Moving to a different country for my husband but I don't want to go back to school.

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Hi nurse Beth, I'm currently reaching the end of my first year post qualification as a dual registered child and mental health nurse. My degree was an integrated under and post graduate so my certificate is an MSci. My first 10 months post qualification I have gained experience in PICU which has had its challenges but has also been a great learning experience. My husband and I are moving back to his home country Chile, early next year and I'm wondering about what to do in terms of work. I really don't fancy going back to school and re-sitting exams to be able to work as a nurse there, my degree was so intense and I said I'd never embark on school again. That being said, I love on the job learning as part of my role 🙂 I'm currently thinking about other options such as teaching or working in a private clinic/health practice to provide a better work/life balance and hopefully avoid more studying and exams, but have also considered travel nursing as I do love travel and could balance periods of work with time off but would miss my husband. Please could you help to shed some light on this situation? Your advice would be greatly appreciated

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

As a graduate with a Master's degree in science, a dual registration background in nursing, and English-speaking skills, you may qualify for several jobs.  

You may want to use a recruiting agency, job portals, and company websites for serious job searching.

Websites like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Indeed can be helpful for job searching.

Give yourself time to find your place on the job scene. Depending on where you live, your options will be more apparent after you've settled in. Research clinics in the area where you plan to live and reach out to see if they are hiring. Networking within expatriate groups and researching local job boards can provide valuable insights. At the very least, you'll begin to understand the opportunities better and the needed qualifications.

Here are some potential options:

  • International healthcare organizations. You may find one with roles for expatriate nurses without local licensure, such as community health workers and clinical researchers focusing on outreach and research initiatives.
  • NGOs and nonprofit organizations. Explore roles such as health educators and project coordinators to promote community health, work on public health campaigns, and educate communities on health issues such as nutrition, maternal and child health, or chronic disease management.
  • Medical transcriptionist, pharmaceutical sales representative.
  • AstraZeneca, Abbott, and Medtronic are all present in Chile and may have jobs that utilize your experience and graduate degree.
  • Health insurance companies. Non-clinical roles like case managers and insurance underwriters can leverage your clinical knowledge without direct patient care.
  • Private clinics and hospitals. Some private facilities may consider expatriate nurses for non-nursing roles like patient advocate and navigator.

In conclusion, while various nursing-related roles in Chile don't require licensure, thorough research, and cultural adaptation are vital for a successful transition. Your qualifications and experience provide unique opportunities, so take the time to assess what you value most in your next role.

Travel nursing is an exciting option if you qualify, but as you mentioned, it means spending time away from your husband. If you choose this route, consider contracts that allow extended periods off between assignments so you can return home regularly. A benefit of travel nursing is that it's not permanent. You can explore how it works for you without a lengthy commitment.

Work/Life Balance

Balancing work with personal life is crucial, especially during a transition. As you consider job options, prioritize roles that allow flexibility. Part-time positions or jobs that offer predictable hours can help maintain that balance.

Cultural Adaptation

 Moving to a new country means adapting to different cultural practices, especially in healthcare. Be prepared for differences in healthcare delivery, patient expectations, and workplace dynamics.

Your experience and qualifications open many doors, and while the transition may seem daunting, it also presents a unique opportunity for growth and exploration. Take time to assess what you value most in your next role, and don't hesitate to contact professionals in Chile for advice and support. Your love for on-the-job learning will serve you well, regardless of your path! 

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

 

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