Working as a Nurse in the Netherlands

Job market in the Netherlands

The Netherlands also faces a noticeable shortage of nursing staff and actively recruits international professionals, especially from other European countries.

Recognition and language requirements

Foreign nursing qualifications are assessed through a recognition procedure. Dutch language skills are generally required for direct patient communication, although English is often used as a supplementary working language.

• Recognition procedure for foreign qualifications
• Dutch skills for patient contact
• English frequently used as a supplementary working language

Work culture and nursing concepts

Dutch facilities often rely on semi-autonomous teams with a high degree of self-responsibility, for example following the well-known Buurtzorg model in home care. This requires initiative but also offers more scope for shaping everyday work.