Europe is comprised of fifty sovereign states and is the second smallest continent in the globe (according to a seven-continent model). Russia is the most populous and largest of the fifty sovereign nations. Its population is approximately 746 million, which accounts for approximately 10% of the global population.
Additionally, Europe is the world’s wealthiest region, with assets valued at over $32.7 billion, and the largest economy in the world. This amounts to approximately one-third of the global fortune. A significant number of Eastern European countries are still in the process of recovering, which is why Western European countries are regarded as wealthier nations. They are in the process of recuperating from the dissolution of Yugoslavia and the demise of the Soviet Union. Due to this, their economies are not yet as developed as those of their Western counterparts.
In general, Europe is a pleasant place to reside, as its cost of living is lower than that of North America. Additionally, their healthcare is superior and, in terms of numbers, the most proficient of any region worldwide. North Americans have the maximum satisfaction rate of 23% and pay the highest fees for medical services in the world. Europeans have a 70% contentment rate and pay significantly fewer fees.
After establishing the superior quality of healthcare in Europe, we can proceed to further discuss the matter. The primary emphasis of this article will be on the most in-demand European countries for nurses.
Nursing Profession in Europe
The quality of healthcare in Europe is currently subpar, as research conducted since 2018 has demonstrated a paucity of nurses and other healthcare professionals. The average number of nurses per 1,000 residents in European countries is one. Another study conducted by the European Parliament indicates that the probability of another patient dying would increase by 7% when an additional patient is added to the workload of these nurses.
The Covid-19 pandemic has been entirely detrimental. The demand for nurses in Europe has experienced a significant increase since the outbreak in 2019. Particularly in the EU member countries, the shortage is anticipated to reach 4.1 million by 2030 at this rate.
In order to mitigate the shortage, numerous European countries’ ministries of health and labor are currently formulating strategies to reform their healthcare sectors. These include enhancing the working conditions of nurses, providing them with positive incentives, and ensuring that they are adequately recognized for their contributions.
Nevertheless, this scarcity presents an opportunity for nurses who are not located in Europe. It will be simpler to recruit nurses from outside of Europe while these policies and incentives are being implemented.
Therefore, if you are currently a nurse or are pursuing a career in the field, the following are the ten most in-demand European countries for nurses.
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10 Top European Countries That Need Nurses
1. Italy
Italy is an excellent country to work as a nurse, despite the requirement to pass a language proficiency examination in the local language (Italian) in order to obtain the necessary certification to practice. Additionally, they are experiencing a paucity of nurses; therefore, they are willing to accept nursing assistance from any source. The average annual salary for nurses in Italy is approximately €45,000.
2. United Kingdom
In this instance, the quantity of nurses who are resigning from the NHS exceeds the quantity of newly registered nurses. As the United Kingdom already has a substantial number of immigrants, it will be straightforward to capitalize on this opportunity to relocate and pursue a career as a nurse. However, nurses who are promoted to a higher position are granted an exceptional compensation package, which can reach as much as £35,000 annually. However, to qualify as a nurse in the United Kingdom, one must earn a degree in pre-registration nursing, register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, and complete their assessment.
3. Ireland
Ireland is an additional excellent choice for nurses who are proficient in the English language. Nursing in Ireland offers a wide range of opportunities and diversity. Nursing is also in high demand in this region. Before you can practice as a nurse, you must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland.
Once you have registered, you will also be required to complete a language proficiency examination, and applicants are typically subjected to a background check. Irish healthcare is rapidly developing, and they are also exploring methods to enhance the working conditions of nurses.
4. Germany
In Germany, there are only 19 competent candidates available to fill every 100 vacant nursing positions. This has prompted the German government to implement a healthcare reform that includes the evaluation of their nursing training programs and the recruitment of nurses from other nations.
To comply with German standards, you would require a nursing license and program that are internationally recognized to adjust to the language, culture, and professional abilities. It is also important to mention that the German healthcare system is highly mechanized, which contributes to its improved quality.
Additionally, a visa may be necessary, contingent upon your nationality. It is crucial to acknowledge that the salaries of nurses in Germany are contingent upon factors such as location, experience, and abilities.
5. Luxembourg
Luxembourg, despite its diminutive size, is not merely a tax refuge; its economy is also prosperous. They also provide their employees, including nurses, with generous compensation that range from €54,000 to €113,000 annually. The sole disadvantage of Luxembourg is the level of competition for employment.
They do require nurses; however, the limited population and exceptional working conditions make it challenging to secure employment. However, the advantages are numerous, and they extend beyond compensation.
6. France
While the average life expectancy in France is currently 82, the healthcare system is nearly unparalleled, and it is relatively affordable. The preponderance of patients’ medical expenses are typically reimbursed by their health insurance provider.
Additionally, their emergency services are top-notch. The high life expectancy of nurses in search of employment necessitates the care of a significant number of elderly individuals, as well as regular patients and victims of the COVID-19 pandemic. France is yet another exceptional country in which to pursue a career as a nurse.
