MSN-Ed, BSN, RN
Travel nursing has become more popular in recent years. Travel nurses have the freedom to choose when and where they work, and can negotiate pay, schedules, and other contract details. While international travel nursing offers a unique and potentially exciting opportunity for career expansion, nurses should prepare adequately before taking the plunge.
International travel nursing is a specialty field of travel nursing in which nurses can work standard or crisis (disaster relief) assignments abroad. While local travel nursing assignments typically last a couple of months at a time, international travel nursing assignments can last up to several years.
International travel nursing may help to fill the global nurse shortage gap – an estimated deficit of 13 million nurses. International travel nursing is not a new concept. Countries have been sharing nurses for a while now.
Many nurses from English-speaking countries like the Philippines and Jamaica, have travelled internationally to the U.S. to assist with nursing shortages. China, the Middle East, New Zealand, and Australia all hire U.S. nurses to work abroad.
Should a nurse decide to pursue international travel nursing, there are several steps that should be taken to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.
Similar to local travel nursing, international travel nurses should have experience as a nurse already. The number of years required may vary per country. Some countries may require a specific nursing degree (like a BSN) or a specified number of nursing practice hours for qualification. Explore these additional requirements for international travel nurses.
Passports are a basic requirement of international travel – whether for work or leisure. In order to travel to work as an international nurse, a visa is required. Nurses must be aware of which type of visa is required as there are varying types. For example in Australia, nurses can obtain different types of visas including occupational, independent, and temporary.
Depending on the country of work, nurses may have to take an additional nursing exam. For example in Australia, nurses are required to take two exams, the NCLEX (may qualify to bypass retesting) and the OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Exam). In addition to licenses, nurses in certain specialties may have to obtain additional certifications.
Working in other countries may expose travel nurses to communicable diseases that are not as prevalent in the U.S. Therefore, international travel nurses may be required to receive additional vaccines. Nurses may also be required to pass special physicals as the physical demands of the job in other countries may differ from those in the U.S. For example, nurses who wish to work in Canada are required to obtain a medical exam by a practitioner designated by the country.
Language proficiency is imperative when working internationally. While many countries are English-speaking, many are not. Nurses who wish to travel internationally should ensure that they speak the language of the communities they will serve. Some countries may require a language proficiency test. For example, the United Kingdom requires an International English Language Testing Scheme (IELTS) exam.
International travel nurses can make a substantial amount of money, much more than that of a local travel nurse. International travel RNs make an average of $124,382 annually. Salaries can vary based on experience level, specialty, location, and living arrangement.
Landing international positions requires preparation, patience, and determination. Nurses who wish to work in this field may apply for positions through international travel nursing agencies or directly through the country’s nursing governing body. Here are three ways to get started.
One of the best ways to find international nursing positions is to go directly to the source. Nurses who wish to work abroad can find out the exact requirements necessary by visiting the website of the country’s nursing regulatory body. A simple online search is all it takes. Here are a few international resources.
A great resource for finding international nursing jobs is the Department of Defense (DoD). Currently, there are no international positions open for registered nurses. However, the DoD hires nurse practitioners (NPs) in the role of “foreign service medical providers.”
Job benefits include life and medical insurance, family leave, sick and holiday pay, retirement, and educational training and development. Annual salary ranges from $105,654 to $150,127. NPs are assigned to overseas missions that can last up to three years. Duties include performing medical exams, prescribing treatments, providing emergency care, acting as a diplomat, and maintaining involvement with the U.S. embassy.
The Peace Corps, known for its global volunteer services, is a great resource for nurses who wish to explore opportunities abroad prior to stepping into the international nurse role. Although there are no travel nursing positions available, the organization has many volunteer openings for community health educators in Africa and South America.
Volunteers work alongside nurses in the community by helping with trainings, small group meetings, mentoring, and community mobilization. Positions require a bachelor’s degree and five years of professional experience. Preferred qualifications include nursing experience, interest in public health, and willingness to learn the local language.
Nurses who wish to explore the world of international travel nursing should start researching now. The process of obtaining all required documents, tests, and vaccines can take months, even years.
Nurses who prefer to work through an international travel agency may benefit from joining a professional international travel nursing group (like American Travel Health Nurses Association) for support and agency recommendations. In these groups, international nurses can share their experiences managing cultural shock, securing housing, navigating varying health systems, and handling legalities and other affairs.
Overall, international travel nursing is a great way for nurses to explore and heal the world.
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