Wondering the most profitable place to practice as a nurse? Don’t worry! We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 Countries with the highest salaries for nurses.
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Table of Contents
Who is a nurse?
According to (ICN 1987), a person who has completed a program that includes basic generalized nursing education and is endorsed by the appropriate regulators in his/her country is referred to as a nurse. The study of nursing entails providing a broad and sound insight into areas like behavioral, life, and nursing science. Typically, the nurse is equipped to:Â
- Embark on healthcare teaching
- Participate fully as a member of the healthcare team
- Engage in research
- Get involved with the general scope of the nursing practice which includes promoting health, preventing illnesses, caring for indisposed people of all ages in healthcare centers and communities, and other related activities.
- Supervise and also train other nurses and auxiliary health care workers.
Job description of a nurse
Generally, the job description of a nurse includes:
- Observation and interpretation of a patient’s symptoms, and then properly communicating them to the physicians.
- Work hand in hand with other physicians and healthcare workers to create individualized care plans for patients.
- Examine and monitor patient’s condition, take note of their needs, and provide the best healthcare solution and advice.
- Perform different routine procedures like checking blood pressure, administering injections, checking measurements, filling the patient’s chart, and so on.
- Additionally, they provide medical care in cases of emergency.
- Also, they assist surgeons during operations procedures.
- Additionally, they promote a supportive, conducive, and compassionate environment to care for their patients and families.
- Furthermore, they attend workshops and seminars to increase their knowledge base and to become more effective and efficient.
- They administer and adjust a patient’s medication and provide treatment according to the doctor’s prescription.
- They inspect facilities to maintain excellent hygiene and safety.
Top 10 countries with the highest salaries for nurses
The top 10 Countries with the highest salaries for nurses are:
Countries | Salaries in USD |
United States | 123,159 |
Norway | 116,329 |
Virgin island | 118,228 |
Luxemburg | 90,000 |
Australia | 85,000 |
Switzerland | 73,415 |
Canada | 68,877 |
Germany | 58,462 |
Italy | 49,433 |
Ireland | 44,520 |
1. United States
The United States is one of the countries that pay nurses well, although the salary a nurse will earn is dependent on various factors like experience, location, and employer. For example, nurses in the urban regions will earn well. In addition to the payment, they also enjoy other benefits like insurance, retirement plans, tuition for nurses who want to further their studies (this is dependent on the employer), and so on.
Eligibility criteria to be a practicing nurse in the United States
- Nurses must complete a program and have a certificate from a school recognized by the U.S.
- Additionally, they are to pass the NCLEX-RNexam and register with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
- Also, they need to get a State license
- After getting a license, the next step is to start applying for jobs.
2. Norway
The healthcare system in Norway depends on its nurses to provide medical services and to also assist doctors. There is also a high demand for nurses which is part of the reason why they are paid well in the country. The population in Norway is growing, and this translates into an increase in demand for healthcare workers. As a resident of Norway, are equally entitled to different benefits in healthcare and education for your children
Eligibility criteria to be a practicing nurse in Norway
- Anyone who wants to be a practicing nurse in Norway must have a certificate from a school recognized by the Norwegian Registration Authority for Health Personnel.
- You will also need to learn the Norwegian language
- You will need to be licensed by the Norwegian Registration Authority for Health Personnel
- Take additional courses endorsed in Norway to increase your knowledge base.
- Start applying for jobs.
3. Virgin Islands
The Virgin Islands is one of the most profitable locations to work as a nurse. The average salary is over 100,000 USD depending on the position of the nurse. Additionally, nurses also get to enjoy other benefits like free housing and travel expenses.
Eligibility criteria to be a practicing nurse in the Virgin Islands
- As stated earlier, you need to have a recognized certificate.
- Fill out the application form and submit it to the government’s Department of Health.
- You will also need to submit a recognized license with your application.
- Additionally, there will be other documents you will need to submit before proceeding to start applying for jobs.
4. Luxembourg
Although the cost of living in Luxemburg is on the high side, the payment for nurses is also equally attractive. Additionally, the country has a strong healthcare system and job opportunities open for nurses in Luxembourg.
Eligibility criteria to be a practicing nurse in Luxembourg
- Aspiring nurses will need to submit proof of certification and must have a recognized diploma that lasted for 3 years.
