Countries that Accept US Nursing License

If you are an aspirant or a registered nurse looking for ways to climb up the success ladder in your nursing career, then this article is for you. Here we have discussed a vital way to boost your nursing career.  This post will discuss the available career options that a nurse from the United States can pursue.

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Countries that Accept US Nursing Licenses

As a nurse from the United States, you will be pleased to know that your nursing license is valid in various other countries. So, if you wish to work and live in another country, you can easily do so by taking advantage of your nursing license. Some of the countries that accept US nursing licenses are as follows:

Australia

It is a dream of many nurses to work in Australia. The beautiful beaches, the great weather, and the friendly people are some reasons that attract nurses to this country. Nurses from the United States can easily find a job in Australia as there is a great demand for them in various hospitals and health care facilities.

Canada

Canada is another country that welcomes nurses from the United States with open arms. The country has a great demand for nurses in various hospitals and other facilities. Nurses from the United States can easily find a job in Canada as there is a great demand for them in multiple hospitals and health care facilities.

New Zealand

New Zealand is another country that is an excellent destination for nurses from the United States. The country has a great demand for nurses in various hospitals and other health care facilities. Nurses from the United States can easily find a job in New Zealand as there is a great demand for them in various hospitals and health care facilities.

Ireland

Ireland provides an excellent opportunity for nurses from the United States to work and live in a beautiful country. Nurses can enjoy the beautiful scenery and the friendly people while working in various hospitals and healthcare facilities.

United Kingdom

Nationalized health care system in the United Kingdom provides an excellent opportunity for nurses from the United States to work and live in the country. Nurses can find a job in various hospitals and health care facilities.

Switzerland

In this country, private and government hospitals need highly skilled nurses from the United States. As a nurse, you can easily find a job in Switzerland.

Italy

The Italian healthcare system needs highly skilled nurses from the United States. As a nurse, you can easily find a job in Italy.

Apart from the abovementioned countries, many other countries, such as Japan, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, and Oman, accept US nursing licenses.

Requirements for Being a Nurse Abroad

If you are planning to work as a nurse in some other country, then there are specific requirements that you need to meet. Some of the standard requirements for being a nurse abroad are as follows:

  • You need to have a valid US nursing license.
  • Two years of experience working as a nurse in the United States.
  • You need a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited nursing school.
  • Proficiency in the English language.
  • You may also be required to take and pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
  • You may also be required to take and pass the IELTS or TOEFL exam.

Benefits of Working as a Nurse Abroad

Working as a nurse in another country has its benefits. Some of the expected benefits & opportunities of working as a nurse abroad are as follows:

  • Living and working in another country.
  • Exploring new places and cultures.
  • Learning new languages
  • Working opportunities in world-renowned hospitals and healthcare facilities.
  • Earning a good salary.
  • Gaining new experiences.
  • Meeting new people.
  • Making new friends
  • Improving your nursing skills.

Drawbacks of Working as a Nurse Abroad

Working as a nurse in another country also has its own set of drawbacks. Some of the common disadvantages of working as a nurse abroad are as follows:

  • You may face culture shock.
  • Adjusting to the new environment may be difficult.
  • Miss your family and friends back home.
  • Communication with the locals if you don’t know the local language.
  • Homesickness 
  • Visa renewal issues

Process for Getting Your License Accepted in Another Country

To work as a nurse in another country, you must get your US nursing license recognized in that country. Getting your license accepted in another country may vary from one country to another.

  • You may need to take and pass the local nursing licensure exam in some countries.
  • You may need to get your US nursing license evaluated by the local nursing board in other countries.
  • In some countries, you may need to take and pass a language proficiency exam. Getting your license accepted in another country can be long and complicated.

Therefore, it is advisable to contact the nursing board of that country for more information.

What Countries Are Currently Looking for Nurses in 2022?

There is a high demand for nurses in many countries around the world. Some of the countries that are currently looking for nurses are as follows:

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Germany
  • Ireland
  • New Zealand
  • United Kingdom

8 Steps to Take If you Want to Work as a Nurse in Another Country

If you’re going to work as a nurse in some other country, then there are specific steps that you need to take. Some of the common steps that you need to bring are as follows:

  1. Research the nursing job market in that country.
  2. Find out about the requirements for being a nurse in that country.
  3. Get your US nursing license recognized in that country.
  4. Take and pass the local nursing licensure exam.
  5. Contact the nursing board of that country for more information.
  6. Apply for a work visa in that country.
  7. Search for nursing jobs in that country.
  8. Prepare for your interview.

Highest Paying Countries for Nurses 2022

Here is the list of some of the highest-paying countries for nurses are as follows:

  • Australia– US nurses working in Australia can earn an average salary of $45 per hour.
  • Canada– US nurses working in Canada can earn an average wage of $37/hour
  • Germany– US nurses working in Germany can earn an average salary of $35 per hour.
  • The United Kingdom– US nurses working in the United Kingdom can earn an average salary of $35 per hour.
  • New Zealand– US nurses working in New Zealand can earn an average salary of $30 per hour.

5 Popular Countries for American Nurses to Work In

There are many popular countries for American nurses to work in. Some of the most popular countries are as follows:

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Germany
  • Ireland
  • New Zealand

3 Not So Popular (but still great) Countries for American Nurses to work In

There are many not-so-popular countries for American nurses to work in. Some of the most popular countries are as follows:

  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Dubai

FAQs:

Can US nurses work in other countries?

Yes, US nurses can work in other countries. However, they need to get their nursing license recognized in that country. Getting your license accepted in another country may vary from one country to another.

Why do other countries need nurses from the US?

There is a high demand for nurses in many countries around the world. Some of the reasons why other countries need nurses from the US are as follows:

  • The US has a large pool of highly skilled and qualified nurses.
  • US nurses are in high demand due to the ongoing nurse shortage in many countries.
  • US nurses are considered to be among the best in the world.

Conclusion

Nurses from the United States are highly sought after by many countries worldwide. It is because US nurses are highly skilled and qualified. You can find out the requirements for working as a nurse in another country by contacting the nursing board of that country.