The Netherlands is an excellent destination to work as a nurse. The country is now in desperate need of additional nurses. This isn't solely due to the coronavirus; the Netherlands had a nursing shortage even before then. If you've been considering working as a nurse in the Netherlands, now is a fantastic moment to do so! Here are some things you should be aware of if you are interested in this opportunity.

The BIG Registration

The BIG register is a database of all medical professionals in the Netherlands, and if you wish to work as a nurse in the country, you must first register. Being on the BIG register entitles you to utilize legally protected professional titles (such as "nurse"). The register also outlines which jobs you are permitted to undertake, grants you access to specialized training, and subjects you to disciplinary law.

So, with a foreign diploma, how does enrolling in the BIG work? If you have a non-EU diploma, you must first have it validated by Nuffic or IDW. If you hold an EU nursing diploma, you can skip this stage. You must also demonstrate a B1 level of Dutch in each of the four areas: listening, reading, speaking, and writing. After that, you must go through the registration process: The BIG website has a wealth of further information.

Competitive Pay

The typical pay for a registered nurse working in a hospital in the Netherlands is from 2600 euros to 3700 euros per month, which may be a motivating reason for some nurses to relocate to the Netherlands. However, this is dependent on a variety of criteria such as years of experience and skill.

Of course, this does not include end-of-year bonuses or holiday pay, and you will be eligible for a pension. You will also be compensated for working weekends and holidays. The majority of contracts will last 32 to 36 hours per week.

Learning The Language

Is it necessary to know Dutch to work as a nurse in the Netherlands? You certainly do. It's only natural that when you're assisting patients—often folks who are in a vulnerable state—that you should be able to communicate in their original language. As a result, before registering with the BIG, you must demonstrate that you can communicate in Dutch at a B1 level. The program includes a language school geared exclusively for healthcare professionals, which is not the case with conventional Dutch classes.

Furthermore, the Netherlands is placed between England and Germany both geographically and linguistically. As a result, Dutch is similar to both English and German. You will learn Dutch faster than non-medical professionals because you are already familiar with English and medical terminology. You will uncover similarities and differences between the languages you already know while you learn a new language, and you will be able to use them to your advantage.

Healthcare System

In the Netherlands, they have a private insurance-based healthcare system. Adult Dutch nationals pay roughly €100 per month in health insurance, with those earning less than a set amount being (partially) reimbursed by the government.

This indicates that the healthcare system is well-funded, which is reflected in the pay that nurses earn.

As an international nurse considering working in the Netherlands, you should be aware that patients must first consult their primary care physician before traveling to the hospital, unless it is an absolute emergency. For you, this means more concentrated attention on those who truly require your assistance.

According to the OECD Better Life Index, life in the Netherlands is generally pretty good. This rating is based on several characteristics, including life expectancy, water, and air quality, disposable income, employment, and education. In general, the Netherlands has a strong feeling of community. For these reasons, many nurses contemplate practicing their profession in the Netherlands.

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