American nurse looking abroad

Published

Can anyone tell me what countries need american nurses and which are the easiest for English speaking nurses??

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

I don't think any country needs American nurses. Are you looking to immigrate? Do you want to do volunteer mission work? Do you have an RN license with a BSN? (Many countries are BSN minimum). Jobs go to citizens first. EU countries like UK offer jobs to citizens then those with EU passports.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I do have a bsn and I am looking into moving abroad. Im just trying to get a feeling for what is out there!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Not much if not an EU citizen. Do you have specialty training & experience? (OR, critical care, pediatrics NICU) that will increase your chances. Most countries use midwives

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I do have a bsn and I am looking into moving abroad. Im just trying to get a feeling for what is out there!

Move as in permanent, or long working holiday visit? Huge difference.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Most likely the move would be permanent. I work in research primarily with psychiatric patients.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

The UK nurses are specialty trained in adult, pediatric, intellectual disabilities (developmental disabilities) or psychiatric/mental health.

perhaps consider looking at one of the international pharmaceutical companies or research organizations for sponsorship? Especially if you have solid, extensive experience...

Each country has it's own requirements for nurses and rightfully prioritizes citizens and permanent residents.

Are you looking at Europe (not too many countries with English as a primary language)? Australia/New Zealand? Middle East? Asia? Africa? South Africa? You need to narrow down your destination and determine if you are qualified to meet the immigration requirements and the requirements for nursing license/practice. You'd have to begin with the governmental immigration agencies then the nursing board (NMC for UK, APHRA for AUS, etc.)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I may try the research companies since i have 4 years of experience. I just want to know which countries are open to Americans. I dont really want asia or the middle east. Id rather it be europe.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

No countries are open to/seeking Americans per se. Most countries, aside from the Middle East, either don't pay nurses well or have zero need to recruit overseas. If not an EU citizen your ability to obtain work rights, licensing and a job will be limited. If not fluent in the language (and the UK requires IELTS even for English speaking immigrants) it will be impossible. Some countries have English as a secondary language but you must demonstrate fluency in the primary language to be considered safe to practice in healthcare.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I dont believe the UK requires ielts for english speaking, especially not americans, i have met quite a lot of american nurses here in the UK. but Australia does require IELTS for english speakers, which is crazy!

Also you could try the Republic of Ireland. I believe they take nurses outwith the EU. Good luck :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I checked it online and it appears that ielts exempt does not apply in nursing in the uk ! I'm shocked! Thats just ludicrious!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
I checked it online and it appears that ielts exempt does not apply in nursing in the uk ! I'm shocked! Thats just ludicrious!

It's not exempt. It's been a big complaint lately from US, NZ, AUS trying to get to the UK that they must pass IELTS.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion