#travelling australia
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Living and Nursing in Australia
Unlike many other Nursing Agencies, Nursing Australia is a national company with 12 outlets across Australia. You only need to join once and you can work and travel all over our vast and beautiful country.
Nursing Australia is also the preferred supplier to some of Australia’s most prestigious healthcare groups. This means the choice of work is given to you first, allowing you to be flexible and get the shifts you want!
With a dedicated recruitment team you can be assured that you will receive the support and information you require to make your trip or relocation to Australia a smooth and pleasant one.
What it is like to live in Australia?
Australia, in terms of land mass, is the sixth largest country in the world. It is about 50% larger than Europe, but has the lowest population density in the world - only two people per square kilometre, a total population of approx 19 million people – Plenty of room for a few more!
Sydney is Australia’s largest city, followed closely by Melbourne. 6 of Australia’s 7 state and territory capitol cities are located on the coastline - making living near the beach not just a dream but a reality.
Australia boasts over 7,000 world class beaches and some of the most dramatic landscapes in the world. With the reverse seasons of the northern hemisphere, Australia enjoys a largely temperate climate. Most of Australia receives more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year. That is 70% of the total possible hours available. Grab a hat and sunscreen; it won’t get dark at 3pm here!
Australians are known for their love of life and enjoyment of the great outdoors. Wherever you go in Australia, you ll find a passion for getting the most out of life. While Aussie’s can be a little wild at times, most visitors find the typical Australian’s enthusiasm for life refreshing and contagious!
What is it like to Nurse in Australia?
In every capital city there are large teaching hospitals, some with upwards of 1000 beds as well as smaller public facilities and aged care units. There are also thousands of private acute hospitals and facilities across the country. Australia has a worldwide reputation for supplying high standards of medical care.
Shift times vary depending on the facility in which you are working. Shift times are usually as follows:
AM – approx 0700 – 1500
PM – approx 1330 – 2130
ND – approx 2100 – 0730
How do I get a visa to work in Australia?
With current projections indicating that Australia s skilled migration intake over the next decade will continue to rise, combined with strong economic forecasts and a standard of living the envy of many countries, there s never been a better time to consider making the move down under.
The Skilled Migration Program is the most common means of gaining permanent residence in Australia. The aim of the program is to attract migrants who have skills that are required in Australia and who will contribute to Australia s economy and future prosperity. Applicants apply on the basis of their qualifications and experience, along with factors such as their age and English language ability. Applicants in occupations that are in high demand, such as nursing, may be eligible to claim additional points.
You must be under 45 years of age to make an application for a General Skilled Migration Visa, so if time is of the essence ensure you don t delay your decision too long! If you have never been to Australia, you may simply want to see what it’s like before making the big decision to migrate permanently. The Working Holiday Visa is a popular option for young people aged 18 to 30 and a great way to see Australia and earn some supplementary income during your visit. This visa is available for passport holders from those countries with which Australia has a reciprocal agreement. Working Holiday Makers can travel for twelve months in Australia and work for up to six months with each employer.
What is the Nurse Training like in Australia?
Typically, Australian trained Registered Nurses have completed a 3 – 4 year long Bachelor of Nursing. Upon graduation nurses usually complete a graduate nurse program. Similar to NZ, skills such as IV fluid/medication administration and venepunctue are skills taught at university so upon graduation, all registered nurses are IV competent and do not have to undergo their IV certificates.
A Graduate Certificate / Diploma can be gained in many specialties including ICU, A E, Oncology, Paediatrics and many more. You do not require a Certificate or Grad Dip to work in a specialty as Nursing Australia will be happy to take into consideration your experience and hospital based courses.
What is the pay for Registered Nurses in Australia?
Pay scales in Australia vary from state to state, most are paid on a “service” scale and, provided you have worked in a reciprocal healthcare system, your experience will be taken into consideration when you join Nursing Australia.
Obtaining your Nursing Registration
National Registration has become available to all Registered and Enrolled Nurses since July 2010. Whilst Western Australia is awaiting legislation changes, nurses registered in all other states and territories can now automatically work across the country.
Unfortunately the initial registration process can be lengthy (6 weeks – 4 months) so we suggest that you contact the Australian and Midwifery Board as soon as possible to get an application form. The contact details for the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Board are www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au
For information on whether your registration is directly transferable to an Australian registration you may want to access information on The Australian Nursing Council’s website www.anmc.org.au
Nursing Australia is always on hand to assist you with any information you may require and to liaise with the nurse’s board on your behalf.
Tips for your application process
Certified documents: There will be various documents required by the nursing board/council. All references and work statements must be printed on company letterhead and must be the original. All other documents must be certified true copies.
A document can be certified by a Notary of the Public, Justice of the Peace or Commissioner of Declarations (always check with the nurses board you are registering with who is allowed to certify your documents). A certified document must always be signed and dated and the certifier must always print their name and provide an address. The certified document must state, at least, ‘I certify that this is a true copy of the original’. If you are getting documents certified, always get a few copies.
Proof of current registration: Most nursing councils will need a statement of entry or proof of registration to be sent to them, directly from the Nurses Board you are registered with. In other words, not via you. For example, If registering from the UK you will need to contact the NMC and request a form for your registration information to be sent to Australia. This can be a major hold up in the registration process so get on top of this ASAP!
English Language Competency: All nursing councils in Australia require demonstration of the national minimum standard of English language. Nurses and Midwives who have trained outside Australia must have achieved either of the following results in the IELTS or OET English tests - Get your certificate before you come so there s no delay in registration -
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – Academic test: a score of at least 7 in all four components of IELTS (Reading; Listening; Writing and Speaking) with an overall band score of at least 7;
OR
Occupational English Test (OET) – Nursing Version: a B pass or above in all four sections.
References: If requested and a form is provided, these references must be completed on this form. If not then references must be originals on official hospital letterhead. If your referee is typing your reference, it may be useful to ask if they can print you a few copies.
Fees: There will be a fee involved with each state you register with. Upon initial application, please ensure that you enclose your payment in Australian Dollars. Your bank will able to give you cheque in Australia dollars if required. Most boards/councils will allow you to pay with major credit cards. You may also incur fees from your current registration authority eg. The NMC (UK) will charge you 32 GBP in order to have your statement of entry sent to and Australian nursing board.
Who is eligible for registration?