If you're a nurse looking for new opportunities, you may have considered the idea of moving abroad. But where do you start?

Malta is becoming an increasingly popular destination among healthcare professionals, thanks to its pleasant climate, high quality of life, and solid healthcare system.
With the support of Vitae Professionals — a leading healthcare recruitment company in Europe — hundreds of nurses have already taken the leap.

In this testimonial, Laura — a nurse with several years of experience in the UK — shares how and why she decided to start a new life in Malta, completely transforming her career and personal well-being.

​

1. What made you choose to work as a nurse in Malta?

I was living in England and, although I really enjoyed working as a nurse for the NHS, the constant rain and grey skies had become unbearable. Every time winter approached, I would tell myself: “This will be the last one I spend in England.” And yet… I ended up staying for nine years!

I felt the need to move somewhere closer to Italy, where I could enjoy the sea, sunshine, and blue skies, while still having working conditions similar to those in the UK. I thought it would be impossible to find all of that in one place. Then one day, I opened Facebook and saw a post by Vitae Professionals recruiting nurses for Malta. I sent in my CV and, a few days later, I was contacted by Eleonora and Ana.

I had two interviews with the hospital a week apart. I applied for registration with the Maltese Nursing Council (which was approved in just seven working days) and in less than two months, I was on a plane to Malta.

2. Are you happy with your decision?

Very happy! Even though things work differently here compared to the UK, I feel I’ve settled in really well. I feel comfortable at work, my colleagues are kind and helpful, and I’ve managed to build a circle of friends outside the hospital too. My quality of life has definitely improved compared to when I was living in England.

​

3. Tell us a bit about your job, your career journey and the city you live in.

I work in the Emergency Department in a modern, well-organised and constantly growing private facility. Even though it’s a private hospital, it has a friendly and familiar atmosphere – you never feel like just a number. The environment is professional, but also very human.

In A&E, we see patients with all kinds of conditions, so no two days are ever the same – you never get bored! It can be demanding, but it’s also incredibly stimulating. I really like the hands-on approach we have with patients – we’re often able to care for them quickly and attentively. There’s great teamwork with doctors and fellow nurses, and that really makes all the difference.

I live in Żejtun, just a two-minute bus ride from the hospital. It’s a peaceful little town with a typically Maltese atmosphere. It’s not a touristy area, which perhaps helps preserve its slower, simpler pace of life. I love it because, even though it’s not right by the sea, in just a few minutes by bus I can reach stunning beaches and places like Marsaxlokk or St Peter’s Pool.

​

4. What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced?

The biggest challenge was adapting to a system that’s different from the one I was used to. After nine years in the NHS, certain routines and ways of working had become second nature. In Malta, I had to start from scratch – learning new procedures, getting used to a different structure, and adjusting to a new way of managing patient care.

This experience has taught me a lot – both personally and professionally.

​

5. How was your experience with Vitae Professionals?

Very positive! Eleonora and Ana have been fantastic – always available, kind, and professional. From the very first contact right up until my arrival in Malta, I felt supported and well looked after. I’m truly grateful to Vitae Professionals for helping me take this step.

​​

Why Consider a Nursing Job in Malta?

Laura’s journey shows that moving abroad as a nurse doesn’t have to be overwhelming — with the right support, it can lead to a better lifestyle, greater job satisfaction, and exciting personal growth.

If you’re a nurse looking to work in a country with sunshine, strong healthcare infrastructure, and a high quality of life, nursing jobs in Malta could be the perfect opportunity.