The demand for skilled nurses is high and only expected to continue to rise in the coming years. There are a variety of reasons for the need for nursing professionals. As the population ages it is important to have adequate nurses to staff hospitals and nursing facilities. The increased specialization of medicine also requires for an increase in the specialization of those who administer care, including nurses. Finally, as the costs of medical care skyrocket, nurses of all levels, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses and nurse practitioners, are taking on more of the care involved in treating patients.

These are not issues specific to the United States. Nearly every country is in need of trained nurses. This makes nursing a wonderful career option for many people. The options available to a competent nurse are limitless. For the individual who wishes to travel, nursing abroad offers many benefits as well.

Working Abroad for Personal Reasons

There are many personal benefits to working abroad. For those who like to travel or experience a new culture, nursing abroad is a terrific way to finance a lifestyle that would otherwise be difficult. While the idea of packing your belongings and moving half a world away may seem overwhelming, it does not need to be so.

Many nurses who work abroad gain employment through a staffing agency. This staffing agency, in addition to finding work for the nurse will help with the transition abroad. The agency professionals know exactly what documents you will need and what specific immunizations you require, depending on the country that you will be working in. In addition, they can help you find housing and set up your banking.

While you will still be working in your time abroad, nursing abroad allows you to fulfill your desire for travel, living in a foreign country and experiencing a different culture. For many people nursing abroad is a wonderful lifestyle.

Working Abroad for Professional Reasons

There are a variety of professional reasons that a nurse may want to work abroad. Many areas of the world have less than ideal health care available. A nurse one of these communities can literally be a lifesaver. Working one on one with families, helping them with basic nutrition, immunization and other medical situations can be a very rewarding experience for the professional nurse.

Also, many nurses enjoy working abroad. As highly trained as these nurses are, if they stay in the United States, they will not use all of their skills. In many countries, a recent graduate of nursing school will be able to gain much valuable and diversified experience working with patients. The same graduate, had they remained in the United States, would probably spend several months in orientation programs at the hospital where they work, maybe rotating through various floors doing basic level nursing. For the nurse who desires to jump into a health career with both feet, spending time nursing abroad can be a wonderful way to gain much needed experience. Later, if you decide to return to the States, this experience will make you a sought after employee.

Make the Most of Your Experience Nursing Abroad

To get the most from your overseas experience it is important to keep some things in mind:

• Know your intentions. If you want to nurse abroad for the travel and cultural experience your choice in destination will be different than if you want to work in an under-served and poor area that is lacking in health care.

• Know what you are getting in to. Do not think that you are being selfish by inquiring about living conditions ahead of time. This is a huge commitment. Only you know your comfort level. Some nursing abroad opportunities will offer all the comforts of home, while others will not offer running water. By understanding the conditions up front you increase the odds of a comfortable stay.

• Know how long you want to stay. While plans can change, it helps the nursing agency to coordinate their staff if they know generally how long you want to stay. Some new graduates take a year to nurse abroad, some go for a few weeks, and some go abroad to nurse and end up relocating permanently. While there is no way to know how you will feel about an area before you actually arrive, having a plan allows you and the staffing agency to find the best fit for your situation.

Nursing abroad, whether for a few weeks or permanently, can be both personally and professionally fulfilling. The numerous staffing agencies available will help ease your transition and allow you to make the most of your time abroad.