Anyone successfully moved to Spain as a nurse (not necessarily to do nursing).
Posted by Prestigious_Dirt8160@reddit | expats | View on Reddit | 63 comments
My family are very interested in moving to Spain...my husband is a teacher and speaks Spanish so there are loads of jobs he could do out there. However I do not speak Spanish and I'm a general nurse. I can't find anything online about how to make my career transferable and I don't have any ideas.
I'm curious if anyone has moved to Spain as a nurse and made a life for themselves, either by nursing or finding a different job which nursing leant itself to. Any online jobs I could do as a nurse? It's been suggested about English speaking clinics in expat areas but I can't find anything like this from searching online. I don't speak Spanish... I realise this barrier can be fixed by my learning Spanish but I'm not sure I would ever feel confident enough to work in a medical environment in a second language.
Thanks
Capital_Win_124@reddit
Hello! Can I ask for an update did you find a job? I'm thinking of moving too and keen to learn Spanish but scared of dangers of working with it for nursing x
Hour-Fail-5269@reddit
Learn spanish online, go to Gib and apply to meddoc, you could live in spain.
Sad_Diver4566@reddit
Da !,în Gibraltar Sint salarii frumoase și se vorbește mai mult engleză.Am.avut și eu o ofertă de muncă de acolo dar cum nu știam foarte bine engleza,nu m am dus.
sakalakasaka@reddit
Really ?
There is a lot of unemployment in Spain.
Traditional_Oil_6715@reddit
They need nurses all over Europe including Spain
Sad_Diver4566@reddit
Da,dar salariile Sint micuțe în Spania și volumul de muncă este mare un multe azile private.
ETX2000@reddit
Hello are you still looking for a nurse job in Spain.. If so we need to talk.
michyb1313@reddit
Interested!
Square-Sprinkles3062@reddit
is the position still available? what are the requirements please?
Financial_Recover_85@reddit
Is it in Valencia city or the region?
Prestigious_Dirt8160@reddit (OP)
For example he can work online as a teacher. I can't work online as a nurse as far as I know.
areyoustilltherefren@reddit
Hi. RN here. There are some good online nursing jobs. Look for UR, case management, insurance, telephone triage, health/nursing informatics, medical writing, teaching jobs, legal nurse consultation, recruitment, or research to start with. Good luck.
Prestigious_Dirt8160@reddit (OP)
Awh amazing thank you so much for this!
areyoustilltherefren@reddit
Found a website. Not sure how good/accurate, but I think there are some resources out there if you find the right keywords to google
https://theremotenurse.com
No-Virus-4571@reddit
Under which visa would he be an online teacher?
Prestigious_Dirt8160@reddit (OP)
We've both got European passports.
Mightyfree@reddit
You should put that in your original post, it would make your situation more clear for those who can offer advice.
sakalakasaka@reddit
Nice to know.
A good English may be an wanted skill in towns with a lot of turism (mediterranean coast or Islands) but I cannot give information firsthand.
Good luck and welcome to Spain.
ruthdaniel79@reddit
https://angelsnursingcare.com/home-care-nursing/home-help/
I have come across this which may be of interest. Goodluck and let us know how you get on..
killero24@reddit
How much can a nurse there earn?
hoummas_05@reddit
hello , I'm in the same situation ( same same but diffŕence LOL) any help please I wanna move on to spain as a nurse ?
Professional-Wish523@reddit
Same here.have you moved to Spain?
hoummas_05@reddit
emm nope I still not graduated yet lol , am just asking fo tips to help me move after my graduation
Professional-Wish523@reddit
Hi
Have you moved to Spain?Are you working as a nurse ? I am interested to know more.
Thanks
Professional-Wish523@reddit
Hey . I want to know too.have you moved to Spain?
zhapper2002@reddit
Hello! I am curious about your decision and the choices you made. I am a Filipino-American nurse and I wanted to do geoarbitraging. I am currently living here in California and I have been a nurse for 15 years. I am a few courses away until I finish my masters degree in nursing. Initially, I wanted to take ladership roles in healthcare management but since I have 2 kids, I would love to be more present while they are growing up.
