In order to understand what nursing looks like around the world, we first need to acknowledge that our views and perceptions of nursing are influenced by our lived experiences. Nursing in the United States, like all things, has its pros and cons but will likely also contain elements of privilege that are important to acknowledge. 

With that being said, there are many countries and regions in the world that educate aspiring nurses and have varying degrees of nursing professions. While reading, think about what differences and similarities there may be. 

The United Kingdom

Our neighbors across the pond tend to have similar prerequisites in order for people to become nurses. To become a nurse in the UK you must earn a degree in pre-registration nursing, register with their Nursing and Midwifery council and take (and pass) an assessment. 

Ireland

In Ireland, nursing is in high demand and nurses actually have more variety and opportunities. This is in part due to Ireland’s nurses having experience in primary care which is broader and more wide reaching and in demand. 

Canada

Canada has enjoyed praise on a global scale due to its commitment to universal healthcare system. When it comes to nursing, nurses are also valued and compensated very well for their work. In fact, Canada has some of the best nursing salaries in the world. 

Norway

Norway has a high quality of life and a population that follows progressive standards and values. Naturally, this extends to Norway’s healthcare system. Salary is based on experience and it is also in high demand due to a longer life expectancy. Nursing is in high demand and is actually something to take into consideration as it is possible to take your nursing skills to a new country as long as you follow that country’s visa requirements. 

Latin America

Of all the Latin American countries, Chile is said to be known for its higher quality of life when compared to its neighboring countries and other Latin American countries in general. Nursing in Chile can be a very rewarding and lucrative career, especially when compared to other professions or the nation’s average pay. 

One thing to keep in mind is that the field of nursing around the world is impacted by the same issues facing the United States. It goes without saying that the COVID-19 pandemic has really affected the way people work - and live - in the midst of a global crisis. 

The World Health Organization has recently expressed a great need for more nurses in the field because of COVID, and nurses are needed now more than ever. The other side of the coin here is that nurses around the world have felt the effects of mental strain, burn out and lack of proper life saving equipment. 

WHO Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has called for countries to rally around healthcare workers - almost 50% of which are nurses and midwives -  and provide support on all levels. 

In the article he states: “We owe them so much, and yet globally health and care workers often lack the protection, the equipment, the training, the decent pay, the safe working conditions and the respect they deserve,” he said in his opening remarks. “If we have any hope of achieving a healthier, safer, fairer future, every member state must protect and invest in its health and care workforce as a matter of urgency.”

As you’ve seen us talk about here at NurseDeck, this pandemic has also disproportionately impacted low income communities and communities of color. This is something that is unfortunately not limited to the United States. As we think of our profession and the field of nursing in general, it’s important to uplift and express empathy to our fellow nurses across the world who are experiencing increased hardships due to the states of their countries. 

The silver lining of this experience is that it has brought nurses and the incredibly important work - and service, let’s be real - that is provided at the expense of our own physical and mental wellbeing. With increased attention and coverage and strategic initiatives in places from large scale organizations like The WHO, the nursing profession may just get the much-needed resources and assistance it deserves to help nurses around the world perform at their best.