International travel nursing careers provide an incredible opportunity to see the world while working and living in a foreign country. There are several international nursing travel agencies from which to choose. When looking at the companies, compare benefits such as insurance and time off, help with visa application, and areas of the world where jobs are posted. Some companies specialize in placing nurses in the Middle East and China; others have positions posted around the world.
Here is some information that you need to know about choosing among international travel nursing careers in the near future:
Education
First and foremost, you need to get the proper nursing education. The minimum entry-level educational requirement for nursing is the Associate’s of Science in Nursing degree (ASN). This will require two years of education from an accredited school of nursing. A Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) is the other entry-level position. This requires four years of education. Some online programs are available. After graduation the next step is passing the NCLEX, which is the state board nursing examination and is required to practice in all 50 states. Some nurses will choose to continue their education and return to school for a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) and even a Doctorate of Science in Nursing (DSN) or a PhD.
Certification
Whichever field of nursing you go into, certification is always good. It shows that you are a committed professional. For instance, ICU (intensive care unit) nurses can become certified in critical care and have the designation as CCRN (critical care registered nurse) added to their credentials. The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) administers this test.
Here are some questions you may have about jobs for international traveling nurses.
- Why is there a demand? There is a severe shortage of professionally trained nurses worldwide and therefore a demand for international traveling nurses.
- Is there a particular specialty that is sought-after? All of the nursing specializations are urgently needed abroad as well as nurse managers and advanced practice nurses. You will need to have at least two years of current experience in the area to which you are applying. Generally this experience needs to be from large, tertiary care hospitals.
- What are the benefits? Benefits are generally provided by the host hospital or facility. Expect a high pay with international nursing jobs which can be tax free depending upon the total yearly compensation and country of employment. Enjoy a free or subsidized housing privilege as well as health insurance. Travel expenses to your destination country as well as travel home at the end of the assignment will be paid for. Additionally, you may also have airfare paid to vacation destinations during your assignment.
- Are there any personal restrictions? As an employee working in a foreign country, you don’t enjoy the same antidiscrimination privileges that are available in the U.S. Every company is different but here are a few general restrictions. If you are obese, have had cardiac surgery, are on antidepressants, or have certain pre-existing conditions such as multiple sclerosis or diabetes, you may not be eligible to travel to certain countries. There are also age restrictions. Additionally, you may not be able to get a work visa if you have hepatitis, T.B., or HIV/AIDS.
- What should I expect? Generally contract length is for two years. The facilities are typically top notch. If you are seeking a contract in the Middle East, you will probably live in a compound within the grounds of the facility. There you are free to dress as you normally would at home. If you leave the compound, you are a guest in the host country and will need to follow their rules of dress and conduct. Your company will help you with the proper guidelines for decorum in the country. Other countries are less strict and you will be living in regular housing. If you work in China, speaking Mandarin is preferred but not necessary. So it is an incredible opportunity to learn a new language while you are there.
- What is the pay like? Nurses are in short supply around the world. Since international nurse travel companies can be very choosy about whom they take, there is a significant demand for nurses. The pay varies depending on the location at which you work. The hourly wage can range from $30-50 an hour. But remember, your living expenses are paid for, so what you earn doesn’t have to pay many bills.
The opportunity to travel while doing what you like best is definitely something you should not take for granted. Be aware that there are safety concerns in some countries where you may work. However, it is an incredible opportunity to travel and live in exotic areas of the world.