I wasn't sure where you are from but I saw the opportunity of doing extra course work to get my advance practice nurse license both in family practice and psychiatric & mental health. I just thought of establishing my own nursing practice as a provider and do telehealth consultations. I am still going to maintain both my California and Florida licenses. I may need to obtain licensure in other states too so my practice is wider and I can see more patients where I am going to be licensed. I do own rental properties in other states so having a US address is no issue and I still have family here.
I would love to hear what you decided on doing. I got burnt out of the ER and switched to case management the last three years. I now know more about healthcare insurances and billing here in US so if I end up having a telehealth practice, I'd know how to do it the right way. I am also an entrepreneur on the side and still inversting my money somewhere else. I really wanted to kind of "retire" by 45. I am 35 years old btw.
Thanks in advance!
chailottie@reddit
My mother moved to Spain from the Netherlands and she works as a private nurse for the elderly who still want to live at home but need some help. She speaks a bit of Spanish, but she lives in Calpe, and most of her clients are English, Dutch or German. One of her friends works as a nurse for the elderly as well there and she’s Romanian like you. When she just moved she also did some cleaning work to get by. Especially holiday homes. She worked really hard in the beginning.
michyb1313@reddit
Can you please tell me how to find these types of jobs?
Prestigious_Dirt8160@reddit (OP)
This is really helpful thank you. Can I ask what you mean exactly by private? Does she work with a private company or is she insured and working solo? Thanks x
chailottie@reddit
She is insured and working solo. So she is kind of her own boss.
Extra-Ad-5163@reddit
Try private care ! I have a friend looking for nurse right now in palma de Majorca and pays 6000 euro to live with them and work 40 hr a week if you are interested to start. But something like that may work to begin! Good luck and don’t give up !
Spiritual_Pen_2892@reddit
Is this still relevant?
Gewoonmoes@reddit
Heeft ze al iemand gevonden en hoe?
heidirunyan@reddit
I understand your shock at the stupidity of some people whose brains are wired to incorrectly interpret the messages that are coming in for them. Just know it has nothing to do with you. I read your post and had no issues nor did I think for a second you were saying you weren’t willing to learn Spanish. Many people have incorrect interpreting practices and you can be guaranteed it’s not only with what you said but in most of how they do life and WHY they probably have lots of drama/relational conflicts. Your Job is to not get hooked on thinking you owe people who exhaust the rest of us with defending yourself.
As far as moving to Spain to figure your stuff out.. I’ll be following this post/reading through the comments for good advice.
Legitimate-Warthog22@reddit
I'm looking into this myself. Looking into remote jobs or work ina. Community with expats... Heard they need nurses that speak English but can't really find info. Ig best bet is to speak to An immigration lawyer? I'm thinking of taking up Spanish over the summer. Every week I have a Spanish speaking person that only knows a few words in English.
Prize_Painting_9746@reddit
People do suck. I hope you made it to Spain as a nurse. I want the same thing
ActImportant3994@reddit
Honestly the mean replies are a clear indicstion of what you will encounter in Spain. I have no idea why Spain shows as desirable and popular, it really is not. Soooo many people of the exact mindset as the mean replies. imagine that IRL, not just online, everywehre, everyday and you get an idea. Obvs not a happy place at all.
AlbatrossUsual1829@reddit
Check out the Remote Nurse website. ToNS of remote jobs for nurses now
AnonyNurse-Poet@reddit
Former nurse here. If I were you, I'd look into home care provision for ex-pats. There are probably care companies who would be very glad of an English speaking nurse in their ranks. I understood the spirit of your question. Some people just love to be snitty!
I see you posted this a while back and I hope things are working out well for you.
EmphasisKey2711@reddit
Hi there, I am a Registered Nurse in Australia, originally from Romania, I have dual citizenship. I am at the same point as you are. Looking to buy a house in Spain but I would not do it if I can’t work as a nurse over there cos I don’t know anything else. However, I don’t mind to start with whatever until I sort out my nursing degree and learn the language. I would very much appreciate it if you or anyone else let me know if they’ve moved and what they went through.
