Are You Searching For International Nursing Opportunities?

Are you a registered nurse looking into International nursing? Are you feeling overwhelmed with all the information that can be found on the web?

No wonder!

The demand for skilled nurses is high and is only expected to increase in the coming years.

Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, the United Kingdom, USA and Western Europe are reporting significant nursing shortages. Africa and South America are also looking for experienced nurses.

So, as you can see your options are limitless.

You just need to finalize your goals, and to think about what you would like to gain from an international nursing adventure.

• Is it a new outlook on health care? a desire to enhance your professional experience and to increase your confidence?
• Are you looking for a higher wage accompanied with benefits and bonuses that can add to your bottom line?
• Are you inquiring about nursing abroad merely for the travel and cultural experience?
• How long would you want to stay in the host country – few months, a year, maybe more…?
• Is it a first step towards making a decision about relocating permanently to a new country?

You can choose to work for a development organization such as; NGOs, trade unions, faith-based organizations, indigenous people's movements, foundations and research centers. (Please visit the directory of development organizations for a comprehensive
list of organizations).

Choosing this option usually means that you will be working in remote, rural places

Many development organizations send nurses abroad. There are two main areas in which agencies operate:

• Emergency Support / Relief - Includes famine relief, emergency refugee camps and medical assistance. The main aim is to save lives and relieve suffering. Assignments tend to be short (3 to 12 months).
• Long Term Development – Posting is usually for a minimum of 18-24 months. You can find great options for district nurses, midwifes, and someone with pediatrics qualifications.

How to search for international nursing vacancies in developed countries?

• You can look at professional journals. They often advertise jobs which have been placed there by overseas employers or recruitment agencies.
• You can apply directly through a recruitment company that specialized in finding overseas jobs for nurses. This type of company is able not only to find a nursing abroad position for you, but also to help with the overseas relocation tasks. They know exactly what documents you will need and what specific immunizations you require. In addition, they can help you find housing and set up your banking.

Preparing to work overseas needs careful organization. Here are some of the things you should be doing before relocating overseas:

You will most probably need to apply for a visa and a work permit. Therefore make sure to contact the embassy, or consulate of the host country for details. Both visas and work permits may be organized for you by your employer, but check in advance as both take time to be issued

Most countries will ask for your nursing qualifications – certificate of your nursing education, nursing license, and evidence of your nursing experience (translated and notarized). Take into consideration that your nursing qualifications may not match what is required of registered nurses in the country to which you are moving, and you might be asked to take some exams.

Research and find out how the health sector in the host country is organized. The laws regulating nursing practice vary in different countries, and you may find out that you are expected to perform tasks for which you have no training.

Start learning the language of the host country. This is important as it will be difficult to practice safely without good knowledge of the language.

It is important that you fully understand the responsibilities, and duties which may be required of you. Do not sign a contract or agreement without first having read, understood and had time to consider the terms.

Inquire about living conditions ahead of time. Some nursing abroad jobs will offer all the comforts of home, while others will not offer even running water. It is important that you find out about this in advance. And it is better to change your mind before making any commitments.

Make sure you have a mal practice insurance to ensure financial protection if legal action is taken against professional practice.

Check if your employer offers a personal medical insurance, and make sure to check what is covered. An extra private cover may be necessary or advisable. You can get some more information about international medical insurance from goodhealth worldwide, or from multinational health coverage