Is bridging alright?

It really depends on the hospital and the institution she is doing it through I guess! We have 'ONCAP' nurses in the Northern Territory. Most of them fit in really well. After all, they are already nurses. You guys do up to 5 years there, yes?

Having never worked in WA, I'm not sure of their situation, but it sounds very similar. Its important because, there is no doubt your SIL has the training and experience. But country to country is different; hospital systems and even medications. The generic names may be different, for example, many drugs in the US have completely different names here. So, if I was to go to another country, I would really like to do a bridging course. I do know however that it can be pretty expensive.

I wish her all the luck in the world, and hope she achieves her goals. I'm sure she will. I've worked with so many Filipino nurses here, and they are an asset, an important part of the team.

I haven't asked any of my Phillipine-trained colleagues what they thought of the (Melbourne) program but I can. And I agree with nyapa - all the Filipino nurses I've worked with have been fantastic and a great asset to the team.

Hi
I may be wrong....but according the NBWA the course takes up to 8weeks. There is a theoretical component + a practical one.
The hospital can employ her as Patient care assistane while she is doing the course.
The course info can be found on the following link: www.nurselink...
Good luck to your sister in law.

Vanishree (Ozinjune)

hi! I'm a registered nurse from the Phil and currently working full time as a volunteer nurse since Nov 2007.Do you guys know ANY SCHOOL in Perth western australia that offered a Bridging Program for RNs.
Ive already submitted my papers to NMBWA last week, Im still waiting for their reply. If I do get the Letter of eligibility what school/university can you recommend.

thanks.godbless all of you.

I would just like to ask if all registered nurses from the Philippines are required to take a bridging program, regardless of age or work experience. Thanks

It would really depend on the State regulating Authority's decision. They can advise you to undergo the bridging program if they feel that you are not competent enough. This is more likely to happen to those who are inexperienced.

Those experienced overseas nurses might be exempted to take such competency course but this will depend on a lot of factors including the number of years' experience as RN and the Country of Origin.

So, there's only one way to find out - that is to apply first for registration.

Good luck!

Hope that helps.

Thanks Aelith for the helpful reply. I still some other questions to ask, though.

1. Who decides whether I should take a bridging program, the state registration authority or ANMC?

2. I passed a skills assessment application to ANMC several weeks ago. Do you think there is a chance that I will be assessed as "not suitable for migration" because my Philippine qualifications might not fit Australian standards? Or do I have to take the Bridging Program FIRST before ANMC considers me as suitable for migration (then I can apply to DIAC for PR status).

I am a bit confused and a bit afraid because why would they assess well-qualified nurses like myself as not suitable for migration when I have the necessary educational and professional qualifications. Not only that, Australia has an chronic nursing shortage, so don't you think it's unhelpful if Australia turns away qualified applicants?