Options for nurses working abroad
Nursing shortages have been considered severe in the past, even during World War II. In fact, there was such a problem with extreme shortages in nurses during World War II, that the United States, initially reluctant to do so, finally accepted African-American nurse recruits and sent them to work abroad. A photograph of the first U.S. African-American nurses arriving in England can be viewed at African American Odyssey. Since then, American nursing options abroad have grown tremendously. There are many reasons a nurse may choose to work abroad, and many options available. It is imperative that students of nursing and nurses who are considering working abroad become knowledgeable of the requirements for the country where they wish to work.
The international shortage of qualified nurses
The issue of a lack of qualified nurses in many countries has opened doors for nurses wishing to work abroad. In fact, according to an article written by Carolyn A. Polt, R.N., and published in Transitions Abroad, nursing shortages have reached crisis levels in some countries, and there is a global shortage of qualified nursing personnel. Some of the countries with the highest shortages, according to Polt, are Canada, the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, just to name a few. The Center for Nursing Advocacy claims that the shortage of qualified nurses worldwide has become a global health crisis.
Qualifications for nurses wishing to work abroad
Although there may be many opportunities for nurses who wish to work abroad, it is crucial that they clearly understand and know not only the requirements for working abroad in general, but also the qualifications of the country where they wish to pursue their career. Nursing Abroad, based in the United Kingdom, suggests that the nurse considering working abroad learn how the health care system in the prospective country is organized, as some countries have very different working conditions and practices than other countries. Polt states in her article that the nurse considering opportunities abroad must provide a valid licensure to practice nursing, the required work visa for the country in which the nurse plans to work, knowledge of whether the country requires licensure with that country’s governing body of nursing, a working knowledge of the language of the country and an active American Nursing Licensure.
Some agencies or organizations that employ nurses abroad may have specific job opportunities for nurses. For instance, Doctors Without Borders requires that registered nurses have proper licensure as well as current or recent direct care experience and experience in teaching, training or supervision. To be considered for an operating room nurse position, the nurse must have two years of operating room experience and the ability to work in a low-tech environment and with an international team, among other requirements. Nursing students must undertake an educational program that will not only enable them to obtain necessary licensure, but also better provide assistance in obtaining positions in another country and other critical skills.
Benefits of nursing opportunities abroad
For the nurse who decides to pursue career opportunities abroad, there can be many benefits. First, in “Nursing jobs abroad—What you need to know first,” author Kelly Hunter reveals that not only is the salary most likely going to be better than if you were working in your own country, but in some areas some living expenses may also be paid for. She adds that nurses can gain invaluable experience and expand their cultural horizons. In her article, “The benefits of nursing abroad,” author Stephanie Larkin states that recent nursing graduates working abroad will gain diversified and valuable work experience, which will make them highly sought after upon return to the U.S. Additionally, Larkin asserts that experience can be gained in significantly less time than if the nurse remained in the U.S.
Considerations for nurses planning to work abroad
The nurse who plans to work abroad must consider a number of factors before undertaking such a career. The nurse or nursing student should consider personal reasons that he or she wishes to work abroad. They should consider where they wish to work and not be afraid to inquire about working conditions, says Larkin. Polt suggests that some benefits may outweigh the location. She mentions that for some nurses, the seven weeks' leave in some areas in England may be more attractive than the higher salaries offered in some other countries. Polt also suggests that if the nurse carefully considers his or her reasons for wanting to work abroad, then the nurse can effectively narrow his or her focus, successfully finding the ideal nursing position abroad. She concludes: “If you want to work abroad as a nurse, there is no better time than the present."
