New grad Filipino nurse wanting to work in Australia/New Zealand

[rnrn07]

Hi everyone, please help me.

I graduated last march 2007 here in the Philippines and I have my license here already.

Because of oversupply of nurses here, it's too difficult to find a job.

That's why I'm looking forward to working in Australia or New Zealand.

However, I'm confused. Esp about Australia.

I already have my bachelors degree here.

When I go there in Aus to work as RN, must I take a diploma in nursing first? can I work while studying?

After obtaining my diploma there, am I already a registered nurse?

Thank you!

[Aelith]

Hello hotpotato101,

Yes. The Brisbane expenses I am referring to is the estimated costs for your clinical placement in Brisbane. It applies to both the Challenge test and Education Modules. Both CAS pathways will have the clinical placements in Brisbane.

[Aelith]

@ Vanessa81

As I have stated above in my reply to maeriz's enquiry, the 1-year program will not qualify you even for the graduate temporary visa.

About the study units, if they are studying units only then those are non-award courses and would not probably make you eligible for registration. Double check first with the corresponding state regulating authority before taking up those units. They might be taking bridging courses, but if not I'm not really sure about that. I've enquired in so many Universities and nursing boards or councils but none have told me about units that will make you eligible for registration.

To study in Australia, you just need to apply to the Universities. Wait for their letter of Offer (could be final/firm or conditional). After you receive that, you can accept the offer and enroll. You then wait for the Certificate of Enrollment (CoE) from the University. You will be needing this for the application of student visa.

The documents you need for the application includes the following:

- certified true copy of transcript

- certified true copy of diploma (award certificate - degree)

- IELTS result (overall band of 6.5 - 7.0 with no bands less than 6.0 - 7.0 depending on the University policy)

N.B IELTS result can be followed up after you submit your application. Some Universities do not require you to have an IELTS exam when you apply. They will advise you later on after assessment of your application if you still need to provide the said exam or not.

- filled-up application form

Student Visa requirements include the following:

- health check-ups (both chest x-ray and medical)

- character clearance (NBI clearance & police clearance for each country you've stayed at for more than 12 months in the past 10 years)

- IELTS result

- Proof that you can meet the financial requirements (Air fare, tuition fees, and living expenses)

N.B. This can be from your bank statements or bank statements of the person supporting you. Can also be approved loan from a private or government institution.

- health insurance: OSHC (The fee will depend on how long you want the OSHC to be. Can be a few months up to 6 years. It will take approximately 700+ AUD for the whole 2 years.)

- CoE

[thinkerbel]

Hi Aelith,

So nice to see someone as helpful as you are. Just want to ask, why you pefer to take the 2-yr program instead of the bridging course? I already lodged my application to QLD and still haven't heard anything from them..Thanks :wink2:

[Aelith]

Hello thinkerbel,

I know how hard it is for the pinoy nurses and would help in anyway I can :)

As to why I prefer studying over the bridging course, it is more of a unanimous decision (parents, me and aunt). Studying may be overly expensive but for me, it is the most secure path.

- The bridging program and the sponsorship will take approximately 2 years to finish. The degree will take me 2 years to finish too. And if I choose to take the Master's degree (pre-registration), I would have another title next to my name apart from RN and BSN which is MN or MScN.

- The sponsorship is only good for a few years and is not a permanent or a resident visa. You still need to apply for a permanent visa after.

- After I finish my 2-years course, I will be eligible for a Graduate temporary visa or a Skilled Independent Resident visa.

- I can work while I am studying whereas in a bridging course you cannot (especially during the waiting time for sponsorship visa to finish).

- I can freely choose where I want to work during my studies and after I graduate in Australia. I can even apply for the graduate programs in Australia.

- When a certain hospital or agency sponsor you, you are stuck with them until your sponsorship ends or as agreed upon on your contract.

- Most agencies prefer overseas trained nurses with working experience (at least a year). On the other hand, they accommodate freshly grad nurses from Australia.

So far, that's all I can think of lol. But basically, those are my main reasons. I wouldn't mind studying too as I have not practiced for almost 3 years now.

