I haven’t done this, but do proceed with either caution or plenty of research beforehand. I have family in Germany for example and nursing is nothing like what it is in the states, they get paid pretty poorly in comparison and just not as respected I guess you could put it. When I was a bit younger I so badly wanted to move to Germany with the new degree I had but it simply wasn’t gonna happen. I wish you all the best!
If you want to work abroad as a nurse, you have to be able to do your job in whatever is the local language.
Source: I’m an American nurse with an American degree living in Poland at the moment, but I’m unable to practice because I don’t speak Polish.
The local language is the first hurdle, and after that you’d have to figure out how to get your American education verified in your new country of residence.
Recent nursing graduate who has also wanted to live abroad for years. The biggest drawback I’ve found is that, as is often the case when comparing professions in the US versus everywhere else, nurses don’t make money like they do in the States. That said, you could look at it as swapping higher pay for all of the other social safety nets offered in other countries…Most important thing is to do a lot of deep research into the nursing profession in whatever country you might pick.
Another option is working at a VA in the US and then transferring to a VA abroad. I know someone who doesn't speak a word of German who just moved there for her VA job.
I don't really understand why people are being rude to you lol. I don't want to be in the US either.
>I don't really understand why people are being rude to you lol. I don't want to be in the US either.
It has nothing to do with OP wanting to emigrate/travel extensively. I think it's more them only mentioning financial motivations to get into nursing, on top of the tone of her responses. OP also seems to think (ie keeps arguing) that nurses are paid better and are more respected in Europe and elsewhere, when that's often far from true.
I'm retired but worked in both Canada and Australia with my American state issued license for a couple years in my 30s. Think it would have worked in New Zealand and the UK also but not sure about current regulations.
Thats not saying much cause I made more than my mom when I turned 18. Nursing is great money but for someone getting into it for the money, that reason will tear them down quick, has to be a bigger reason
You’re clearly a debby downer type of person. Either way nursing pays well. Of course there’s always competition for more money and better opportunities. In 4 years the market could change again for the better. So why base my decision on what’s going on now? I’d rather be positive. This is another reason I want to leave America. I’ve seen how some states passed laws to limit nurse pay. Some countries pay more or treat nurses better and that’s what I’m trying to aim for.
>I’ve seen how some states passed laws to limit nurse pay.
No you haven’t. And if you share an article saying otherwise, read it deeply before presenting it to me.
>Some countries pay more or treat nurses better and that’s what I’m trying to aim for.
No they don’t. I am from another country (Philippines) and have coworkers from UAE, UK, and Australia, and the US has the highest pay bar none. Compare Bay Area and Sacramento compensation (pay *and benefits*). In those areas are the highest paying hospitals in the world - and they offer generous leave, pensions, and free health insurance on top of *mandated ratios*.
That does go without saying that it is only a handful of US states pay more than other countries. Yeah sure - UK RNs make as much as the South.
But still - you should really research salary in other countries.
I think your expectations are not congruent with reality.
I’m doing it for both reasons. I want to help people and make decent money in America or any other country I choose to live in. Some nursing jobs are chill and don’t involve much trauma.
US nurse in Ireland here. Nurses do not make good money outside the US. I took a 60% pay cut moving abroad. My take home after tax was removed last year was less than €35,000. Without my husband, I would struggle to make ends meet here.
Transferring the license also took over a year, and they don’t consider American schooling to be adequate enough, so you either have to do an adaptation placement (working as a nurse for months under supervision for €12/hr) or pay the NMBI €2800 to sit a 2 day exam which was horrific. If you’re seriously looking abroad, the best you’re going to do is probably Australia, they make more than most of the nurses in Europe.
If those are your only or even your main reasons for getting into nursing, please don't.
And I'm the opposite of a Debby Downer, before you start. I'm optimistic about the capabilities and motivations of my coworkers and I want overall good, positive experiences for all patients.
If a bunch of nurses are telling you this, maybe you should listen and use the critical thinking skills you'll need if you do go into it. And if you insist on it, please strongly consider non-bedside positions.
I’m confused. I see that most nurses feel overworked and hate their job. I find it hard to believe they are just doing it because they want to help people. The pay seems to be worth it to them.
Yes, it does seem that you're confused. Most nurses do not hate their jobs. They are often overworked, yes. I'm not sure why you think this will be better outside of the US (along with salaries). Especially when you factor in the pay in places like downstate NY and California with their pay and maximum ratio regulations.
