Nursing is one of the most important professions in the healthcare industry and by far, one of the best-paying too. To get the most out of this profession, you should know the highest paying countries in need of nurses.
The role of nurses in the healthcare industry cuts across all aspects of life. From providing healthcare for individuals, and families, to contributing to the well being of the world.
Despite the global shortage of nurses, they still make up the largest group of professionals in most healthcare environments receiving the best paycheck in some countries of the world.
Are you a nurse in search of the highest paying countries in need of nurses? Well, you are in the right place. In this article, you will find the list of the 15 highest-paying countries in need of nurses in 2023, what nurses do and the reason for the global demand for nurses.
What Do Nurses Do?
There is no specific answer to this because the nursing profession comes with a lot of variation in the roles executed.
These roles can range from giving out medical advice, to ensuring accurate diagnosis, and giving prescriptions (depending on the nurse’s level). Sometimes, these roles fall within the scope of your regular physician.
Nurses perform these roles while maintaining their credentials, code of ethics, standards, and continuation of their education. This makes nursing one of the highest paying jobs in the world and we’ll help you find the highest paying countries in need of nurses too.
However, it is important to note that, In the United States, some of these roles can be quantified and divided into three, namely: Registered Nurse, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, and Licensed Practical Nurse. We’ll discuss that shortly.
Registered Nurse:
A registered nurse coordinates care in tandem with other healthcare professionals, issues medications and other personal forms of intervention. They also perform physical examinations of patients’ health histories to help make vital decisions regarding the patient.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN):
For a nurse to become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, He or She must possess a Master’s degree with the regular nursing training and licensing certificate.
APRN provides primary and preventative health care to the public, treat and diagnose illnesses, manage chronic diseases while continuing their education in a bid to find improved methods and new technology in the medical field. APRN’s can also practice specialist roles like Certified Midwives.
Licensed Practical Nurse:
Also called Licensed Vocational Nurses, a Nurse with this title provides support to core healthcare teams and works under the management of a Registered Nurse, APRN, or even a Medical Doctor.
Their roles include Checking for the patient’s vital signs to ascertain any improvement or deterioration in health conditions, providing primary nursing roles like changing of bandages, and also ensuring the patient’s comfort.
Global Demand for Nurses
We did mention that there is a global shortage of nurses, particularly in a lot of first-world countries and war-torn countries as well. The Covid-19 pandemic contributed to the mass shortage of nurses in many countries. with the International Council of Nurses (ICN) predicting a “mass exodus” in the profession which might dither should there arise another pandemic.
However, contrary to this declaration, the global demand for nurses has been increasing over the years after the pandemic and experts predict that the demand will continue to soar in the coming years.
According to the report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of registered nurses is projected to grow by 7% between 2019 and 2029, adding approximately 221,900 new jobs.
This increase is due to several factors, such as aging populations, increased prevalence of chronic diseases, and technological. Therefore global demand presents an opportunity. Nurses in countries where shortage of nurses is minimal or non-existent can relocate to other countries with shortages and their options are not limited.
If you are one of these, here are 15 countries in need of nurses that pay the highest salaries.
15 Highest Paying Countries in need of Nurses
1. Canada
Average Annual Nursing Salary: $71,590
Canada is an ideal place for English-speaking nurses and nurses in general. The average salary is one of the highest in the world making it extra attractive.
Although international applicants for the nursing license in Canada may go through some background checks like interview questions, and an examination. The process costs $340. However, this may vary with individuals. The registration process can last between 3 – 18 months.
2. Switzerland
Average Annual Nursing Salary: $85,927
The salary for nurses here can rise from $85,927 to $251,442. With the recent shortage in Switzerland’s workforce and their stable economy, this happens to be one of the best options for nurses looking to earn higher in this profession.
However, the Swiss have a strict policy with regards to foreigners coming into the country for work purposes, and the process to get licensed is a rather tedious one. Aside from this, Switzerland is one of the highest paying countries in need of nurses.
3. Australia
Average Annual Nursing Salary: $75,000
The lack of language barrier for English speakers and the presence of multiple international health and medical agencies and companies make Australia a great place to practice nursing.
4. Ireland
Average Annual Nursing Salary: $42,000
Another country with a fairly tedious process to get licensed to practice as a nurse is Ireland. The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) has a set of tests, exams, and checks they make applicants go through before accepting their application.
