By Mia Logan

January 27, 2025

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How to Have a Successful Nursing Career in a Foreign Country

The noble and fulfilling field of nursing is international. The prospect of fresh chances and experiences inspires many nurses to pursue their careers abroad. Whether you are thinking about relocating abroad to practice nursing or have already made the move, this guide will offer you insightful information and practical advice to help you have a prosperous nursing career abroad.

Research and Understand the Nursing Landscape

It’s essential to do extensive study and obtain a thorough understanding of the nursing environment in your selected location before starting your nursing career abroad. Learn about the country’s healthcare system, nursing license requirements, and rules governing the profession of nursing before you do anything else. Making educated selections regarding your professional path requires having a thorough understanding of the facilities that are available in that area, such as public hospitals, private clinics, and specialized care centers.

nursing career abroad

The process of comprehending the healthcare system has many facets. It entails exploring the system’s architecture, the financing of healthcare, the function of governmental organizations, and the unique difficulties it encounters. 

Knowing that every country has a different approach to healthcare can not only assist you in navigating it but also give your nursing practice some context. Researching the accessibility of healthcare resources, such as pharmaceuticals and medical devices, is important because it can affect the kind of care you can deliver.

Credential Evaluation and Licensure

You normally need to have your qualifications reviewed and receive the required licensure in order to practice nursing abroad. Start early because the process can be complicated and time-consuming. The licensure procedure is governed by nursing regulating authorities in several nations. Be ready to present proof of your education, training, and professional experience. In order to prove your competency in the language of the host nation, you might also need to pass language proficiency tests like the IELTS or TOEFL.

For nurses working abroad, obtaining the required certifications and licensure is frequently a big obstacle. It’s crucial to carefully acquire all necessary paperwork and follow all deadlines set forth by regulations. Depending on your area of specialization, some nations may demand additional qualifications or tests. Always check with the appropriate regulatory body and follow their guidelines precisely to ensure a smooth transition into your new nursing role.

Continuing Education and Professional Development

With the development of medical research and technology, nursing is a dynamic subject that is always changing. Make a commitment to continued professional development if you want your nursing career in a foreign nation to succeed. Keep up with the most recent clinical procedures, medical developments, and rules. Look for chances to complete extra training or receive certification in nursing specialties that are in demand in the country where you will be working. Continuous learning improves both your abilities and your value as a resource for your healthcare organization.

Professional growth encompasses management and leadership abilities in addition to clinical expertise. Consider pursuing advanced degrees in nursing or healthcare administration to enhance your career prospects and impact on patient care. This is particularly true if you’re interested in making the most of your time abroad and learning as much as you can about nursing and working with different kinds of patients. The only way to make that happen is by finding a professional facility like the amazing John Sagar Renal Centre, where you can learn everything you need and stay with patients who are getting healthier and healthier before your eyes!

Cultural Competency and Adaptability

Nursing entails dealing with individuals from various cultural backgrounds in addition to providing medical treatment. Building trust with patients and providing high-quality treatment both depend on developing cultural competency. Spend some time getting to know the locals’ traditions, faiths, and values. Accept the chance to fully immerse oneself in the culture and be receptive to new ideas and methods of operation. For a successful nursing career overseas, cultural awareness and the capacity to function well in a multicultural context are essential abilities.

nursing career abroad

Understanding cultural variations is only one aspect of cultural competency; respect for various viewpoints and behaviors is another. Recognizing that each patient may have particular healthcare ideas and preferences is important. Empathy, attentive listening, and a readiness to cater to specific needs are all necessary for establishing trust with patients. Your nursing practice will be enriched by accepting cultural variety, and you’ll be better prepared to give patients individualized treatment that takes into account their cultural environment.

Networking and Building Relationships

Success in any field, including nursing, depends on developing a strong professional network. To network with peers, mentors, and possible employers, attend nursing conferences, seminars, and workshops in your host nation. Become a member of nursing associations or organizations that are pertinent to your profession. Networking can help you find employment, get support and direction, and learn the intricacies of your region’s healthcare system.

In addition to helping your career, networking allows you to share your knowledge and learn from others’ experiences. Engage with local nurses and medical experts to learn more about the special possibilities and difficulties faced by your host nation. Creating connections with people at work and in the larger nursing community can help you grow as a professional and as a person.

Legal requirements and nursing ethics are global principles that direct the industry. Even in a foreign nation with distinct cultural norms and medical practices, it is crucial to uphold these standards. In your nursing practice, uphold the highest standards of integrity by respecting patient privacy, informed consent, and personal and professional boundaries. Make sure you are completely compliant by being familiar with the legislative framework governing nursing practice in your host nation. Following the law and ethical guidelines safeguards both your career and the profession of nursing as a whole.