Thank you in advance. Aura
NeneNeeko@reddit
Moving to Spain as a nurse from Australia? You should check the unemployment rate in Spain ans see why is the highest in The European Union, I know how rhe public system works for nurses if you want DM
LazyCapybara_xoxo@reddit
was the shitty replies deleted? I only saw insightful replies tho. thanks to this post btw. was looking about this as well
Effective_Celery1849@reddit
Private Hospitals The private hospitals in Spain are managed by private healthcare providers. These hospitals are often smaller as compared to public hospitals. In addition, they also offer more specialized services. Some private hospitals in the country include Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Hospital Universitario Quirón Madrid, HM Universitario Sanchinarro/ CIO Clara Campal, Hospital Universitario Sanitas La Zarzuela, Centro Médico Teknon – Quironsalud, and Hospital Universitario Sanitas La Moraleja.
Public Hospitals Public hospitals in Spain are operated by the government, and they can be further classified into three major categories: general hospitals, mid-level hospitals, and high-technology hospitals. They are classified based on the level of care that they provide to their patients. Some of the public hospitals in Spain are Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, and Hospital La Paz.
The University of Barcelona (UB) offers a Master in Advanced Nursing Clinical Practice program. Selection criteria include: Previous skills and knowledge in the program’s specialization areas, Professional experience in the program’s specialization areas, Academic transcript, Reading and comprehension skills in English, and Personal interview
Registration Prior to being able to work as a foreign nurse in Spain, you must first register with the Professional Nursing Association, which is located throughout the country. It is important that you register in the area where you will work. The requirements per association may vary from one another. The documents that are often required are listed below. * Official degree certificate * Original and photocopy of Academic certificate * Certificate of your specialization (if any) * 2 photographs * Original and photocopy of National identity document * Bank account number (for the payment of fee) * Proof of payment
Where to apply for degree recognition in Spain
: https://www.educacionfpydeportes.gob.es/servicios-al-ciudadano/catalogo/general/05/051270/ficha/051270.html
https://www.expatica.com/es/education/higher-education/qualifications-in-spain-104884/#where-to-apply
You can apply for degree recognition in Spain at the following places: * The Spanish Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (MEFP). This is the best way of making an application, as the MEFP is the department responsible for authorizing recognition. You can apply through the MEFP website or through one of the registries in Madrid. * The Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country. * Any Spanish government office that serves as a public registry office at the national, regional, or local level.
misatillo@reddit
I’m Spanish. The only way I can see this working for you is going to an area in the coast where lots of foreigners live and work in a private clinic. You will probably still need to get your nurse title homologated to the Spanish one and I have no idea how that is done or if you need Spanish for it (you may).
Effective_Celery1849@reddit
It is done by Ministry of Spain; here are the sources ;
Private Hospitals The private hospitals in Spain are managed by private healthcare providers. These hospitals are often smaller as compared to public hospitals. In addition, they also offer more specialized services. Some private hospitals in the country include Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Hospital Universitario Quirón Madrid, HM Universitario Sanchinarro/ CIO Clara Campal, Hospital Universitario Sanitas La Zarzuela, Centro Médico Teknon – Quironsalud, and Hospital Universitario Sanitas La Moraleja.
Public Hospitals Public hospitals in Spain are operated by the government, and they can be further classified into three major categories: general hospitals, mid-level hospitals, and high-technology hospitals. They are classified based on the level of care that they provide to their patients. Some of the public hospitals in Spain are Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, and Hospital La Paz.
The University of Barcelona (UB) offers a Master in Advanced Nursing Clinical Practice program. Selection criteria include: Previous skills and knowledge in the program’s specialization areas, Professional experience in the program’s specialization areas, Academic transcript, Reading and comprehension skills in English, and Personal interview
Registration Prior to being able to work as a foreign nurse in Spain, you must first register with the Professional Nursing Association, which is located throughout the country. It is important that you register in the area where you will work. The requirements per association may vary from one another. The documents that are often required are listed below. * Official degree certificate * Original and photocopy of Academic certificate * Certificate of your specialization (if any) * 2 photographs * Original and photocopy of National identity document * Bank account number (for the payment of fee) * Proof of payment
Where to apply for degree recognition in Spain
: https://www.educacionfpydeportes.gob.es/servicios-al-ciudadano/catalogo/general/05/051270/ficha/051270.html
https://www.expatica.com/es/education/higher-education/qualifications-in-spain-104884/#where-to-apply
You can apply for degree recognition in Spain at the following places: * The Spanish Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (MEFP). This is the best way of making an application, as the MEFP is the department responsible for authorizing recognition. You can apply through the MEFP website or through one of the registries in Madrid. * The Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country. * Any Spanish government office that serves as a public registry office at the national, regional, or local level.
