Europe and Australia have become popular destinations for nurses who are looking for greener pastures, in terms of better salaries, personal and career growth and development as well as better living standards. The Covid 19 pandemic and the increase in the ageing population together with the prevalence of chronic diseases brought about the increase in demand for healthcare professionals in these particular continents such that there was or is a need to expatriate foreign trained nurses to balance the demand and supply.
QUALIFICATINONS AND REGISTRATION.
First and foremost, bear in mind that in order for you to work effectively in certain European countries you need to be able to speak and understand their home language for instance, Dutch if you want to work in Netherlands. Some countries or institutions provide language learning programs. Requirements may differ slightly from one nation to another but there are certain compulsory requirements the apply to both European and Australia. You are required required to demonstrate your English language proficiency through writing English tests like the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). In both continents, you are required to hold a recognized nursing program from a recognized institution.
Other documents one should have available and ready include a valid passport, birth certificate, ID card and a valid health insurance as well as proof of funds.
Australia requires you to satisfy the registration requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) before you may be considered for a migration to Australia based on the fact that you are a nurse. You are then required to write and pass two tests, National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) and Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE) for you to be registered as a nurse. From there you can apply online through the AHPRA’s website. After your application is approved you can proceed and apply for jobs at your places of interest in Australia.
VISA AND WORK PERMIT.
Visa requirements depend on your citizenship and educational background in line with the country in which you intend to work as a nurse. There are different types of visas and the differences are determined by specific employment circumstances and stay durations. For example, Germany offers a Job Seeker visa which allows a six- month stay for job hunting, Employment Visa which permits a two year stay for nursing employment, EU Blue Card which allows a four- year stay for nursing employment and a Settlement Permit which permits permanent stay and work in Germany.
Like I mentioned earlier, each country has its own set of required documents and stages are different in the application process, although they are almost similar. In some instances, you may apply for a visa after getting your contract of employment. Some employers may give visa sponsorship which will make the process easier. You could apply directly to institutions of your choice or do it true trusted agencies.
For UK you can also send applications to NHS Trust if you don’t opt for private agencies. You will be interviewed and be given a job offer and a Certificate of Sponsorship so that you can start applying for the Health and Care Visa. You can move to the UK after the approval of your visa and are required to write the OSCE within twelve weeks of starting your new job. There is always room for growth and promotion after securing your first job.
There are many agencies that claim to be legitimate, hence there are high chances of getting scammed, so be very vigilant. you can as well use LinkedIn and Indeed to search for nursing jobs in Europe and Australia and apply online.