Nursing practice involves fundamental ethical considerations that cut across cultural boundaries. You must put the needs of your patients first, respect their privacy and confidentiality, and act in their best interests. Learn about the nursing code of ethics in the nation where you are staying because it can have different rules or cultural quirks than what you are used to. Building confidence with patients, coworkers, and employers by consistently upholding ethical and legal standards enhances the standard of treatment.

It can be tremendously rewarding, both professionally and personally, to have a prosperous nursing career abroad. However, it necessitates thorough preparation, devotion, and ongoing learning. As you begin your nursing career abroad, keep in mind that there may be difficulties along the way, but with perseverance and the correct attitude, you can get through them and succeed in your chosen field. Following these recommendations will help you realize your career goals and have a good impact on healthcare systems all around the world. Nursing is a profession that is practiced all over the world. Your experience working as a nurse abroad will broaden your perspectives, aid in the well-being of many communities, and advance your professional development.

Interested in a travel nursing job? Our job board is a great place to search for assignments, and if housing is an issue, our housing page can help. It’s time to make a difference!

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By Theodora Evans

June 9, 2024

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International Travel Nurse: 7 Best European Countries

Leaving your country searching for better job opportunities is not uncommon these days. Regardless of their profession, many individuals seek employment in a foreign country. If they believe that the standard of living, quality of life, and salaries are superior to those of their homeland. The situation is no different for travel nurses. If you are a travel nurse looking for a job in a European country, look at the list below for the 7 best European countries for international travel nurses to work in or travel to. They are listed in no particular order.

international travel nurse

Best European Countries for International Travel Nurses to Work in or Travel to:

*Please note pay rates are subject to change

1. The Netherlands

The first destination on our list of the best European countries for international travel nurses to work in or travel to, and one you definitely cannot overlook, is the Netherlands. The Netherlands has one of the most stable economies and potentially the best healthcare system in Europe. It’s easy to see why health professionals flock to this country.

Having a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) that is accepted internationally is vital. Then, register with the BIG register (for healthcare professionals) to be able to work in the Netherlands. Next, obtain a work permit and see whether you need an employer to sponsor you. Also, while most Dutch people are fluent in English, understanding the local language will be a huge advantage. So, get to grips with it. €55,000, or roughly $60,500, is the average salary you can expect.

2. Germany

international travel nurse

According to research published by the Federal Employment Agency, there is a massive shortage of nurses in Germany. For every 100 vacancies, there are only 19 geriatric nurse candidates. In addition to reforming its nursing training, Germany recruits professionals from other countries.

If you’re considering this destination, you will need a license. And quite possibly an adaptation course to ensure your language and professional skills meet the requirements. Moreover, you might need a visa, depending on where you are from. For the visa to be issued, you must take out the relevant insurance. Regardless of how long you will be staying in the country. While the salary may differ due to skills, experience, and location, a monthly average is around 3,500 EUR or $3850, which can amount to over €40,000 or $44,000 per year.

3. Switzerland

Germany’s southern neighbor – Switzerland – is another place with a shortage of nurses. However, the Swiss are a little more strict in accepting foreign workers. One of the prerequisites is that you speak at least one of their national languages, German, Italian, and/or French. Knowing only English is not acceptable, and you will have to pass an exam for one of those languages, depending on where you seek employment.

The Swiss Red Cross is in charge of overseeing all applications and credentials for foreigners. As of 2015, the cost of having your credentials evaluated is around €550 or a little over $600; it can take several months before it is completed. The average salary for nurses in Switzerland is around €52,000 or $57,000.

4. Luxembourg

Luxembourg might be a tiny country. However, its economy is anything but. While known as a tax haven, this micro-state nestled between Germany, Belgium, and France is also an amazing location for healthcare workers. The biggest downside here is probably the fact that due to its size, getting a job there is very difficult, and people sometimes wait for years for an opening. You must petition the Ministry of Health and obtain a visa to be considered for a position in Luxembourg.

However, if you manage to get your foot in the door, you will experience plenty of benefits. Seeing as how this country has the highest nurse salaries in the world – ranging from €54,000 to €113,000 or $59,000 to $124,000.

5. Norway

international travel nurse

This Scandinavian country, home to countless gorgeous fjords, cannot be skipped when it comes to finding employment in the healthcare sector. Thanks to their socially progressive attitude and standard of living, it is no wonder that their healthcare system is top-notch as well. Due to longer life expectancy nowadays. It is thought that Norway will require more than 100,000 healthcare workers in the next 20 years. Most of them will have to come from other countries.

