| The demand for skilled nurses is high and only | | | | for the professional nurse. |
| expected to continue to rise in the coming years. | | | | Also, many nurses enjoy working abroad. As highly |
| There are a variety of reasons for the need for | | | | trained as these nurses are, if they stay in the United |
| nursing professionals. As the population ages it is | | | | States, they will not use all of their skills. In many |
| important to have adequate nurses to staff hospitals | | | | countries, a recent graduate of nursing school will be |
| and nursing facilities. The increased specialization of | | | | able to gain much valuable and diversified experience |
| medicine also requires for an increase in the | | | | working with patients. The same graduate, had they |
| specialization of those who administer care, including | | | | remained in the United States, would probably spend |
| nurses. Finally, as the costs of medical care skyrocket, | | | | several months in orientation programs at the hospital |
| nurses of all levels, licensed practical nurses, registered | | | | where they work, maybe rotating through various |
| nurses and nurse practitioners, are taking on more of | | | | floors doing basic level nursing. For the nurse who |
| the care involved in treating patients. | | | | desires to jump into a health career with both feet, |
| These are not issues specific to the United States. | | | | spending time nursing abroad can be a wonderful way |
| Nearly every country is in need of trained nurses. This | | | | to gain much needed experience. Later, if you decide |
| makes nursing a wonderful career option for many | | | | to return to the States, this experience will make you a |
| people. The options available to a competent nurse are | | | | sought after employee. |
| limitless. For the individual who wishes to travel, nursing | | | | Make the Most of Your Experience Nursing Abroad |
| abroad offers many benefits as well. | | | | To get the most from your overseas experience it is |
| Working Abroad for Personal Reasons | | | | important to keep some things in mind: |
| There are many personal benefits to working abroad. | | | | - Know your intentions. If you want to nurse abroad |
| For those who like to travel or experience a new | | | | for the travel and cultural experience your choice in |
| culture, nursing abroad is a terrific way to finance a | | | | destination will be different than if you want to work in |
| lifestyle that would otherwise be difficult. While the idea | | | | an under-served and poor area that is lacking in health |
| of packing your belongings and moving half a world | | | | care. |
| away may seem overwhelming, it does not need to | | | | - Know what you are getting in to. Do not think that |
| be so. | | | | you are being selfish by inquiring about living conditions |
| Many nurses who work abroad gain employment | | | | ahead of time. This is a huge commitment. Only you |
| through a staffing agency. This staffing agency, in | | | | know your comfort level. Some nursing abroad |
| addition to finding work for the nurse will help with the | | | | opportunities will offer all the comforts of home, while |
| transition abroad. The agency professionals know | | | | others will not offer running water. By understanding |
| exactly what documents you will need and what | | | | the conditions up front you increase the odds of a |
| specific immunizations you require, depending on the | | | | comfortable stay. |
| country that you will be working in. In addition, they can | | | | - Know how long you want to stay. While plans can |
| help you find housing and set up your banking. | | | | change, it helps the nursing agency to coordinate their |
| While you will still be working in your time abroad, | | | | staff if they know generally how long you want to |
| nursing abroad allows you to fulfill your desire for | | | | stay. Some new graduates take a year to nurse |
| travel, living in a foreign country and experiencing a | | | | abroad, some go for a few weeks, and some go |
| different culture. For many people nursing abroad is a | | | | abroad to nurse and end up relocating permanently. |
| wonderful lifestyle. | | | | While there is no way to know how you will feel about |
| Working Abroad for Professional Reasons | | | | an area before you actually arrive, having a plan allows |
| There are a variety of professional reasons that a | | | | you and the staffing agency to find the best fit for |
| nurse may want to work abroad. Many areas of the | | | | your situation. |
| world have less than ideal health care available. A | | | | Nursing abroad, whether for a few weeks or |
| nurse one of these communities can literally be a | | | | permanently, can be both personally and professionally |
| lifesaver. Working one on one with families, helping | | | | fulfilling. The numerous staffing agencies available will |
| them with basic nutrition, immunization and other | | | | help ease your transition and allow you to make the |
| medical situations can be a very rewarding experience | | | | most of your time abroad. |