- Additionally, nurses will also need to fill out and submit the application form so that it can be recognized.
- Furthermore, you need to understand at least one of the three major languages in the country. The languages include Luxembourgish, French, and German.
- Also, you will need a minimum of one year of experience before you will be considered for employment.
5. Australia
The standard of living in Australia is quite high, it is also a sort-after country. Additionally, there is also a high demand for nurses in this country. It also houses some of the best universities in the world and there are open opportunities for professionals to harness.
Eligibility criteria to be a practicing nurse in Australia
- Submit the necessary documents for verification
- Pay the assessment fee required.
- Attend the e-learning course on the AHPRA’s portal
- Submit any additional required documents.
- Pass the regulatory exam to get licensed.
- Start applying for a job.
6. Switzerland
The Swiss government has put measures in place to help attract and retain nurses. Nurses are therefore in high demand in the labor market in this country. The government offers a tuition reimbursement for nurses who desire to further their education. There are also additional benefits nurses stand to enjoy in this country.
Eligibility criteria to be a practicing nurse in Switzerland.
- Aspiring nurses need to have a professional nursing license that enables them to practice legally.
- Additionally, your credentials need to be verified by the Swiss Red Cross
- Assemble all the necessary documents to become registered.
- Pay the required fee.
- Start applying for jobs.
7. Canada
In addition to Canada having an aging population, there is also a demand of for nurses in the country’s labor market and the salaries are also attractive. Additionally, the working conditions are favorable and nurses get to enjoy different benefits.
Eligibility criteria to be a practicing nurse in Canada
- Aspiring nurses have to submit their certificates should they have formal education.
- Applicants should provide evidence of practice.
- You should sit for and pass the jurisprudence exam.
- Afterward, you should show proof of language proficiency in French or English.
- You should either be a permanent Canadian resident, a citizen, or an authorized immigrant.
- Mention if you have been found guilty of any offenses in the past and state if you have suffered any physical or mental disorder and condition.
8. Germany
There are so many positions open for nurses in Germany. There is also an increase in demand for nurses as they will play a vital role in the healthcare system too.
Eligibility criteria to be a practicing nurse in Germany
- Have a university degree or a nursing degree with at least 3 years of experience.
- Take the required language proficiency test.
- Be recognized by the appropriate board.
9. Italy
Italy has beautiful scenery and it is generally a fantastic country to live and work in. For explorers, there are different cuisines to try out too. Although nurses need to learn the Italian language to be able to work here, the payment is profitable for those desiring to work here.
Eligibility criteria to be a practicing nurse in Italy
- You need to have a nursing education and a certificate.
- Aspiring nurses also need to learn the Italian language.
- Also, you need to sit for and pass the board exams.
- Register as a licensed nurse.
- Start applying for a job.
10. Ireland
In Ireland, there are career opportunities open for nurses. Additionally, the country is a beautiful place to live, work, and relax and there is also a high demand for nurses in the labor force of the country.
Eligibility criteria to be a practicing nurse in Ireland
- Aspiring nurses need to complete the academic requirements.
- They also need to be licensed.
- They just pass the IELTS exam
- Additionally, they must also complete the credential review.
Top universities to study nursing
The top Universities to study nursing according to QS world ranking are:
Universities | QS World ranking | Overall score |
University of Pennsylvania | 1 | 97.2 |
King’s College London | 2 | 97.1 |
Johns Hopkins University | 3 | 94.2 |
University of Washington | 4 | 91.3 |
University of Alberta | 5 | 90.7 |
University of Southampton | 6 | 90 |
The University of Manchester | 7 | 89.9 |
University of Toronto | 7 | 89.9 |
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | 9 | 89.7 |
Yale University | 10 | 89.6 |
University of California, San Francisco | 11 | 89.1 |
New York University (NYU) | 12 | 88.2 |
The University of Sydney | 13 | 88.1 |
Columbia University | 14 | 87.4 |
Monash University | 15 | 87.1 |
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) | 16 | 87 |
Duke University | 17 | 86.7 |
Karolinska Institutet | 17 | 86.7 |
The University of Melbourne | 17 | 86.7 |
University of Technology Sydney | 20 | 86.4 |
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