However, in order to work in this Nordic country; you will have to obtain a visa, speak Norwegian well, and receive certification from The Norwegian Registration Authority for Health Personnel (SAK). Salaries are usually upwards of €47,000, but some experienced and specialized nurses can earn even over €90,000 or $99,000.

6. Denmark

Another Scandinavian country finds itself on this list, and it is to be expected considering the quality of life in these northern nations. Seeing how healthcare in Denmark is financed by taxpayers and allows residents to receive medical aid more easily. If you’re planning on moving to this country, in addition to mastering the language, you should keep in mind that the government will have to give you authorization in order to get a work permit. However, you’ll be glad to hear that qualified and experienced practitioners with a degree are always welcome. In terms of money, you can expect around €44,000 euros a year or $48,400.

7. Ireland

A good option for English-speaking nurses, Ireland is another destination that provides variety and plenty of opportunities. Registering with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) is obligatory in order to be a nurse on the Emerald Isle. It is stressed not to move to Ireland or apply for a job before your credentials have been checked. And you’ve received certification from the Board.

An English proficiency exam is necessary regardless of whether you are a native English speaker or not. Then, applicants have to provide some info and go through a background check and fingerprinting. And naturally, a visa is also required. International travel nurse salaries here vary and can range from €30,000 to €58,000 or $33,000 to 63,800.

These are the seven best European countries when it comes to finding a job as an international travel nurse.

They provide amazing conditions and salaries for international travel nurses; however, make sure you have all the right documents and certificates and properly prepare for all possible exams. Good luck!

We hope that this article on the best European countries for international travel nurses to work in or travel to has helped you on your travel nurse journey. Are you an international travel nurse? Would you like to share your experiences with others? Comment below.

If you want more information on being an international travel nurse or volunteering, the following articles are great resources:

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

By ONESTAFF MEDICAL

February 10, 2023

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Seize Global Opportunities: International Travel Nursing Await You

Onestaff Medical provided this article.

Have you been dreaming of traveling the world as a nurse? You’ve probably heard of Doctors Without Borders, but did you know that being an international nurse is also an option? International travel nursing gives nurses the opportunity to travel the globe while working and providing care to patients in need.

If you have ever considered traveling internationally as a nurse, keep reading to learn how to get started.

Keep in mind that OneStaff Medical does not offer international travel nursing contracts. We do, however, believe that our nurses should be informed of all of their options.

Can Travel Nurses Work Internationally?

Travel nurses can, in fact, work internationally. While some nurses elect to travel within the United States, others may want to see more of the world. There are numerous opportunities for nurses to travel internationally, but they aren’t always easy to find.

Just like the U.S., other countries also face widespread nursing shortages. In countries that have recently experienced a natural disaster or disease outbreak, nursing shortages are common. When nurses travel to these locations, they can learn valuable new skills, medical techniques, and even other languages.

International travel nursing might be the perfect next step in your career, but how do you get started in this unique profession?

How To Become an International Travel Nurse

Becoming an international travel nurse is very similar to doing so in the United States. You will need to have a valid license in the U.S., and you are likely going to need additional certifications or licenses to work in other countries. Since each country has different requirements, it is important to do your research to see what you will need to acquire prior to accepting an international travel nursing position.

Most countries will require visiting nurses to have the following:

  • A bachelor’s degree in nursing or a diploma from an LNP training program
  • Completion of clinical hours
  • A current nursing license with proof of licensing
  • Documentation of a passed National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) or equivalent LPN exam
  • Specific vaccinations prior to traveling

Working with a travel nursing agency that deals with international placements will be a major advantage for you. Your recruiter should be able to help you determine the qualifications you need for international travel nursing based on the locations you are considering. They can also help you find the placements that you are looking for.

Nurses that have certain specialties may be in higher demand overseas for many reasons. Specific diseases or illnesses are best cared for by nurses with particular specialties, making these nurses incredibly valuable. Before taking on international nursing jobs, you may want to consider certification or an advanced degree in one of the following:

  • Cardiology
  • Pediatrics
  • Anesthesia for ICU
  • Neonatal
  • Labor and Delivery
  • ER

If you have experience in one of these specialties, including it on your resume can help you land international nursing jobs in the countries of your choice. Gaining experience in one of these specialties prior to applying for international travel nursing contracts can help you land the gig you really want over other candidates.

If you have never traveled as a nurse before, we would recommend doing so domestically before you branch out to overseas assignments. Travel nursing isn’t for everyone, so it is best to test the waters before making a big commitment to a foreign assignment. International travel nursing can also come with a unique set of stressors, including:

  • New techniques
  • Foreign languages
  • Different culture
  • Different climate
  • Unfamiliar facilities

It is best to see how you handle the weight of a travel nursing assignment in the U.S. prior to adding these additional stressors with an international position.