Hour-Fail-5269@reddit
Beware the ides of doom lol
Hour-Fail-5269@reddit
Alternatively do a tefl and work online. I would do a Celta you can demand better pay. Teach OET you spend your time teaching healthcare proffessionals to speak English. Think outside the box. Too many people lack insight and are negative. If you want you can do it.
Which-Teacher9046@reddit
My experience on this expat Reddit thread has been the same.... shocked and appalled at the negativity of people. Anyone can make their dreams come true and move to a different country. I'm also a nurse looking to expat but I do speak fluent Spanish. Still have no idea how to find a job there
Subterraniate@reddit
Shitty replies????
Instaprincess123@reddit
I wonder if you could work as a school nurse in an expat school? Or a nanny for the super rich- often they like to hire trained nurses for obvious reasons and pay well? I’ve heard of nurses doing private nursing for individuals too like older ppl who need care and Maybe are native English speakers
I feel like if you get creative you can find some interesting opportunity
k1o2a3l4a5@reddit
If you are an RN and he's a teacher you should consider moving to Australia. Great quality of life - move to Queensland (I wish I could!) and it's such a sunny lovely place to live.
Prestigious_Dirt8160@reddit (OP)
haha funny you say this. It seems to be a toss up between Spain and oz, i prefer oz he prefers Spain. Why can't y ou move to queensland ?
k1o2a3l4a5@reddit
My husbands job is in the southern states. Hopefully one day! I also love Perth. Nursing is much better in Australia than the UK, and teaching is also well paid.
Mightyfree@reddit
What kind of visa are you intending to apply for? That will determine your options. Unlikely you would get sponsored for teaching, he would need to prove he is more “qualified” than a national applicant, I’m not sure about nursing, but obvs that’s only if you spoke Spanish.
forwardnote48@reddit
European countries usually operate in the official language(s). If you want to live and work in Spain, there is no way around learning Spanish (Castellano). In some Comunidades I would also recommend learning at least the basics in the local language in addition to Castellano. If you feel like that is too big a task I don’t think Spain is the right country for you.
aikhibba@reddit
It would be difficult as many Spanish nurses go to other European countries to work. Unemployment is rather high.
I would suggest finding an area with a lot of expats such as Benidorm or Torrevieja. There are some private doctors with practices and maybe a few aesthetic clinics, where you might get by with just English.
Some EU countries do require you to take a nursing test in the native language idk if that’s the case for Spain but might be a possibility. You’ll have to do some research.
mooningstocktrader@reddit
you need to get your qualifications verified by the gov in the province you want to practise.
look at andalucia. costa del sol.
marbella, sotogrande, manilva.
sotogrande school and the private clinics in sotogrande
lots of guiris
Necessary-Status7806@reddit
I think elder care could be a potential option from what I've heard there is a big market for it and not much offer.
Prestigious_Dirt8160@reddit (OP)
Thank you for this 👍
mooningstocktrader@reddit
this is not correct. family look after elders. in fact english people live in spain and fly back to the uk earning money as a residential carer for the elderly and then fly back to spain to live on the money.
travellingllamas@reddit
You’d have to get your degree homologated / officially recognised once you get to Spain to even start on the path to practicing as a nurse there. Try to find a gestor who specialises in this process. And by the time that’s done you need an advanced level of Spanish, they won’t hire someone without it, especially in such a vulnerable line of work. Your best bet for now is to get a TEFL certificate which is super easy to do online and teach English whilst you learn the language. There are many qualified Spanish nurses who will be chosen first for these jobs im afraid but if you really want to do this then the first step is to get your degree validated
Prestigious_Dirt8160@reddit (OP)
Yea I don't really want to work as a standard nurse in a hospital on the basis of having learned to speak Spanish. As I said, I wouldnt feel comfortable doing that. I wondered if anyone had found any English speaking hospitals or clinics, or any other ways to use their nursing degree to work in Spain 😊
No_Jelly_7543@reddit
In Spain you will need to speak Spanish to be a nurse. Are there any Spanish only hospitals in your country? Highly doubt it. If you want to move somewhere else you can’t treat if like it’s the UK and expect Spanish people to cater to you in their own country. It might sound harsh but it’s the reality.