Reasons for foreign nurses to leave their countries.

Jonty, RN · Jul 9, 2004

Hello everybody!
I started this thread because I want to find out what motivates foreign nurses to leave their homelands and work in another country. I like to welcome all foreign nurses to give their reasons/views on this exodus.
Also, comments from American nurses are most welcome.
Maraming salamat po ( Thank you very much)! :)

I returned to clinical nursing in my 50th year and enjoyed it immensely. After gaining a BSc degree I wanted one more adventure, wanting to try a 'new pool' I chose to work in the USA. As I approach my 60th birthday I still enjoy critical care, my colleagues are a brilliant team and in my opinion represent much of what is best in American nursing. I love the differences between the UK and the USA and have found that we have much more in common than the fainthearted would wish you to believe. Most of all I enjoy the American way of life, having just returned from a 2 week vacation in England my Bank Manager probably thinks the same thing!!:rotfl:

Rep · Jul 9, 2004

I returned to clinical nursing in my 50th year and enjoyed it immensely. After gaining a BSc degree I wanted one more adventure, wanting to try a 'new pool' I chose to work in the USA. As I approach my 60th birthday I still enjoy critical care, my colleagues are a brilliant team and in my opinion represent much of what is best in American nursing. I love the differences between the UK and the USA and have found that we have much more in common than the fainthearted would wish you to believe. Most of all I enjoy the American way of life, having just returned from a 2 week vacation in England my Bank Manager probably thinks the same thing!!:rotfl:

Thanks for your honest reply. It is a great and wonderful adventure for you. :)

suzanne4, RN · Jul 9, 2004

I am sure that I can speak for many of the nurses in Thailand. The nurses here actually have to work all three shifts in one week, on almost a routine basis. It is not uncommon to work midnights, then have a mandatory meeting until 12 noon, and be required to be back to work to work pm shift.

Or work Friday days and nights, afternoons on Saturday, then days and nights on Sunday. There is no incentive for getting more degrees or certifications for the most part. Nurses over here do not get the same autonomy that we have in the US. Quite a big difference. The doctor must be called for everything.............literally everything.

In Asia, one of the dreams of many is to be able to live and work in the US. It wasn't always easy for nurses to go to the US, especially from Thailand.

But again, the biggest obstacle isn't the nursing exams, but learning English and having good conversational skills. This is the biggest stumbling block for them.

:balloons: