Psych nursing abroad? Tips?

[qimenglan9]

I'd like to get out of the U.S. and work as a mental health nurse abroad. I'm pretty open to any country that isn't hot and humid. However, I've having a hard time finding agencies that sponsor nurses out of the U.S. There's plenty of travel within the U.S., but not so much abroad. There are a few I found in the UK, but the pay is horrible compared to what I make now. Any tips on making this dream come true would be greatly appreciated. If you know of any agencies, humanitarian, crisis organizations, etc. that need mental health nurses, please share. I'm willing work in war zones, with refugees, or average calm health care settings. I've got years of experience as a trauma/PTSD mental health specialist, as well as working with the complete range of psychiatric disorders. I'm an RN-C, ANCC board certified in Psych-Mental Health, with a BSN, and currently do psychotherapy and case mgmt outpatient. I also have a few years of inpatient experience.

[GrumpyRN, NP]

I'm pretty open to any country that isn't hot and humid.

There are a few I found in the UK, but the pay is horrible compared to what I make now.

UK definitely not hot and humid.

I have said before; "do not do direct comparisons with salaries!" They do not equate. Costs are different. You would get what all nurses in UK get.

Also, how much do you think you will be paid by organisations that go into war zones etc.

Biggest problem trying for UK is that your qualifications are not enough. You need a specific Mental Health Registration. UK nurses are more specialised.

Lots of posts on the World Nursing forum about becoming qualified to work in the UK system - takes lots of time, effort and money.

Have you thought about Medecins sans Frontieres? Oxfam? (although they are going through a rough patch just now). Also Red Cross.

Good luck.