This series highlights unique and diverse career opportunities for healthcare professionals looking to transition away from traditional roles. Each post provides an overview of the job, qualifications required, and potential salary ranges, though these may vary by location and employer and information available on the actual job post. If this job isn’t a good fit for your credentials and background, then please click here to view all Job Spotlights.

Are you a registered nurse looking for more than the routine of hospital shifts? Do you crave adventure, travel, and the opportunity to make a global impact? If so, the Foreign Service Registered Nurse (Limited Non-Career Appointment) role with the U.S. Department of State might be your next great move!

What is a Foreign Service Registered Nurse?

This isn’t your typical nursing job. As a Foreign Service Registered Nurse (FSRN), you’ll be stationed at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide, providing medical care to diplomats, their families, and other government personnel. Your responsibilities include primary and emergency care, health education, and medical evacuations—often in remote or high-risk locations. This is a role for those who thrive in fast-paced, unpredictable environments.

Why This Role is for Thrill-Seekers

• Work Around the World: The State Department assigns you to different locations, meaning you’ll live and work in diverse cultures, environments, and climates.

• Emergency Response: From handling medical crises to coordinating evacuations, you’ll be at the forefront of high-stakes situations.

• Autonomy & Leadership: You won’t be just another nurse—you’ll be the go-to medical professional for your assigned post, often working independently or leading a small team.

• Unparalleled Experiences: Whether navigating a new language, experiencing different healthcare systems, or adapting to remote settings, every day will bring something new.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen

• Hold a current RN license in the U.S. with the minimum of an associates degree

• Have at least five years of recent professional nursing experience (critical care, emergency medicine, or occupational health preferred) in the last six years

• Able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive government salary with overseas allowances

• Housing & relocation assistance

• Federal Benefits

• Paid travel and training opportunities

• A career filled with unforgettable experiences and global impact

How I found this post:

I googled “embassy nurse”. For these jobs, I usually have to search on the USAjobs.gov website. I was not having much luck there. I did a simple Google search and this was the top post. From there I was able to link back to the actual job post on USAJobs.

Is This the Right Fit for You?

This job does not appear to be accepting applications anymore. However, I wanted to highlight this post as an example of international nursing opportunities outside of traditional travel nursing. If this kind of job excites you, consider signing up for job notifications—you never know when or where the next opportunity will appear!

This could be your chance to leave the hospital behind and take your skills to embassies across the globe!

Have you ever worked in an embassy as a healthcare professional? Drop and a comment and tell us about it!

Disclaimer: This blog post is independently written and not affiliated with or endorsed by USAJobs. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official job posting and consider signing up for their Talent Network.