7. Denmark
The Danish healthcare system is readily accessible to citizens and inhabitants due to its substantial funding by the taxpayer. Additionally, their healthcare system is of the highest quality, as one would anticipate from a Scandinavian nation.
The working conditions are arguably the finest in the area, even for nurses. For example, they are granted six weeks of paid vacation/annual leave each year. The salaries of nurses are also within acceptable ranges.
8. Netherlands
A highly effective work-life balance, the potential for the most advanced healthcare system in Europe, and an exceptionally stable economy. Numerous healthcare professionals favor the Netherlands as their destination. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) that is internationally recognized is required to secure employment as a nurse in this location.
Afterward, you will require a large register that is intended for healthcare professionals to work. Subsequently, you may submit for a work permit. A significant number of Dutch individuals are proficient in English; however, it would be advantageous to be able to communicate in the local language.
9. Switzerland
There is also a shortage in this region; however, the Swiss are somewhat more stringent in their admission of foreigners, particularly for professional purposes. In this context, it would be necessary for you to possess proficiency in one of the local languages, specifically German, French, or Italian.
It would be unacceptable to rely solely on English. Additionally, they administer examinations for these languages, and the requirement to pass one of them is contingent upon the location of your desired residence or employment. The Swiss Red Cross is responsible for the processing of migrant applications and credentials.
The cost of having your credentials evaluated is substantial, and the process may require several months to be finalized. In addition to these factors, they offer a highly effective healthcare system and competitive compensation for medical and nursing professionals.
10. Norway
Norway is an excellent destination for medical professionals due to its superior healthcare system, high standard of living, and socially progressive ethos. It is anticipated that they will require approximately 100,000 healthcare personnel and workers over the next decade due to their extended lifespan.
To secure employment in this location, it is necessary to possess a work visa/permit, be proficient in the local language, and obtain certification from the Norwegian Registration Authority for Health Personnel (SAK). The salaries of healthcare professionals and nurses in this region are also quite attractive.
Benefits of European Countries That Need Nurses
- Enhanced Patient Care: Nurses are essential in the provision of high-quality patient care, which includes the surveillance of patient health, the administration of medications, and the provision of education on health management.
- Enhanced Patient Safety: The adequacy of nursing personnel contributes to the reduction of errors and the enhancement of safety protocols, resulting in improved outcomes and fewer complications.
- More Nurses on Staff: Healthcare facilities can operate more efficiently, resulting in reduced patient wait times and an overall improvement in workflow, with an increase in the number of nurses on staff.
- Support for Healthcare Providers: The addition of additional nurses can assist in reducing the workload of physicians and other healthcare professionals, thereby enabling them to concentrate on intricate medical cases and enhance team collaboration.
- Cost-Effectiveness: The investment in nursing staff can result in reduced hospital readmission rates and shortened hospital stays, which ultimately reduces healthcare expenses.
- Community Health Promotion: Nurses frequently participate in health education and promotion initiatives within the community, which can result in enhanced public health outcomes.
- Crisis Response: Healthcare systems are able to respond effectively to public health emergencies when they are equipped with a well-staffed nursing workforce.
- Diverse Knowledge: Nurses possess a wide range of specialties and abilities that can improve the quality of service in particular fields, including pediatrics, geriatrics, and mental health.
- Increased patient satisfaction scores have been associated with higher nurse-to-patient ratios, as patients perceive that they are more attentive and well-cared for.
- Support for Healthcare Research: Nurses are instrumental in the advancement of healthcare knowledge and the enhancement of practices over time by contributing to clinical research and evidence-based practices.
Websites to Find Nursing Jobs in Europe
- Total Jobs
- Diversity in Research
- Nursing jobs UK
- Indeed
- Go Abroad
- Moving People
- Apply EU
- Kcr
- Healthcare permanent staffs
- Health Staff
Conclusion:
This presents an opportunity for nurses from outside Europe who wish to relocate and operate in a European country, as numerous European countries are currently striving to address the shortage of nurses and other healthcare professionals. We think that this article would have equipped you with the necessary resources to capitalize on this circumstance.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Which country in Europe needs nurses?
Switzerland, Germany, Norway, and Ireland are some of the EU countries that are facing shortages in the healthcare sector. The EU’s most common and severe shortages were specialist doctors and nursing professionals. Some EU countries have eased immigration rules amid their efforts to attract foreign workforce.
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Which foreign country is best for nurses?
Switzerland and Luxembourg are the top-paying countries for registered nurses and related professionals. Besides, Canada, Australia, and the USA also pay competitive salaries to nurses.
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Which country is best for nurses without Ielts?
Canada provides nursing vacancies in Canada without IELTS. Canada offers nursing jobs in Canada to candidates who have the skills and experience to work in hospitals. It has definitive steps, rules, and procedures that every nurse has to follow to immigrant to work and live in Canada.
