Travel nursing within the United States is one of the hottest trends because of the flexibility, high pay, excitement, and ability to travel the country. International nursing is a trend that is continuing to gain popularity, despite the US having the highest-paid nurses in the world. But what is the best country for nurses to work in?
While the pay is much lower in other countries than in the United States, most nurses who travel internationally want to immerse themselves in another culture and get away from the current nursing issue plaguing bedside nurses in the U.S.
Unlike U.S. travel nursing, contracts are much longer, and the process can take months. Nurses who embark on this journey will not have the luxury to switch countries every few months but may be able to travel within a specific country depending on the rules of the country and visas.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), Registered Nurses in the United States in 2021 made an average salary of $77,600. The top five best-paying states are:
- California - $124,000 avg. annual mean wage
- Hawaii - $106,530
- Oregon - $ 98,630
- District of Columbia - $98,540
- Alaska - $97,230
When considering taking a job as an international travel nurse, take into consideration the money that could be made in your home state.
International travel nursing can be exciting, adventurous, and extremely rewarding but it is important to commit to it as the process can take months and is costly. Furthermore, in most countries, once a letter of job agreement has been signed it is very difficult to break the contract. Becoming an international travel nurse takes planning and dedication but experiencing another culture while working alongside locals is something only few will ever experience.
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Visa Requirements for Working Abroad
All countries listed below require work visas in order to legally be employed in the country. These visas cannot be obtained without the following,
- Credentialing from the countries board of Nursing
- A verifiable employment offer
- Sponsorship from the hospital
Working with an International Nursing Travel Agency can help facilitate this and do most of the legwork. This is crucial to becoming successful, as most countries do deny non-EU applications the first time. By using an agency that is familiar with international nursing law, the chances of success are higher. Furthermore, they can facilitate conversations with the countries and discuss ways to obtain licensure in a quicker fashion.
Work visas are a separate fee and may require a trip to the country’s Embassy in the United States.
Most Embassies are located in the following cities
- Chicago
- Houston
- Los Angeles
- New York City
If you currently live in a state where there is no local Embassy, be aware you might have to travel to a city where an Embassy is located. This is an additional fee you would be reasonable for.
Below are some of the top countries around the world for nurses to work. All average salaries listed are in USD
Top Paying Countries for Nurses In the World
1. Luxembourg - $96,000 (USD)
Currently topping the list as the highest-paid country in the world for nurses, this tiny country in Western Europe pays its nurses very well. Because of the tiny size of the country and its tax haven laws, getting a job as a nurse is extremely difficult. While almost impossible, nurses can wait for years for an opening to occur. It is also important to note that international nurses interested in working in Luxembourg must have the necessary linguistic skills including proficiency in either French, German, and/or Luxembourgish. The nurse’s language proficiency in one of the three languages may be tested at the request of the Minister of Health.
In order to become a nurse in Luxembourg, you must first petition the Ministère de la Santé (Ministry of Health) for an application pack. Nurses are either licensed as adult nurses only or under a general system. This is important depending on the specialty of the nursing position. A visa is required to work in Luxembourg.
Information:
- Villa Louvigny, Allée Marconi, L-2120 Luxembourg
- +352 247 85500
- info@ms.public.lu
2. Denmark - $87,436 (USD)
The Danish Patient Safety Authority oversees all non-EU citizens’ applications for nursing licensure. There are three different pathways for application including pathways for individuals from Nordic countries, EU member states, and all others. Interestingly, if you are over the age of 75 you are not allowed to practice as a nurse in Denmark as this is a Danish law.
For those interested in applying for an application, the first step is submitting all needed education documentation and qualifications. If approved, individuals are given three years to fulfill the remainder of the qualifications for permanent authority to practice in Denmark. The main component is the language exam.
The language examination is held twice a year in May/June and November/December in Denmark. This examination is equal to a native speaker exam. Individuals who speak the language fluently can appeal and submit to a different exam. Once the language portion is passed, individuals must pass the employment for adaptation and training purposes. This illustrates clinical skills and communication skills with patients, providers, and families. Once these are all passed to the satisfaction of the board a permanent license can be obtained.
Information:
- For all non-EU members, a work visa must be secured prior to arrival in Denmark.
- Danish Patient Safety Authority, Islands Brygge 67, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
- +45 72 28 66 00
- stps@stps.dk
3. Canada - $50,168 per year, $27.58 per hour (USD)
With universal healthcare and proximity to the United States, Canada is a prime location for nurses interested in trying International Nursing but do not want to stray too far from home. Furthermore, English as the primary language adds to the ease of transitioning to another country.
The College of Nurses of Ontario is the governing board for Registered Nurses in Canada. International applicants must secure a license from the board after a series of background checks, interview questions, and an examination. This examination costs a minimum of $340. The price can vary based on individual factors. According to the website, the registration process can take anywhere from 3-18 months. The application can be started online with the submission of documentation.
A visa is required to work in Canada despite being our neighbor to the north and can be secured from your place of employment after credentialing has occurred.
Information:
- College of Nurses of Ontario, 101 Davenport Rd., Toronto Ontario, M5R3P1 Canada
- 1-800-387-5526
- Website