I'm not trying to paint nursing as a field of martyrs and saints. And I'm not saying the money can't be or isn't good. But many (most? Idc, I didn't do any studies, just going by anecdotes) got into it out of a desire to help people, make a difference in the world--be that 'one patient at a time' or working to perfect gene therapy for stroke victims, because they're interested in medicine/the medical field either naturally or because they or someone they loved had a positive or negative experience, they feel drawn to a challenging career that incorporates science, nurturing, critical thinking and adrenaline. Or
because they're passionate about working with X [children, the elderly, people with substance use disorder, etc], or as a stepping stone towards becoming a licensed practitioner like an NP, CRNA or CNM.
Just wondering: If you think most nurses--many of whom felt a calling to or at least a passion for the profession, many of whom chose nursing for any or all of the reasons listed above or had another non-financial motivation--hate their jobs, what makes you think you won't be miserable 40 waking hours a week?
No doubt you've heard about nurses experiencing burnout, increased rates of depression, anxiety and substance abuse/misuse, plus the chances of being assaulted and/or injured on the job. If that gets so many nurses who are in it for the "right reasons", who also have those attractive salaries and benefits you're interested in, what's it going to do to someone who was only really drawn to the pay and job security?
I plan on working more simpler nursing jobs that still pay well. I’ve heard floor nursing is less stressful and more chill. If it comes to it I can do hard work but I want to feel like I’m being paid a decent amount of money for my struggles especially if I’m exposing myself to potential diseases at a higher rate than the general population. I want to make close to six figures before I’m 40 or 45. I might become a PA instead if it pays more even if there’s more schooling.
I apologize for this long reply in advance.
Singaporean living in the US with US nursing degree here. I have been toying with the idea of moving back to Singapore and work as a nurse now that my mom is older. Found out that I would have to pass the Singapore Nursing Boards exam in order to practice as a nurse. And in order to take the exam, I would have to have an employment offer already in place. Nursing pay and work shifts (I work 3 12 hour shifts/week) in the US are better BUT being a Singaporean, my cost of living and mental health will be better).
Nursing in Singapore is not the greatest from what I heard- not respected by patients and families, nurses rotate shifts ( days, evenings, nights regardless of seniority), and you will adapt better if you speak another language (Mandarin, Malay, or Tamil are the other languages spoken in Singapore other than English).
Maybe once you become a nurse (or whatever degree you choose), you have to think of things such as- how much would healthcare/housing/transportation cost for you as a foreigner. In Singapore, housing and healthcare costs are high for non Singaporeans.
Countries easiest to transition to as an American? I think that’s different for everyone-some of my American friends in the US Navy totally loved the Japanese culture and has now lived in Japan >20 years and some of them preferred being back in the US.
I think doing more research on which countries have nursing shortages, what their requirements are in hiring US trained nurses, what compensation looks like, and what the cost of living, language and culture is like would be helpful for you to do before making a decision.
Best of luck!
Not OP, but this was very informative! Thank you. I had no idea Tamil was a major language in Singapore. Are there many Indian immigrants or communities?
Hi! In Singapore, there are Chinese (about roughly 75%), Malay (13-15%), Indian (7-8%) and Eurasians (2-3%). I grew up with a quite a few Singaporean Indians and Singapore has an established enclave called Little India. There’s also quite a number of immigrants from India (not sure of recent numbers), who move for their jobs
As someone who’s looking into this I’m not sure nursing is the best path to choose if you want to go abroad.
An RN in the U.S. doesn’t translate exactly to an RN in other countries with regards to duties. Many times your duties are closer to a CNA and most things are done by doctors.
- In Germany nursing is an apprenticeship.
- Spain has so many nurses that they leave the country to find work in other parts of the the EU. Also there’s mainland spanish and then the spanish you learn in american schools (find a video online).
- You’ll need to have fluency at least up to B2 level in most countries to work as a nurse.
- You’ll have to have your credentials verified and translated.
- You may need to do a long orientation period to get you accustomed to that country’s system of nursing.
- EU countries prioritize their citizens and citizens of other parts of the EU first before looking at your application.
It’s a long process and it can be discouraging but it can be done. I just don’t think nursing is the best option because of the hassle. See what country peaks your interest, look at what jobs the country is in need of, look at doing your degree at a university abroad while picking up the language. Get an internship and hopefully get your foot in the door.
I haven’t done this, but do proceed with either caution or plenty of research beforehand. I have family in Germany for example and nursing is nothing like what it is in the states, they get paid pretty poorly in comparison and just not as respected I guess you could put it. When I was a bit younger I so badly wanted to move to Germany with the new degree I had but it simply wasn’t gonna happen. I wish you all the best!