What Places in the World Are Travel Nurses Most Needed?

International travel nurse jobs can be found all over the world, but there are certain parts of the world that have a higher need than others. Some of the countries with the most need include:

  • Australia
  • China
  • New Zealand
  • Middle Eastern countries

Although these countries have the most need, it is vital that nurses can communicate with other healthcare facility staff and their patients, so you will probably need to know the language well enough to communicate. For this reason, many nurses choose to travel to English-speaking countries. Those nurses who are fluent in another language are more valuable because they can be sent to non-English-speaking countries.

If you have dreams of working in a certain area of the world, it might be a good idea to start taking classes in the language(s) they speak in those areas. You might even need medicine-specific language training to effectively work in hospitals in these countries.

6 Tips for Being Successful as an International Travel Nurse

Now that you know how to become an international travel nurse, here are a few tips to help you find success on this new, exciting journey.

1.      Make Sure Your Nursing License Can Transfer

Licensure is critical in the nursing field, and that doesn’t change in other countries. Before you decide to accept a travel nursing position abroad, make sure that you have the required licensure. If not, do the work to get the license you need in place prior to accepting a position.

2.      Know What’s Required for Getting Hired Abroad

In addition to getting your licensing in order, make sure that you meet the other requirements for any position abroad that you are interested in. For example, a specialty may be required for some international travel nursing jobs. Understanding these requirements prior to searching for a position allows you time to learn and gain certifications in these areas.

To work legally in another country, you will also need a passport, a visa, a work permit, and potentially a sponsorship. Some countries will also require a birth certificate.

Professional references and college transcripts may also be requested. In some countries, facilities will want to verify your education and diploma against their own country’s standards.

Some countries also require certain vaccines before you are permitted to work there. If this is the case in the country you are pursuing work in, you will need to provide immunization records. You should look into all the requirements a country has before agreeing to a nursing position to ensure that you can meet its conditions.

All in all, it could take a year and a lot of money to be ready to leave for an international travel nursing job.

3.      Understand the Logistics of Each Assignment

In the U.S., most assignments are 13 weeks. There is a bit more variety in contract lengths abroad, but many last between one and two years. Shorter volunteer assignments are also common, although some shorter assignments will be paid, as well. Since these contracts look different than domestic ones, you need to make sure that your assignments aren’t overlapping or longer or shorter than you’re expecting.

During your stay, you will also need housing and food. You should determine what, if anything, is covered in your contract. These extra benefits could allow you to bring home more money at your assignment, but they aren’t going to be offered by every facility in every country.

Finally, salary expectations may also be different depending on the country, and you might have to research exchange rates and taxes to truly understand what your take-home pay will be. Your agency should be able to help you understand the pay and any additional benefits offered to you.

4.      Plan Out Necessary Expenses

Traveling abroad can be quite expensive, and you aren’t going to want to bring nearly as much as you would for a normal travel nursing assignment. Most travel nurses are accustomed to bringing only the essentials, but you will want to narrow down your packing list even more when you are flying across the world.

Depending on your destination, housing, utilities, food, and other basics may also be more costly. For example, American staples tend to be much more expensive when imported, especially on islands.

Once you understand what your take-home pay will be based on the local currency and its exchange rate with the U.S. dollar, you can start to create a budget based on average prices in the area you will be living in.

Since these assignments are often much longer than domestic stints, it is essential that you know what costs you are responsible for covering and what your compensation will allow you to afford in that country during your assignment.

5.      Weigh Benefits vs. Risks

There are always risks associated with taking a position in a foreign country. For most of us, leaving the United States means leaving our comfort zone where friends and family are nearby to help should times get rough. Other risks may include missing out on great jobs closer to home or being exposed to illnesses that you won’t find in the United States.

However, there are many benefits to leaving your comfort zone and gaining new experiences. In fact, many nurses talk extensively about all the benefits they have experienced, such as the joys of experiencing new cultures, foods, and places that they may otherwise have difficulty visiting. Much like domestic travel nursing, there is downtime for nurses to explore the region and immerse themselves in the local culture.

Since family may be far away, scheduling visits can be fun for both parties. Find a time when your family or friends can come visit and experience everything you enjoy in your temporary new home. You can also find time to visit home for a few days, as well.

6.      Understand What Opportunities Are Out There

Every country offers unique travel nursing experiences. It is important that any nurse interested in international traveling is aware of the numerous opportunities available to them. With so many different countries to choose from and multiple regions and types of facilities in each, there is so much to consider when looking into international travel nursing.