Ireland is one of the highest paying countries in need of nurses. Due to the series of tests and exams set by the NMBI, only few foreign nurses are accepted into the country.
Although their pay is fairly competitive and if you’re successful in all the application processes, you should enjoy the exclusive offer available for nurses in this country.
5. United States
Average Annual Nursing Salary: $75,300
This amount may change depending on your location in the U.S. Various states in the United States have different averages, but the figure above is the general average.
6. Chile
Average Annual Nursing Salary: $47,000
The standards of living in Chile are pretty decent, and this extends to their medical industry. Nursing here is a very profitable profession and it comes with a lot of opportunities.
7. New Zealand
Average Annual Nursing Salary: $60,000
The laidback lifestyle, rugged landscapes, and a private/public mixed healthcare system make New Zealand a great place to work in.
New Zealand is one of the highest paying countries in need of Nurses and you may be lucky to get in if you’re set to try.
8. Germany
Average Annual Nursing Salary: $49,000
Germany is also one of the highest paying countries in need of nurses. Their salaries vary with expertise, but the average German nursing salary is enough to cover the basic living expenses if you live in Germany.
Although living in Germany may be very expensive for average workers, you can find the 10 best cities in Germany to live and work in incase you are planning to relocate.
9. Norway
Average Annual Nursing Salary: $50,000
Norway also makes it to the list of the highest paying countries in need of nurses. Norway, like its Scandinavian neighbors, is a stable country, with a stable economy and high life expectancy. Obvious pointers that their medical system is in very good shape.
10. Netherlands
Average Annual Nursing Salary: $60,000
The Dutch healthcare system is often deemed the best in the world, coupled with its very stable economy and very hospitable citizens.
11. Virgin Islands
Average Annual Nursing Salary: $72,000
The salary may vary depending on your location on the Island. The Virgin Islands Board of Nurse License oversees all applications for the license to practice as a nurse.
12. Denmark
Average Annual Nursing Salary: $78,000
Denmark is another Scandinavian country and makes it to the list of the highest paying countries in need of nurses. The process of obtaining the license to practice is more rigorous than that of their Norwegian neighbors.
They conduct Language tests that are equivalent to the skills of a native speaker, and training that shows how the nurse can communicate with the patients. They also set measures to evaluate how well the nurse applicant has adapted to the country’s practices.
13. Italy
Average Annual Nursing Salary: $43,000
The biggest issue here is the language barrier with Italian as the country’s major language. Aside from that, there are a lot of opportunities here for Nurses.
14. United Kingdom
Average Annual Nursing Salary: $47,000
The standard of living in the U.K allows nurses to live comfortably with the average yearly salary. Due to the shortage of nurses as well, the U.K is also a hub of nursing opportunities and is one of the highest paying countries in need of nurses.
15. Israel
Average Annual Nursing Salary: $48,600
Israel arguably has the best medical and healthcare facilities amongst its neighbors. And despite the average salaries of jobs in Israel, not being very high, it is not the case with their nurses. They pay the highest to nurses, both foreign and locals.
Websites to Find Nursing Jobs Globally
- Fasthire
- Go Abroad
- Nursing Jobs
- Conex
- Medacs
- Transitions Abroad
- Global Nurse Force
- Health Times
- West Way Staffing
- ServiSource
- Eduployment
Conclusion: Highest Paying Countries in Need of Nurses
If you are a nurse or an aspiring one, we believe that after seeing these highest paying countries in need of nurses, you would realize the number of opportunities that await you and where exactly you can go to make the best use of these opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions on 15 Highest Paying Countries in Need of Nurses 2023
Which country has the highest demand for nurses?
The country with the highest demand for nurses is Canada. Canada is regarded as having the highest nurse earnings in the world. Canada is an excellent country to work as a nurse for a variety of reasons. The need for nurses is particularly great due to the aging population of the nation.
Which country has the highest paying nursing jobs in the world?
Switzerland has the highest paying nursing jobs in the world.
Which country is better for nurses Canada or USA?
The United States offers far more potential for career advancement than Canada, which is the main factor why the USA is a better country for nurses than Canada. The job stability is excellent, there is a ton of opportunity for growth, and there are many various career pathways available for nurses in the US.
Which European country needs nurses the most?
Switzerland is one European country in need of nurses the most. The other countries are;
- United Kingdom
- Ireland
- Germany
- Luxembourg
- France
- Denmark
- Switzerland
- Norway
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