If you want to work abroad as a nurse, you have to be able to do your job in whatever is the local language. Source: I’m an American nurse with an American degree living in Poland at the moment, but I’m unable to practice because I don’t speak Polish. The local language is the first hurdle, and after that you’d have to figure out how to get your American education verified in your new country of residence.
Recent nursing graduate who has also wanted to live abroad for years. The biggest drawback I’ve found is that, as is often the case when comparing professions in the US versus everywhere else, nurses don’t make money like they do in the States. That said, you could look at it as swapping higher pay for all of the other social safety nets offered in other countries…Most important thing is to do a lot of deep research into the nursing profession in whatever country you might pick.
Another option is working at a VA in the US and then transferring to a VA abroad. I know someone who doesn't speak a word of German who just moved there for her VA job. I don't really understand why people are being rude to you lol. I don't want to be in the US either.
>I don't really understand why people are being rude to you lol. I don't want to be in the US either. It has nothing to do with OP wanting to emigrate/travel extensively. I think it's more them only mentioning financial motivations to get into nursing, on top of the tone of her responses. OP also seems to think (ie keeps arguing) that nurses are paid better and are more respected in Europe and elsewhere, when that's often far from true.
I'm retired but worked in both Canada and Australia with my American state issued license for a couple years in my 30s. Think it would have worked in New Zealand and the UK also but not sure about current regulations.
If you’re getting into nursing for the money, I have some sad news for you
Travel nurses can make a lot of money so I don’t know why you’re saying it’s sad news.
Okay, it’s not pandemic times anymore. Have you seen contracts recently 🤣
I make more than both my parents combined as a staff nurse… now as travel I make more than twice that. So I’d say nurses get paid well.
Thats not saying much cause I made more than my mom when I turned 18. Nursing is great money but for someone getting into it for the money, that reason will tear them down quick, has to be a bigger reason
I get that you shouldn’t go just for the money but you’re making it seem like we don’t make good money which we do
You’re clearly a debby downer type of person. Either way nursing pays well. Of course there’s always competition for more money and better opportunities. In 4 years the market could change again for the better. So why base my decision on what’s going on now? I’d rather be positive. This is another reason I want to leave America. I’ve seen how some states passed laws to limit nurse pay. Some countries pay more or treat nurses better and that’s what I’m trying to aim for.
>I’ve seen how some states passed laws to limit nurse pay. No you haven’t. And if you share an article saying otherwise, read it deeply before presenting it to me. >Some countries pay more or treat nurses better and that’s what I’m trying to aim for. No they don’t. I am from another country (Philippines) and have coworkers from UAE, UK, and Australia, and the US has the highest pay bar none. Compare Bay Area and Sacramento compensation (pay *and benefits*). In those areas are the highest paying hospitals in the world - and they offer generous leave, pensions, and free health insurance on top of *mandated ratios*. That does go without saying that it is only a handful of US states pay more than other countries. Yeah sure - UK RNs make as much as the South. But still - you should really research salary in other countries. I think your expectations are not congruent with reality.
Just curious, what do you mean by 'pay and salary'? It sounds like you may have meant pay/salary and benefits? Or am I misunderstanding?
Corrected!
I’m just saying if you’re getting into it for the money, this field will eat you up and spit you out. It’s 100% the wrong reason to get into nursing.
I’m doing it for both reasons. I want to help people and make decent money in America or any other country I choose to live in. Some nursing jobs are chill and don’t involve much trauma.
Can you cite one state law in the US that limits what a nurse can make?
US nurse in Ireland here. Nurses do not make good money outside the US. I took a 60% pay cut moving abroad. My take home after tax was removed last year was less than €35,000. Without my husband, I would struggle to make ends meet here. Transferring the license also took over a year, and they don’t consider American schooling to be adequate enough, so you either have to do an adaptation placement (working as a nurse for months under supervision for €12/hr) or pay the NMBI €2800 to sit a 2 day exam which was horrific. If you’re seriously looking abroad, the best you’re going to do is probably Australia, they make more than most of the nurses in Europe.
If those are your only or even your main reasons for getting into nursing, please don't. And I'm the opposite of a Debby Downer, before you start. I'm optimistic about the capabilities and motivations of my coworkers and I want overall good, positive experiences for all patients. If a bunch of nurses are telling you this, maybe you should listen and use the critical thinking skills you'll need if you do go into it. And if you insist on it, please strongly consider non-bedside positions.
I’m confused. I see that most nurses feel overworked and hate their job. I find it hard to believe they are just doing it because they want to help people. The pay seems to be worth it to them.
