Considering moving to Spain, where do I start?

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Hi all, I'm a registered nurse in the U.S. My husband and I are considering moving to Spain (not permanently but likely for a year or two) for his job and I have no idea what my prospects are for being able to nurse there. My Spanish is pretty good but I don't know if it's at the level I would need to be able to work. And I just have no idea how to even get started figuring this out. Can anyone point me in a good general starting direction? I have done zero research and don't know where to begin.

Thanks in advance!

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l suggest you take a career break when you go to Spain enjoy the relaxed way of living or if you really want to work in Spain as a nurse just do voluntary work in order to get a feel of the system. It will be hard for you to get into the system (this part is speculation as you from a non EU country), if you do get in at all and one thing for sure is it wont be worthwhile in terms of job satisfaction or financial motivation (this l know for a fact work from working with Spanish nurses). Just my two cents but don't take my word for it you are welcome to try it out. Good luck!

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I don't know if it will be an option for me not to work, is the thing. We probably can't afford to just be on one salary. I know that might mean I have to work not as a nurse but I am hoping I can continue nursing if at all possible.

I'm curious to know more about what you've heard from Spanish nurses...

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You might manage to find work at one of the "international hospitals". They require their nursing staff to be fluent in at least two languages.

Depends on where you are going. If you at moving to one of the Costas with a high British resident population, you might find work.

But the wages are lower than you think, unemployment is high and as you don't have an EU passport your chances are very low.

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Thanks for the info. I'd be going to Barcelona.

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Hey! I'm a Spanish nurse currently working abroad. I'm sorry to tell you this but you may not find easy to get a job as a nurse in Spain (at least not as nearly well paid as in the US). If you are a native English speaker you are better off working in the sales/management field (I am not joking!). The healthcare job market remains unstable and working conditions are not the best.

You could contact Madrid/barcelona board of nursing and see what their advice is but it will certainly not be easy. Although eventually they should accept your studies as there is a reciprocity between the US/Spain in terms of Nursing qualifications (But my process to obtain a US license is taking over two freaking years!!)

On the other hand, as Barcelona is very touristic you could probably find something in the private sector but once again not very well paid. Contrary to the rest of the countries in the world, the payment in public-funded hospitals is better than in private ones.

I also recommend you to get an official language certificate in Spanish as you will definitely need that too (check Instituto de Cervantes for courses).

If you need any more detailed info send me and email and I will be happy to assist. I know how frustrating it is to obtain a license abroad but it is rewarding in the end.

Ps: barcelona is awesome to live and so quality of life so enjoy it! :)

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Hi! Just came across this post.. Did you have any luck working as a nurse in Spain? I am currently a nurse in the US and working on moving to Spain. I would love to hear about your experience!

 

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Specializes in ER.

Hi, I am a native Spanish speaking nurse in the US and also want to work in Spain to experience living abroad. Has anyone had experience so far doing this? Thanks!!

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