[Aelith]

@ hotpotato101:

Regarding your enquiry on possible job opportunities for you as an inexperienced nurse, I can't really give you a certain answer. I would advice you though, to contact more agencies; agencies all over Australia. As you already know, you can transfer your registration in other states so, it would be a good idea to enquire on agencies outside Queensland. I think they have reciprocity for New Zealand too. You can check on that too. Don't limit yourself to Queensland as all states need nurses. Sydney and Melbourne are pretty good too. The cost of living in Sydney and Melbourne may be higher than that of Queensland but the pay rate is higher too.

Hope that helps.

[maeriz]

i also want to ask something..... i still do not have my license. do i still have to wait for my license before i can apply to queensland???

tnx..

tnx aelith for that reply.. it very comprehensive and helpful. so kind of you.

[hotpotato101, RN]

@ hotpotato101:

Regarding your enquiry on possible job opportunities for you as an inexperienced nurse, I can't really give you a certain answer. I would advice you though, to contact more agencies; agencies all over Australia. As you already know, you can transfer your registration in other states so, it would be a good idea to enquire on agencies outside Queensland. I think they have reciprocity for New Zealand too. You can check on that too. Don't limit yourself to Queensland as all states need nurses. Sydney and Melbourne are pretty good too. The cost of living in Sydney and Melbourne may be higher than that of Queensland but the pay rate is higher too.

Hope that helps.

Hey Aelith thanks for the confirmation! Actually i am aware of the reciprocity too but just to make sure i opt to focus more on QLD. Good thing you said that since we'll be lodging our 176 visa soon and my hubby's occupation is not on QLD's skilled shortage list so we'll be applying elsewhere. Thanks anyway!

[hotpotato101, RN]

i also want to ask something..... i still do not have my license. do i still have to wait for my license before i can apply to queensland???

tnx..

tnx aelith for that reply.. it very comprehensive and helpful. so kind of you.

Maeriz, let me answer your question. You cannot lodge your application just yet because one of the requirements the council need prior to assessment is a copy of your initial registration. this is either by showing a certified copy of your registration certificate and/or your PRC license. If you lodge your application now, they will only hold 'em since your documents are still incomplete. sometimes by doing that you're prone to longer application process. it would be best if you do your IELTS first and just wait for the release of your license.

[chelseaxyrene]

hi aelith... i just want to ask some questions... since you've been very helpful to a lot of people here i might as well ask for your help because I am really confused with everything.... I want to apply to queensland too... I am a registered nurse here in the PI.... if I pass my application in queensland that's the time that they will be deciding if i take the competency test or the bridging program is that right? What happens if you fail the competency exam?

however if i decide to enroll in a 2 year program... do i need to pass an application in QNC or not? I'm sorry im just a little bit confused... after 2 years of study in australia... will I be sure to obtain a license from them? I hope you could answer me

[Aelith]

@ maeriz

As far as I know, you need your local license to apply for registration in Queensland. Another requirement is the verification letter from PRC and to be able to request for this, you need your license at hand.

@ hotpotato101

That's good to hear. I wish you and your husband success in your visa application. :)

[chelseaxyrene]

oh my goodness.. you reply very quickly... it looks like i'm going to be in this forum for a while. I hope it's okay if i'd send you a pm... still waiting to have 15 posts...

[Aelith]

@ xysy25

CAS Program

If you want to take the CAS program, you will need to pass your application for registration to Queensland Nursing Council. However, applying for registration doesn't mean that you will automatically be referred to the CAS program. They will have to decide whether you are eligible for the CAS program or not. If you are found suitable to take the said program, you will then receive the offer package for it. You will be given 90 days to respond to that and a 30-day extension will be given if you still haven't sent them your confirmation to enroll to the said program.

If you are successful in your chosen pathway in the CAS program, you will be eligible for registration as a Registered Nurse with Queensland Nursing Council. However, if you are unsuccessful, you will not be registered. They will also, suggest other pathways for you to become registered - enrolling in a pre-registered nursing degree.

The challenge test can only be taken once, meaning if you fail the exam you will not be given another chance or a retake. If you fail, they will require you to undergo the Education modules. If you still fail the modules, you will not be eligible for registration.

Pre-registered Nursing Degree

You don't need to pass any application to QNC if you are going to enroll in a pre-registered nursing degree. You just need to apply to the corresponding University and that's it. I can help you in the application process for Universities. It's easier compared to the registration process. But you have 2 applications, one for the University and another for the Student visa.

Hope that clarified everything for you. :) I sent you a pm btw.