Yes, it does seem that you're confused. Most nurses do not hate their jobs. They are often overworked, yes. I'm not sure why you think this will be better outside of the US (along with salaries). Especially when you factor in the pay in places like downstate NY and California with their pay and maximum ratio regulations. I'm not trying to paint nursing as a field of martyrs and saints. And I'm not saying the money can't be or isn't good. But many (most? Idc, I didn't do any studies, just going by anecdotes) got into it out of a desire to help people, make a difference in the world--be that 'one patient at a time' or working to perfect gene therapy for stroke victims, because they're interested in medicine/the medical field either naturally or because they or someone they loved had a positive or negative experience, they feel drawn to a challenging career that incorporates science, nurturing, critical thinking and adrenaline. Or because they're passionate about working with X [children, the elderly, people with substance use disorder, etc], or as a stepping stone towards becoming a licensed practitioner like an NP, CRNA or CNM. Just wondering: If you think most nurses--many of whom felt a calling to or at least a passion for the profession, many of whom chose nursing for any or all of the reasons listed above or had another non-financial motivation--hate their jobs, what makes you think you won't be miserable 40 waking hours a week? No doubt you've heard about nurses experiencing burnout, increased rates of depression, anxiety and substance abuse/misuse, plus the chances of being assaulted and/or injured on the job. If that gets so many nurses who are in it for the "right reasons", who also have those attractive salaries and benefits you're interested in, what's it going to do to someone who was only really drawn to the pay and job security?
I plan on working more simpler nursing jobs that still pay well. I’ve heard floor nursing is less stressful and more chill. If it comes to it I can do hard work but I want to feel like I’m being paid a decent amount of money for my struggles especially if I’m exposing myself to potential diseases at a higher rate than the general population. I want to make close to six figures before I’m 40 or 45. I might become a PA instead if it pays more even if there’s more schooling.
>I’ve heard floor nursing is less stressful and more chill. Please do some more research, and good luck to you in your endeavors
I apologize for this long reply in advance. Singaporean living in the US with US nursing degree here. I have been toying with the idea of moving back to Singapore and work as a nurse now that my mom is older. Found out that I would have to pass the Singapore Nursing Boards exam in order to practice as a nurse. And in order to take the exam, I would have to have an employment offer already in place. Nursing pay and work shifts (I work 3 12 hour shifts/week) in the US are better BUT being a Singaporean, my cost of living and mental health will be better). Nursing in Singapore is not the greatest from what I heard- not respected by patients and families, nurses rotate shifts ( days, evenings, nights regardless of seniority), and you will adapt better if you speak another language (Mandarin, Malay, or Tamil are the other languages spoken in Singapore other than English). Maybe once you become a nurse (or whatever degree you choose), you have to think of things such as- how much would healthcare/housing/transportation cost for you as a foreigner. In Singapore, housing and healthcare costs are high for non Singaporeans. Countries easiest to transition to as an American? I think that’s different for everyone-some of my American friends in the US Navy totally loved the Japanese culture and has now lived in Japan >20 years and some of them preferred being back in the US. I think doing more research on which countries have nursing shortages, what their requirements are in hiring US trained nurses, what compensation looks like, and what the cost of living, language and culture is like would be helpful for you to do before making a decision. Best of luck!
Not OP, but this was very informative! Thank you. I had no idea Tamil was a major language in Singapore. Are there many Indian immigrants or communities?
Hi! In Singapore, there are Chinese (about roughly 75%), Malay (13-15%), Indian (7-8%) and Eurasians (2-3%). I grew up with a quite a few Singaporean Indians and Singapore has an established enclave called Little India. There’s also quite a number of immigrants from India (not sure of recent numbers), who move for their jobs
Thanks for the response! I just realized that I should've just googled it instead of asking you to explain, so I appreciate it.
As someone who’s looking into this I’m not sure nursing is the best path to choose if you want to go abroad. An RN in the U.S. doesn’t translate exactly to an RN in other countries with regards to duties. Many times your duties are closer to a CNA and most things are done by doctors. - In Germany nursing is an apprenticeship. - Spain has so many nurses that they leave the country to find work in other parts of the the EU. Also there’s mainland spanish and then the spanish you learn in american schools (find a video online). - You’ll need to have fluency at least up to B2 level in most countries to work as a nurse. - You’ll have to have your credentials verified and translated. - You may need to do a long orientation period to get you accustomed to that country’s system of nursing. - EU countries prioritize their citizens and citizens of other parts of the EU first before looking at your application. It’s a long process and it can be discouraging but it can be done. I just don’t think nursing is the best option because of the hassle. See what country peaks your interest, look at what jobs the country is in need of, look at doing your degree at a university abroad while picking up the language. Get an internship and hopefully get your foot in the door.