5 Key Starting Points for Nurses Choosing to Move Abroad.

There's just too many options! Welcome to the modern world. Don't you love it sometimes?

The most important thing is to begin. ~ Jason Fried

Starting and starting over are two different things. It will kinda feel like the latter when you are migrating in your 30's! I am a BSN graduate and upon taking the degree in the Philippines it was apparent to me that I will fly somewhere. That one-way ticket kind of thing. My family and friends declared, manifested it in my life. The tough part was choosing what part of the world.

Here's the list of how I was able to narrow it down.

1. Make a list of the places you are interested in and why.

This will make the process less overwhelming. Usually after graduation, there's a lot of movements and news from your friends and it is totally normal. You will hear a lot of updates like good salary offers that will make you re-think your choices. In creating a list the goal is to hopefully make you less sensitive to trends and maximize the perks of being a newly grad with no commitments yet. The world is your oyster for real. And this is about you not about them. Having a list of the things you want and why you want them in the long run is important especially in migrating.

2. Know the Visa options for each country.

This should be specific to your skill set or degree and how they can cater and assist you if you choose to move in their country. Do they offer temporary work visa , only working visa or is there an option for becoming a permanent resident, a citizen maybe? If yes, would you want that in the long run? These items will trim the list down significantly.

Most of the companies in countries such as New Zealand, Australia and the UK are competitive in terms of how they can attract nurses to work in their country. Do they have programs to help you transition, do they have an option for you to become resident and eventually become citizen if you choose to start the process and work in their country?

What helps for me is thinking long-term or setting a 5 year goal.

3. But first, is it safe for you?

For me the most important thing is, safety. Ask yourself first, is it safe? Are there laws that will protect you as you wait to get your working permit, or as a working visa holder or as a resident. What's in it for you if you sign on? Aside from the pay of course.

“Discipline is choosing between what you want now, and what you want most.” - Abraham Lincoln

4. Stick to it and trust the process.

The process and timeline varies per country. Whichever country you choose it could be quick or long till you can get that visa. The tricky part is waiting and sticking to it. At least for me.

If you choose US as the country you will move to and you are a Nurse, the timeline is usually 2 years once your application was lodged at the embassy's website. I know it could be tempting to revisit other options and sticking to the plan will be the biggest challenge. That's where the next tip will come in handy!

5. Don't forget to have fun!

Lastly, think of what you can do with the time you have left in your home country.

Spend more time with your friends and family. Be present in the moment cause you will move soon and half the world away is not an easy visit. This will power you through the changes you will experience once you migrated. When everything is new and you only know a handful of people in the area (and they are not even an hour drive away). But You got this!

Practicing in the US as a Registered Nurse, for my Auntie is the ultimate goal if you are a Nurse. Oh boy, can you hear the pride in that statement? If you can, let us know. I don't usually agree but well.

All the best to you!