The EU covers a wide range of countries, and it can be a great place to live and work. If you can get EU citizenship, you enjoy the freedom of movement between many different countries, so it is easy to travel across Europe while you are still working.
Many people change their career to allow them to immigrate to a new area, and it is sensible to choose a job that is in demand. Nursing is; therefore, a great choice is you are considering moving to an EU country, and here’s why.
There is a nursing shortage in the EU
Like many countries, the EU has a nursing shortage that isn’t getting any better. This has come about for several reasons:
- The EU has an ageing population, which is forecast to get more significant in the next few years
- Not enough people are qualifying to be nurses
- Many EU nurses train in their home countries and move overseas
- The more advanced medicine becomes, the more nurses are needed in specialist areas
The good news for qualified nurses is, the shortage means that people who are qualified nurses with experience will find it much easier to get work. Employees often offer incentives to bring in the best candidates.
You may not need a second language
The main barrier to working in the EU for many is that there are so many different languages spoken. It is undoubtedly preferable to speak a language other than English, whether it is French, German, or Spanish, but you can find English-speaking roles within the EU. For example, in areas popular with ex-pats, there are often multilingual hospitals and clinics where English-speaking staff is needed. You could also work in the Republic of Ireland or Malta, which are within the EU but have English among their official languages.
However, to maximize your chances, it is recommended that you learn as much of one of the EU languages as you can, perhaps taking an intensive course to get you started. There are even specialist courses available for nurses to help you with medical language.
Career changers can start training online
Not currently a registered nurse? If you are thinking about a career change, then you can start the process online by getting a bachelor’s in nursing, then doing the required exams to get a Registered Nurse (RN) status. This is enough to get you practising, and you can then go on to do a DNP in Nursing online with Baylor University, which allows you to go into more specialist roles like an executive nurse or nurse practitioner. Those with more specialist training and experience will find it easier to work overseas.
You should check out the specific requirements to practice nursing in the EU country you are considering moving to. Most of the time, you will have to apply to the local nursing body, who will have their own application process and can decide whether to grant you registration. You can do this overseas before you make a move.
The EU is a great place to be a nurse
A great thing about working in the EU is that several employment laws benefit the employee, and most countries tend to have a decent working culture where employees have lots of rights.
Laws such as the Working Time Directive mean that nobody in the EU can be forced to work more than 48 hours a week, and employers must give you at least four weeks of paid time off each year. Being a nurse can be stressful and is hard, physical work, so these laws ensure you get enough breaks and a better work/life balance than many other countries. Excessive night working is also discouraged by law, so unless you want to do all night shifts, they are usually divided up among colleagues.
Being a nurse in the EU can be well paid
While the USA and Canada usually offer the top salaries for nurses, some EU countries can also be found on the list. Some countries that offer particularly good salaries include:
- Italy
- Luxembourg
- Ireland
- Norway
- Denmark
If you are thinking of nursing in the EU, you should look up the average salaries and compare them to living costs. Some EU countries can have high living costs, which you will need to consider.
Remember, there are likely to be significant differences in salaries, depending on your skills, qualifications, and the type of setting you to work in. If you get a few years of experience under your belt and are willing to work in high-pressure environments, you are likely to get better-paid roles.
The EU is a great place to be an ex-pat
Moving to a new country is scary, and while you will want to immerse yourself in the culture, likely, you will also want to know there are other ex-pats around. The EU is an extremely multi-cultural place, with people from around the world, so no matter what your background, you are likely to settle in well.
Living in the EU can be great fun for ex-pats. As a small continent with cheap, fast flights and great train connections, it’s easy to take weekends away and see lots of different cities, and there are some major sightseeing spots in Europe. No matter where in the EU you end up working, you are likely to find plenty to do in your spare time, whether it is backpacking, enjoying the outdoors, or taking part in cultural activities.
Whether you are a registered nurse and want to try something new or considering a career change that will let you work overseas, there are likely to be opportunities for you within the EU. You should think about what kind of experience and skills could boost your application, for example, learning a new language, and do some research into what is required to register as a nurse. The EU offers many different environments for nurses to work in, as well as opportunities to travel and enjoy paid time off, which could make it a significant next step in your career.
