International Travel Nursing: : Jobs, Agencies, & Salary For Nurses Abroad

If you are a nurse and wish to travel the world, you are very lucky. International travel nursing – or plain travel nursing in the US – has become big business with lots of opportunities.

Nursing is a great profession to be able to see other countries. Many countries are in a severe nursing shortage right now and travel nurse staffing concerns are making it very easy to come in and work.

Whether you are looking to visit for a few months or a couple of years, you can find something that will suit you to a tee.  All specialties are needed. If you are an OR, ER, med/surg, cardiac, neonatal nurse, or any other specialty, you will find a job that is right for you and in your field.

Travel nursing overseas jobs - children in Africa
Working as an international travelling nurse abroad can be hugely rewarding, in many ways

The benefits are wonderful. High pay, free housing, licensing fees paid, health insurance and travel expenses are generally covered, depending on the country traveled to.

Most hospitals and travel nurse recruiters want you to have at least one year of nursing in your specialty. They want you to be comfortable, not only with being a nurse but with the equipment, terminology and cares as well.

International travel nurse salary

There is no set salary for international travel nursing jobs as it depends entirely on the country in which you are based. In fact, salaries range from as low as US$23,000 per year to as high as US$149,500 per year.

The countries with the highest travel nurse salaries are Luxembourg (average US$91,000), the United States (average US$98,031), and Switzerland (Average US$72,000). Of course, these countries also have a higher cost of living. 

Comparatively, countries such as China, Lithuania, and the Philippines offer much lower salaries. But if you are interested in seeing the world and experiencing as much as you can, you may sometimes need to sacrifice a high salary for a unique experience.

International travel nursing agencies

Want to know how to become an international travel nurse? It’s as easy as signing up for an agency that will link you up with opportunities all over the world. 

You will discuss your skills and prior working experience with a recruiter at the agency so that they can get a good idea of the best placement for you. You can define your preferences and placement desires to ensure you also land up in a country that you’re excited to work in. 

Always work with a reputable international travel nurse agency that has plenty of experience and available opportunities. You can check out an updated list of the best agencies here.

Travel nurse abroad in the United States

There are many travel nursing possibilities within the United States and salaries are high. Even before you explore overseas opportunities, a change of pace in your own country might just do the trick.

If you’re not a US citizen, it isn’t all roses. Some countries, like the United States, have very long waiting periods to receive visas, making travel nursing abroad extremely challenging. If you have previously traveled to the US, you can get back there in less than 6 months with sponsorship from a travel nurse company or hospital. If not, it can take several years to receive a visa. 

You will need to be sponsored by either a travel nurse agency or hospital for your visa so you can become a travel nurse abroad. Once you have the visa, it can be renewed yearly. You will also need to be licensed in the US with the NCLEX nursing exam. Your agency will help you prepare for this and pay the fees. This test is often offered outside of the US as well as in the US.

The United States isn’t the only great place to be an international travel nurse though. There are several other countries that you can receive a work visa in and travel to.

International travel nurse in the Middle East

I know, probably not your first choice. Consider it though, for nursing abroad (paid!) because the facilities are top-notch, the pay is even better and you will receive great benefits. 

International nursing jobs in the Middle East will require you to work for 1-2 years and give you the opportunity to fly home, free of charge, for a visit between the first and second year. Depending on your home country, your wages may also be tax-free.

Many nurses choose to work here while waiting for a US visa and there are plenty of travel nursing opportunities.

Travel nursing international in Australia

Most jobs require a two-year commitment and there are English language requirements that will need to be met. If your ultimate goal is to work in the US, this is a great interim step. You can apply for residency after a two-year assignment if you wish.

Canadian travel nursing abroad

Canada has almost as many paid nursing abroad choices as the US and is much easier to get a visa. If you would like to travel to North America, this is a really fun and diverse place to be. Canada can also be a great interim step to entering the US. 

Travel nurse international: Europe

There are many opportunities for international travel nursing in Europe, especially in England and Ireland. If being a traveling nurse in Europe appeals to you this may be a good option. You can run into some of the same visa issues as with the US, though.

Travel nursing overseas: volunteer work

There are plenty of organizations and international travel nursing agencies if you’re looking for volunteer work as a travel nurse overseas. One Nurse at a Time has a directory of organizations with volunteer opportunities. Travel nursing overseas can be incredibly rewarding volunteer work.

Finding the best international travel nurse jobs

Not only nurses can travel. Physical therapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, and respiratory therapists are all in high demand. You can travel to almost any place a nurse does with any of these careers.

Working while traveling is a great chance to see the world, have built-in support, and make new friends. It’s the perfect way to engage in meaningful and experiential travel. There aren’t many other opportunities as great as international travel nursing that allow you to earn and learn at the same time.

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