here are some places that nurses are currently working around the world.
Many countries in the European Union are looking for qualified nurses. This is due to recent new legislation that has opened up borders and expanded job opportunities. Countries like Germany are struggling with nurse shortages across the board. The Europass website describes how the EU’s common policies can help you find work in another country.
- Canada
Canada is looking to hire between 60,000 and 95,000 new nurses by 2022. In order to find employment as a nurse in Canada, you must first apply for the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA). As of October 2017, all applicants must have a valid job offer before they can even apply for the CNA.
- New Zealand
In 2012, the median pay for a nurse in New Zealand was $60,000 USD. In September 2017, a report released by Union Health found that there were 3,500 nursing vacancies in New Zealand, which means it is one of the top places to work as a nurse overseas. Nurse educators are also in high demand.
- Australia
Nurses working in Australia make anywhere between $50,000 and $70,000 USD, depending on their specialty. According to an article written by David Gillespie (an Australian blogger), there is a lack of nurses due to the aging population. This means that these jobs will most likely be available for years to come.
- The United Kingdom
There are plenty of job opportunities for nurses in the UK, but competition can be fierce at times. Nurses who have worked as care assistants or enrolled in degree programs also tend to receive priority if they apply for an open position. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is a good place to look for education and career information if you are a nurse in the UK.
- Saudi Arabia
Nurses who work in Saudi Arabia often make six-figure incomes due to the high cost of living. There is only one hospital that employs foreign nurses, so it is difficult to gain employment without any prior experience or connections. For this reason, many nurses look for jobs in Kuwait instead where most clinics are willing to hire brand new nurses.
- Qatar
The standard salary is $2,500 QAR with benefits that include free accommodation and health insurance. Unfortunately, there are only a handful of hospitals that offer these types of benefits which makes it difficult for nurses to find work in Qatar.
- South Africa
The high cost of living, combined with the high turnover rate, makes it difficult to get employed as a nurse in South Africa. The National Department of Health is always looking for nurses, but they also have strict qualifications that must be met before being hired. If you are a qualified nurse, you may have to work as a caregiver for a few years before being reconsidered.
- New Caledonia
Nursing is at the top of the list for careers in New Caledonia. In order to be considered for employment as a nurse, you must first apply with Pays-Caledonian. If you are chosen to be an employee, this is considered a job for life with the government.
- Switzerland
Nurses must first apply with Pôle Emploi in order to work in Switzerland. The salary usually begins at around 3,000 CHF per month but can increase after years of experience.
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Nurses who live and work in the UAE as registered nurses can expect to earn about $3,000 USD per month. High standards of care are expected at all times, so many nurses move to the UAE for better job opportunities and for a higher quality of life.
- Argentina
The average salary for a nurse in Argentina is $1,000 USD per month. Although this isn’t enough to live comfortably, it’s still better than some of the salaries that are offered in other parts of the world. You will also receive off-duty pay that can be as high as $200USD per day if you work overtime.
- Israel
Nurses have a median salary of $3,000USD per month plus benefits that include food and housing allowances. Specialities are also offered higher salaries than nurses who work in general care. The job market for nurses is competitive in Israel, but it’s still one of the best places to live if you want to work in nursing.
- Brazil
Nurses who are hired in Brazil can earn up to $2,000USD per month if they work in the private sector. The government offers all nurses a minimum salary of $1,200 USD per month; however, this doesn’t come close to providing any type of quality of life.
- Ecuador
Nurses who gain employment in Ecuador can expect to earn $500 USD per month with full-time hours and benefits such as health insurance and paid vacation time. Even though this is a low salary, you will be living comfortably while working in Ecuador which makes it worth your while.
- Bolivia
Nurses have a median salary of $300 USD per month which is just barely enough to survive. The government provides paid leave and other benefits; however, you will find there are many open positions available in nursing because of the high turnover rate.
- India
The average starting salary for an Indian nurse is about $150 USD per month. The salary increases after gaining experience and by moving to a more populated area such as Mumbai or Delhi. There are an estimated 3 million nurses working in India, so it is considered one of the best places for work in nursing.
- Malaysia
Nurses who are certified in Malaysia will have no trouble finding employment which makes it one of the top places to live and work as a nurse. The downside is that you will only earn $200 USD per month depending on your experience and qualifications.
- The Philippines
The average salary for a registered nurse in the Philippines is $240 USD per month plus bonuses which can be as high as $120 USD. This doesn’t seem like a lot of money, but you will be able to live comfortably on just your salary.
- Thailand
The average salary of a fully licensed nurse in Thailand is about $100USD per month. Your salary may increase if you are willing to work at night or on the weekends, but this is considered part of the job and is not a typical shift.
What qualifications do I need to work internationally?
In order to work as a nurse outside of your country, you must first have the proper qualifications. In all instances, a nursing degree and a registration with the country’s board of nursing will be required.
However, if you are applying for a job in another country it is important to find out whether or not your foreign education will be recognized. In some countries, this isn’t an issue because the education system is similar to yours. However, for other countries, it can be a big problem if they don’t recognize your degree or license.
In addition to having the proper qualifications, you will also need a work visa which is usually sponsored by your employer. The visa will give you permission to work in your assigned country; however, it doesn’t always mean that you will be granted citizenship.
What are the visa requirements?
The majority of countries will require you to have a valid passport before they allow you entry into their borders. They may also ask for proof of your qualifications which can include your degree or nursing license. Your employer may also need to provide proof of your qualifications before you are accepted.
Once your visa is approved, most countries will require at least a three-month stay before allowing you to obtain citizenship. If you are looking for permanent residence in another country, it’s best to talk with the embassy or consulate before obtaining employment.
Tips for finding a suitable nursing position in another country:
Now that you know a little bit more about all the available options, it’s time to get out there and start looking for a job. Unfortunately, not every country is created equally when it comes to its pay scale, healthcare system, laws, and work conditions.
So in order to make this experience as stress-free as possible here are some tips to finding the job of your dreams.
If you don’t already have a degree in nursing, it’s best to get one before looking for employment. That way, when you are ready to apply for jobs, you will be able to list your degree on your resume which can set you apart from other applicants.
Try not to limit yourself to just one country. If you find a job that you like in another country, but the pay is lower than what you were expecting or it’s not exactly what you had in mind, don’t be afraid to try and negotiate with your potential employer for more benefits.
If at all possible, get certified in the language of the country where you are applying. This goes a long way when it comes to learning the country’s culture and makes you very marketable in comparison to other applicants who don’t speak the language.
Be flexible! Don’t be afraid to work at night or on weekends. Some hospitals in other countries need qualified nurses available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in order to keep patient care running smoothly.
Give it a try! There are plenty of opportunities out there that you may never know existed unless you look for them. A little research, some patience, and perseverance is all it takes to find the job of your dreams on the other side of the world
Conclusion
If you’re a nurse and want to work overseas, the best way to find an international nursing job is by researching potential opportunities. You’ll need strong language skills in order to communicate with your patients and co-workers as well as diverse cultural experiences that will help you understand different health care needs. Make sure you visit our website for more information on how we can help nurses find jobs abroad!
