Wanderlust is defined as a strong, innate desire to rove or travel about. If you’re a nurse with wanderlust and you’re looking for a new adventure, international travel nursing may be right for you! There are plenty of travel nursing positions within the United States, but some of you may want to expand your impact as a nurse beyond our country’s borders. Nursing abroad provides you with many opportunities to expand your knowledge, experience new cultures, and explore the world. If you’re considering a career in international travel nursing, continue reading for a basic overview of the job!
International Travel Nursing: An Overview
We understand. Becoming an international travel nurse seems intimidating and you may be wondering, “Can travel nurses go to different countries?” The answer is yes! The application process is actually pretty similar to travel nursing within your home country. One of the first things you need to do is work with an agency to obtain a nursing license for the country you’d like to work in. Similar to our states at home, each country comes with its own set of rules and specifications. Make sure you’re aware of what you need for an assignment before you apply.
One factor that sets international travel nursing apart from domestic travel nursing is the language barrier. A basic understanding of the local language is usually required for each assignment. Don’t let this discourage you, though. There are many countries in need of travel nurses, so you will find your ideal assignment as long as you are patient and keep an open mind.
Another difference between international and domestic travel nursing is that international assignments are normally longer. While the average travel nurse assignment in the U.S. lasts 13 weeks, nurses working aboard can expect assignments that are at least a year long. The length of each assignment depends on the healthcare situation of the area you want to work in. If a country’s natives have limited access to healthcare, you may need to stay longer than a year. For instance, international nursing assignments in the Middle East typically last about two years.
International Travel Nursing: The Benefits
Combining a nursing career with a love of travel can lead to incredibly rewarding experiences. That’s why we’ve come up with a list of the top three benefits of international travel nursing!
Expand Your Knowledge
International travel nursing is a great way for nurses to learn about regional conditions and new procedures. Much of what you encounter will not be familiar to you, so you will quickly build your skillset. Some of the facilities you may work in will have use methods and tools, and adapting to them will help you fit into any new setting more easily!
Experience New Cultures
Traveling abroad helps you develop your cultural sensitivity. You will constantly meet people from different walks of life and you will learn how to celebrate the similarities and differences between cultures. This will also help you come up with better care plans that fit the needs of your patients, regardless of their backgrounds and situations.
Explore Your Destinations
New destinations are filled with interesting people and great scenery! Depending on where your travels take you, you can enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, surfing, skiing, or sightseeing in your free time. Becoming a travel nurse means you will be paid to fuel your wanderlust, all while helping those in need. Not a bad deal, right?
Interested in an international RN travel job? With proper planning and certifications, you can start your first international travel nursing experience in no time. Access to healthcare is a basic human right. You can help others live healthier and happier lifestyles by nursing abroad!
Calling all nurses with international travel nursing experiences! Are there any benefits that we missed? Let us know in the comments below!
