AGENCY NURSING

redrn007 · Jul 8, 2013

I recently moved to Australia and I've dealt with Healthcare Australia and so far they've been pretty good. I did all the competencies before I left home and I think that made it a little easier. The only thing so far I really dislike about Healthcare Australia is the 10 page application. They could easily make it a little shorter. :-)

etoile88, BSN, MSN, RN, NP · Jul 20, 2013

I'm currently working with Healthcare Australia, and really like them =) I've been here for about a month.

ralim · Jul 22, 2013

hello, just joined today.

How long did it take for everyone to hear back from HCA?

I heard back from 'nursing australia' Does anyone have any experience from them?

Just for clarification: When I am looking up for job, I see "clinical Nurse" that doesn't meant nurses that work in clinic. That just means clinical nurse specialist right?

Thank you so much in advance.

Bringonthenight · Jul 22, 2013

hello, just joined today.
How long did it take for everyone to hear back from HCA?
I heard back from 'nursing australia' Does anyone have any experience from them?
Just for clarification: When I am looking up for job, I see "clinical Nurse" that doesn't meant nurses that work in clinic. That just means clinical nurse specialist right?
Thank you so much in advance.

Hi welcome!

A Clinical nurse in Australia is an experienced Registered Nurse who is a "senior nurse" on the unit they work. They are often the "charge nurse" for the shift, or the experienced nurse that the junior nurses can go to for support. They might have additional post-graduate certificates/diplomas but it's not mandatory.

Where are you from?

What part of Australia are you trying to move to?

What area of nursing are you working in?

HCA seems to be the go to agency for foreign nurses, they have a good reputation.

ralim · Jul 22, 2013

Thank you for your reply. I have better understanding about "clinical nurse" =)

I just moved from Washington USA, now in Brisbane. I love it so far!

I have experience in med-surg for 4 yrs.

Hopefully I can find a job, I can't wait to experience the nursing world in AU!

Bringonthenight · Jul 22, 2013

Thank you for your reply. I have better understanding about "clinical nurse" =)
I just moved from Washington USA, now in Brisbane. I love it so far!
I have experience in med-surg for 4 yrs.
Hopefully I can find a job, I can't wait to experience the nursing world in AU!

PM me if you like I'm a QLD nurse myself.

Ask me any sort of questions/advice.

marlyn10 · Jul 22, 2013

hi Bringonthenight...i am international nurse going to bridging progra, for the req uirements of AHPRA registration... can i ask for your advice how can i find for work after I will become Registered nurse in Australia

Bringonthenight · Jul 23, 2013

hi Bringonthenight...i am international nurse going to bridging progra, for the req uirements of AHPRA registration... can i ask for your advice how can i find for work after I will become Registered nurse in Australia

Hey.

Once you have your registration your free to apply for work in any state or territory as AHPRA is a national registration (yay).

I recommend joining an agency in the city you choose to live, this way you will be sent all around the city to all different hospitals and floors. Initially you may find it a bit of a culture shock but you will soon learn the differences in Australian nursing.

If you do an agency shift in a hospital that you like, you can enquire with the bed manager if you can join the "casual pool". I have known many international nurses who have then gone on to secure permanent full time work after being offered work after doing multiple casual shifts in the hospital.

QLD and Victoria public system hospitals are in a terrible condition right now regarding job freezes and even closing down wards (shame)- so I do not recommend these states unless you would like to work in the private system which is much harder and a steeper learning curve then what you may be used to in your country (not sure where your from).

NSW seems to have more public system work from what I have heard recently/ when I last checked their health website but I can't confirm that.

All the best

ralim · Jul 23, 2013

HI Bringonthenight,

I was going to PM you but I didn't meet the criteria to start PM-ing yet. So I will ask you questions here. ( thank you so much in advance!!)

I am going working on job application and it's requiring CRC (criminal record check) document. It said "state police CRC or CrimTrac CRC." Do you have to do this everytime you get a new job? Do you know how long it takes to obtain it? It seems like you can do this online or go to police station, do you have any recommendation? In USA, my employer did the background check for me so this is new for me.

Bringonthenight · Jul 23, 2013

HI Bringonthenight,
I was going to PM you but I didn't meet the criteria to start PM-ing yet. So I will ask you questions here. ( thank you so much in advance!!)
I am going working on job application and it's requiring CRC (criminal record check) document. It said "state police CRC or CrimTrac CRC." Do you have to do this everytime you get a new job? Do you know how long it takes to obtain it? It seems like you can do this online or go to police station, do you have any recommendation? In USA, my employer did the background check for me so this is new for me.

Go to your local police station. The application takes about 2-3 weeks for them to mail your certificate (but that's for australian residents). The certificate is valid for 3 years. What area of work are you applying for? Most agencies require a police check as do aged care, mental health and paediatric workplaces. Actually I think most workplaces require a copy of your police certificate now that I think about it!

marlyn10 · Jul 23, 2013

thanks bringonthenight.. very useful info.. i am from the Philippines... can you suggest any agency and what preferable place you can reccommend for work..