The Rounds Journal · For nurses
Burnout and the decision to leave: nurses weigh their options
Some nurses want to leave the profession. Others plan a move to Canada or the US. Some feel unable to speak about their conditions at all.
Burnout is not unique to the region, but the combination of long hours, distance from family and uncertain contracts makes it hit hard. Nurses describe three responses: leaving the profession, leaving the country, or staying and keeping quiet.
“I just want to leave nursing. Feel like I’ve wasted my time training to be a nurse.”
“If you have the opportunity to leave, go for it... Im now a citizen here in Canada.”
“If they talk, they risk getting fined, deported, or, worst of all, jailed.”
Recognising burnout
Burnout is usually described in three parts: emotional exhaustion, a growing distance or cynicism toward patients and work, and a sense that nothing you do makes a difference. It builds over months, and it is easy to mistake for ordinary tiredness until it is well established.
Leaving the country
Moving to the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom or Australia is a common plan. Each has its own route. The US requires passing the NCLEX-RN and state licensing. Canada assesses internationally educated nurses through the NNAS before provincial registration. The UK requires registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Each takes time, so it helps to start well before you plan to move.
Leaving nursing, or changing direction
Not every nurse who wants to leave wants to stop working in healthcare. Many move into roles that use their clinical experience with less direct shift work: quality and patient safety, infection prevention, nursing education, case management or health informatics.
Where nurses move next
Quality and patient safety Audits, indicators and improvement projects.
Infection prevention Policy and surveillance across the hospital.
Nursing education Training new staff and running continuing education.
Case management Coordinating care and discharge across services.
Speaking up safely
Use formal, documented channels first: incident reporting, the quality department, or an anonymous reporting line if your employer has one.
Keep copies of your contract, payslips and any written communication.
Nurses working overseas can contact their own country's labour or embassy office for advice on employment disputes.
Talk to colleagues you trust, and seek professional support for your own wellbeing.
Licensing routes and labour protections change over time. Check current requirements with the relevant licensing body or authority.