Before hopping on the first opportunity that arises, work with your agent to find the best assignment in a location that you can’t wait to visit.

How Much Do International Travel Nurses Get Paid?

Much like domestic travelers, international travel nurses are typically paid an hourly wage. For international travelers, there are several factors that determine pay, including:

  • Type of assignment
  • Location of assignment
  • Traveler’s qualifications and certifications

It is important to note that some overseas wages may be lower than what nurses are used to in the United States. Keep in mind that this could be due to a lower cost of living in that country or additional benefits that travelers will receive, such as:

Some countries also have tax-free assignments, where the travel nurses in that country aren’t expected to pay income tax on their wages, which can leave a lot more money in those nurses’ pockets.

If you are looking for an international assignment that pays well, here are the locations of the highest-paying international jobs:

  • Denmark
  • Luxembourg
  • Ireland
  • Norway
  • The Netherlands
  • Canada
  • The Middle East
  • The Virgin Islands

If you are interested in domestic travel as a nurse, contact OneStaff Medical today to start your journey with one of our knowledgeable recruiters. View our current job openings and talk to a recruiter about your next assignment.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

By Frank Hamilton

October 3, 2022

3084 Views

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How Can a Travel Nurse Learn & Overcome a Language Barrier?

The profession and duties of a travel nurse are similar to a staffing nurse that works in one location, but the resources they require for their job are different. For instance, if a staffing nurse has a language barrier with her patients, she can ask for assistance from the local translator who might be hired to the medical facility. A travel nurse doesn’t have this opportunity and has to learn to overcome language complexities on her own under any circumstances.

Language is very important for a travel nurse, as she has to understand her patients correctly as well as be understood by them in response. Surely, English is considered to be an international language that is known and available in various countries. However, there are still many locations where people don’t get any words in English, and travel nurses cannot predict what their new country will be like to learn a whole new language before moving. And travel nurses also don’t have enough spare time to learn new languages from scratch. Therefore, we would like to share the tips and hacks that will help travel nurses understand and overcome various language barriers.

Learn basic words and expressions peculiar to a new location

Travel nurses have several weeks before changing the location. It is the perfect time to find out more about the country and culture they are going to next, and also learn the basic vocabulary that will be useful for their work there. Travel nurses commonly know the words and phrases related to their duties and can write them down in another language to learn and memorize the correct pronunciation. The basic vocabulary will be quite enough for nurses. In urgent cases, you can always ask for assistance from the local doctors or nurses as well.

job board

Get language guides and dictionaries.

Phrasebooks are great helpers for people keen on traveling and travel due to their professions, like travel nurses. Such language guides commonly include all basic information about the language of your new location. The book is usually divided into certain subjects like transport, café, hospital, hotel and so on where you can find the suitable words and phrases to express yourself correctly. Phrasebooks are also small in size, and you can always take them to work to keep learning in your free time and look for the phrases you need to translate quickly.

Use online learning resources.

According to various posts from the custom writing service Best Essays Education, the approach to learning a new language for travel nurses depends on the duration of being in one or another country and place. For instance, if you stay in a certain location for a week or a bit longer, there is no need to attend learning courses and spend much money on education as language guides will be pretty enough for communication. However, if you are going to stay at a place for several months or even years, you should take a more serious approach to learning a new language. If you don’t have the opportunity to attend online classes for beginners, you can always find a suitable learning course online. Online courses have various types like speaking, writing, or combined. Just pick the most effective approach for you and learn wherever you are and whenever you have free time from your job.

Consider communication with native speakers.

The time needed to learn a foreign language from scratch and overcome a language barrier is very individual, as someone may need several months to speak well, while others may need years of deep learning to become proficient. Also, it depends on the complexity of the selected language. But no learning course can replace communication with native speakers. Instead of reading the language guides, spend some time talking with local people and practicing your speaking. Thus, you will learn much faster, more efficiently, and with more pleasure. But you still need to learn the basic vocabulary before moving on to talk with patients and be clearly understood.

Learn the language of gestures

Due to the writing reviews Trust My Paper, the language of gestures will be comprehensible in any part of the world. It is not obvious to learn all possible gesture combinations, but just learn the basics that will clearly convert the information for your patients and colleagues. Surely, it will add not much value to your language knowledge, but this approach will be your rescue at the very beginning.

Bottom line

Picking the right approach to learning the language and overcoming the language barrier is the key to becoming proficient in it in the short term. It is better to combine several methods of learning like reading the thematic literature, getting portable vocabulary and guides, and practicing your communication skills with native speakers.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)