If you’re a Malaysian nurse, there’s never been a better time to consider a new life in the US. Job opportunities for nurses are plentiful due to the country’s aging population, coupled with the average age of a US RN at 58 years old.
In fact, the RN workforce in the US was 2.9 million in 2016 and is expected to increase by 438,100 in 2026 to take RNs to 3.4 million. This means an additional 203,700 new RNs are needed in the US each year up to 2026 to fill both newly created roles and replace retiring nurses.
What’s In It For You?
A new life and career in the US can be highly rewarding for Malaysian nurses in many ways, including:
Rate of Pay
The US offers some of the highest nursing salaries in the world. According to Payscale, the average salary for a staff nurse in Malaysia is RM 30,975, compared to the average nurse salary in the US of $63,000 USD, equivalent to RM 262,422.
Visa Program
The country’s Green Card program means that your spouse and children under the age of 21 can travel with you. Additionally, your spouse can work in the US, and your children are entitled to free education until the age of 18.
Career Development
Due to increasing shortages, nurses in the US are guaranteed job security for years to come. Additionally, high numbers of nurses entering retirement age mean there’s ample scope to progress your career.
Standard of Living
Nurses in the US have access to excellent public services and a high standard of living. Living costs can also be lower in comparison to certain areas in Malaysia. When cost-of-living website Numbeo compared Singapore to the US, it found:
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Consumer prices in the US are 12.42 percent lower than Singapore
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Rent prices in the US are 34.98 percent lower than Singapore
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Grocery prices in the US are 0.26 percent lower than Singapore
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Local purchasing power in the US is 26.22 percent higher than Singapore
More Leisure Time
US nurses typically work a 40-hour week. In comparison, according to the work-life index published by technology company Kisi, Kuala Lumpur has the worst overall work-life balance among 40 major cities in the world, with people working an average of 46 hours a week, with 22 percent working for more than 48 hours.
Take The Next Step
Conexus will be hosting a recruitment drive in Kuala Lumpur with Melorita Healthcare the week of December 9th. We’ll be meeting with nursing candidates to explain more about how you can live and work in the US. If you want to attend the event, register your interest with us by emailing info@conexusmedstaff.com or via Melorita Healthcare.