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- International travel nurse
International travel nurse
An international nurse travels the world, taking care of patients in other countries and working in nations where their skills are needed most.
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Required education
ADN or BSN
Varied
Take on different tasks, patients, and situations every day.
Patient-facing
Work hands-on, directly with patients.
Independent
Work on your own or even start your own practice, in some states.
What is the role of an international travel nurse?
International travel nurses work in a variety of healthcare settings and as such their daily duties will depend on their contracted position. Regardless of the specific position, all travel nurses must collaborate with local healthcare professionals, adapt to varying healthcare systems, and deliver culturally competent patient care.
What you’ll do as an international travel nurse
An international travel nurse is a registered nurse who works in various healthcare settings around the world on a temporary basis. International travel nurses typically sign contracts for a specified period of time, often filling in for local nurses during peak times, covering staff shortages, or assisting with special projects or events.
International travel nurses need to be highly adaptable and flexible, as they work in different healthcare systems, cultures, and environments. They work alongside local staff in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and community health programs. Cultural competence is essential to working with local staff and providing effective and respectful care to patients.
International travel nurses must obtain the necessary licensing and certifications, visas and sponsorship to practice in a specific country. Often these involve interviews and examination processes. Additionally, some assignments may require proficiency in the local language, while others may be in English-speaking regions. Travel nurses are often responsible for making their own travel arrangements, including flights and accommodation, however, some placement agencies may assist with these logistics and may offer housing stipends.
Overall, international travel nursing can be a rewarding and challenging career option for nurses who enjoy adventure, cultural diversity, and the opportunity to make a positive impact on healthcare worldwide.
International travel nurses need to be highly adaptable and flexible, as they work in different healthcare systems, cultures, and environments. They work alongside local staff in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and community health programs. Cultural competence is essential to working with local staff and providing effective and respectful care to patients.
International travel nurses must obtain the necessary licensing and certifications, visas and sponsorship to practice in a specific country. Often these involve interviews and examination processes. Additionally, some assignments may require proficiency in the local language, while others may be in English-speaking regions. Travel nurses are often responsible for making their own travel arrangements, including flights and accommodation, however, some placement agencies may assist with these logistics and may offer housing stipends.
Overall, international travel nursing can be a rewarding and challenging career option for nurses who enjoy adventure, cultural diversity, and the opportunity to make a positive impact on healthcare worldwide.
Education
You’ll teach patients and communities about wellbeing and good health practices.
Treatment
You’ll examine, diagnose, give medications, and create treatment plans for patients.
Where you’ll work as an international travel nurse
Travel nurses work in a variety of healthcare settings across different locations, depending on the needs of their assignments. Some common places where travel nurses are employed include:
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- Hospitals: Many travel nurses work in hospitals, including large medical centers, teaching hospitals, and smaller community hospitals. They may work in various departments such as emergency rooms, intensive care units, medical-surgical floors, or specialized units like pediatrics or oncology.
- Outpatient clinics: Some travel nurses take positions in outpatient settings, providing care in environments such as doctor’s offices, walk-in clinics, or specialty clinics.
- Long-term care facilities: Opportunities also exist in long-term care, including nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and assisted living facilities, especially given the aging population.
- Schools and universities: Travel nurses can work in educational settings, providing healthcare services to students and staff.
How to become an international travel nurse
Get an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
You must first complete a nursing program. This can be an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). A BSN is often preferred and can open more opportunities, but an ADN is a valid pathway to becoming an RN.
Pass the NCLEX-RN.
After completing your nursing education, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed registered nurse. This is a requirement in all states.
Work as a Registered Nurse, meeting the requirements of the country you want to work in.
While not a formal educational requirement, most travel nursing agencies require you to have at least one to two years of clinical experience in a hospital setting. Specialized areas, like intensive care or emergency room nursing, may require additional experience.
Gain any specialty certifications you need.
Depending on your area of specialty, additional certifications may be beneficial or required. For example, a Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification for those working in intensive care units.
You’re ready to work as a international travel nurse!
In this exciting and varied career, you’ll have the opportunity to work with people of many different cultures and be exposed to a variety of medical treatments and procedures. It can also offer a pathway to taking care of patients in countries where your skills are needed most.
15 things to know about becoming an international travel nurse
Discover the world of international travel nursing with our comprehensive guide. Learn how to acquire the education, experience, and licensing needed for this rewarding career.
How much do international travel nurses make?
Top 5 highest paying countries
International travel nursing salaries can vary widely depending on many factors such as the destination country, the specific healthcare facility, the nurse’s level of experience and area of expertise, bonuses, and stipends.
According to Nurse.org, here are the thighest paying countries for nurses:
According to Nurse.org, here are the thighest paying countries for nurses:
International travel nurse career resources
Become a member of an international nurse organization to find career opportunities, learn from your colleagues, and support the profession.
International Council of Nurses (ICN)
International Council of Nurses (ICN)
Related nursing specialties
Rural nurse
A rural nurse helps patients living in geographically and culturally isolated areas, who may have limited access to healthcare.
Travel nurse
A travel nurse works for an independent staffing agency, filling temporary positions from eight to thirteen weeks in the U.S. and one to two years abroad.
Sources
- What is an International Travel Nurse? | Sources: AllNursingSchools.com, NurseJournal.org
- What does an International Travel Nurse do? | Sources: AllNursingSchools.com, NurseJournal.org
- What’s the demand for International Travel Nurses? | Sources: World Health Organization, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- How much do International Travel Nurses make? | Sources: Nurse.org, Economic Research Institute, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- How do you become an International Travel Nurse ? | Sources: AllNursingSchools.com, NurseJournal.org