International Nursing Opportunities: A Comparison of Countries

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International Nursing Opportunities: A Comparison of Countries

Nursing is a rewarding and essential profession around the world, with healthcare staff making an incredible difference in the lives of their patients. More and more healthcare workers are choosing to expand their careers internationally; seeking out opportunities for advancement abroad while taking advantage of global cultural experiences. It is a career that is in high demand all over the world especially in countries such as: Canada, the UK, and Australia. Each country offers unique benefits as well as challenges that healthcare workers should consider before making a decision. We will provide a comparison of countries for international nursing opportunities while exploring the benefits and challenges of working as a nurse overseas.

International Opportunities in Australia

Australia is a popular destination for international nurses due to its high standard of living and excellent healthcare system. It offers a relaxed, outdoorsy lifestyle with a very hot climate, which can be very appealing for healthcare staff. It is one of the most sought-after destinations for healthcare professionals from across the globe.

This country offers an array of opportunities and perks that make it a prime location for nurses looking to broaden their horizons. The healthcare system in Australia is world-class, with an emphasis on providing quality care to patients. Moreover, the country’s hospitality and diverse culture provide a unique work and life experience. Those who work in Australia have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the healthcare system, hone their skills, and grow their careers.

Some of the advantages of working in Australia as a nurse are:

A hot climate and amazing beaches for a fulfilling life outside of work.
A multi-cultural environment which makes it an exciting country to work in.
High wages: the average salary for a registered nurse is around 75,000 AUD.
Australia is a thriving country with exciting cities such as Melbourne, perfect for young nurses wishing to start a new life.

Some of the disadvantages of working in Australia as a nurse are:

Obtaining a visa can be challenging depending on where you come from.
The cost of living in big, urban cities such as Sydney can be extremely high.
It is extremely far away from most other countries which makes visiting family and friends more difficult.

Did You Know?

There are 704,520 Nurses on the permanent NMC register in the UK as of March 2022.
This is up from 681,525 the previous year.
This means there is a 3.37% increase in Registered Nurses year-on-year for 2022.

International Opportunities in the UK

There are many opportunities available in the UK. It has a high demand for healthcare workers, making it a great opportunity for those seeking job security and career growth.

However, there are certain requirements you need to meet in order to work as an international nurse in the UK, such as registering with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and meeting certain language proficiency standards which we outlined in our previous blogs.

For those looking to challenge themselves and experience a new culture, it is an excellent option. In addition to gaining valuable life and work experience, workers can benefit from attractive compensation and the opportunity to work with a diverse patient population. Whether you’re seeking adventure or developing your skills, working as an international nurse in the UK is a great choice.

Some of the advantages of working in the UK as a nurse are:

It is always in demand as a profession, and this is especially the case in the UK. One reason for this is the aging population which means that work availability will only increase.
Staff are paid a competitive salary in the UK ranging from 24,907 pounds to 45,000 pounds or more.
They receive good benefits such as: pension, sick leave and paid time off.
There are many different specialisations on offer in the UK such as: critical care, mental health and pediatric care.

Some of the disadvantages of working in the UK as a nurse are:

Staff may work as part of a healthcare team and might not have as much autonomy as they would like.
They have to be registered with the NMC and English language requirements involve taking the ILETS/OET exams.
The UK’s exit from the EU has caused a shifting landscape for those who want to work as an international nurse in the UK.

International Placements at Servisource

At Servisource, we place International Healthcare Professionals in permanent positions across the UK into the private sector and NHS.

We have partnered with a number of overseas agencies in order to fill current client needs in the UK. Being experts in this field, we pride ourselves on being a leading international recruitment agency.

Temp Staff member and International Nursing Opportunities: A Comparison of Countries

International Opportunities in Canada

Canada is a country that offers many international healthcare opportunities for those seeking to expand their horizons. With a growing healthcare sector and a high standard of living, Canada provides an attractive package for those looking for new challenges. There are several paths to explore, including healthcare education, working in private clinics, or taking on public health roles. In addition to enhancing work skills as a healthcare provider, these opportunities offer you a chance to live and work in a vibrant multicultural environment whether you are seeking adventure or stability.

Some of the advantages of working in Canada as a nurse are:

Canada is facing a shortage which means there are plenty of open jobs for qualified nurses.
In Canada, there is a competitive salary with the average salary of a registered nurse being 83,000 CAD a year.
Canada is a vibrant country with a rich cultural heritage that welcomes people of all nationalities.

Some of the disadvantages of working in Canada as a nurse are:

Those who want to practice in Canada need to obtain a license from the Canadian Nurses Association. This can be a costly process.
Canada is known for its cold, harsh weather which can make it difficult to adjust to if you are from a hot temperate climate.
The cost of living is high in large, urban cities such as Toronto.

International healthcare opportunities give workers the chance to expand their professional horizons, challenge themselves in new environments, and make a global impact. No matter where you choose to work, there are fantastic opportunities for growth and advancement that can help further your career.

Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia offer a range of diverse settings for those wanting to gain international experience. To maximise your potential and get the most out of your international journey, it is important to do your research on all three countries before making a decision.