Nursing Overseas?

[rachaeljetter]

Hi, I'm currently a prenursing student in Pennsylvania. Lately I've been considering moving to Sweden, but I can't easily find information on nursing requirements in Sweden. The issue I'm having is whether it would be worthwhile to actually go to nursing school here in the US or simply wait until I move to Sweden. If I do nursing school here I'll be delaying emigrating obviously, but I do plan to permanently live in Sweden. So far the information I've found implies that I would have to go back to school if I became a nurse here in the US first before I could become a nurse there. I don't want to have to get a degree twice if it isn't necessary to get licensed. Could someone help me with more information as to licensing requirements overseas, schooling requirements and general information to help me make a wise decision?

[Cynders]

You should post over on the international board. You could probably get some answers over there. Sorry, not much help here.

[sjalv]

This topic will likely answer all of your questions. Just a warning though, the cost of living in Sweden is very high and the salary of nurses in Sweden is comparatively low. From what I've read, Norway is a much better choice as far as Scandinavia goes. You will need to learn the respective language regardless of which country you choose.

Jobs for a U.S. registered nurse in Sweden

[SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP]

Unless you speak the language fluently, it's going to be a struggle working in a Scandinavian country.

Do you think you'll be able to understand what a patient is telling you so you can do an admission assessment? Are you familiar enough with the metric system that temperature will alert you to a fever in Celsius? Weight in kg? Measurements in cm? Do you know enough of the language for daily living? Remember, most apartments overseas do not include appliances, so you'll need to factor in the cost of a fridge, W/D, dishwasher, stove/oven, etc.

Best of luck to you!