Seeks info on international travel

suzanne4, RN · Jul 19, 2005

Japan does not use travel nurses, plus you would need to pass the Japanese Boards in Japanese for licensure. I know of quite a few nurses that did their training in Bangkok in English, and are Japanese, who were unable to pass the Baords there.

England uses agency, but on a per diem basis, not like the travel nurses in the US.

Australia has some travel positions, but none are going to be short term.

Check out the Australia forum for more information on this.

Be aware that you will need to pass the nursing boards in each of these countries, same that they need to do for coming here, plus undergo all of the immigration procedures.

ryokosha · Jul 21, 2005

Thanks for your prompt response Suzanne - I was prepared for immigration issues but didn't know about the need to pass foreign boards before working there. I'd been told to plan a 6 month prep time for any foreign assignment. Still would be interested in getting a heads up on nursing practice outside the US - do the common things we do as nurses change much once outside this country? More or less autonomy? How about technical/equipment/medical practice differences?

suzanne4, RN · Jul 21, 2005

Much less autonomy in almost every country.

Depends on what area that you are working in, cardiovascular use quite a bit of the same equipment that we use in the US. Some countires use alot of assistive personnel, and others almost all RNs. Each place is unique but will be definitely different than what you are used to in the US.

Medications are usually on the British system as far as names, and may come in a different formulation or type that you are used to here. Simple example, in Thailand, Ativan comes only in tablet form, and not injectable, Versed comes only in oral form, etc. So it is not as simple as you think.

Remember that any foreign nurse wanting to come to the US to work must have US licensure. You will be required to do the same. :)