The recognition of professionalqualifications in all European Union (EU) member states for
nurses is covered by both sectoral and general systems directives, yet in reality, few nurses
take up their rights as European citizens to live and work in another EU country. One of the
main reasons for this is a lack of linguistic skills. This article argues that the nursing
profession should be taking a more active role in enabling nurses to move freely around
Europe by encouraging language acquisition. It is argued that there are political, social …