Anyone know anything about Nurse Travelling in Australia?

nyapa, RN · Oct 7, 2007

Having never done it I can't give first hand experience. But many nurses pass through my town, and from what I understand, they apply from, say town x where they are currently living, to a hospital in town y. Once approved, they move on to town y, and then when they want to they apply to a hospital in town z. Then move to town z.

Some of the nursing agencies cross borders though, and you could check with them. I'm not sure if I can say names of companies, but there are staff in my town who are with an agency and have a contract organised through the agency with the hospital. Then when the person wishes to move on, they just contact the agency again, and further employment can be found/negotiated. One of the agencies here even has bought houses for their contract staff from other states, of course it is shared accomodation.

sester · Oct 7, 2007

Thanks for the info dar15!

Much appriciated

Sam

scstuartKiwi · Oct 13, 2007

Hi,

I am from NZ and am currently working around australia, It is best to get linked in with a nursing agency, that way you will get the best pay (agency rates), support and help from them with the processes and application etc, and best of all they find the jobs for you, and its free!!!

Currently aus is desperate for nurses, so really the country is yours, you pick where and when...

If ya need any further help let me know

All the best

sester · Oct 13, 2007

Kiwi,

Thanks so much for your info. Ｉs it true that the benefits/hour wage for nurse travelers are better than just nursing at one place? Do they akso pay for your accommodation？

Thanks! :)

Sam

scstuartKiwi · Oct 14, 2007

Hi Again,

If you are an agency nurse in australia you are paid above what you would get paid if you were a permanent staff member at the facility. However becuase you are an agency nurse your employer is your agency you are with, not the hospital you work for therefore you do not recieve Annual Leave, Sick leave or any other entitlements, hence why your basic wage is a lot higher.

Depending on the agency you are with your accommodation could be free, or else subsidised, depending on the area also., some agencies also provide assistance with travel costs.

Good luck

NickCave · Oct 17, 2007

I've done a lot of Agency contracts in Queensland and New South Wales and it really depends on who you go through as far as a "package" goes.

It's cut throat as far as staffing goes so most are willing to pay you above award wages and also pay for your flights and accommodation.

There's only a few who do it well and if you'd like anymore info then I'd be happy to let you know.

ParadiseRN · Oct 22, 2007

I would love to hear more! Which are best?

I've done a lot of Agency contracts in Queensland and New South Wales and it really depends on who you go through as far as a "package" goes.
It's cut throat as far as staffing goes so most are willing to pay you above award wages and also pay for your flights and accommodation.
There's only a few who do it well and if you'd like anymore info then I'd be happy to let you know.

NickCave · Oct 22, 2007

I would love to hear more! Which are best?

I suppose that would depend on where you want to go. Generally speaking different agencies concentrate on different areas of Australia.

I have done a lot of outback work in Queensland with an excellent agency and some remote work in the Northern territory with another. I now manage the recruitment for a large hospital in Queensland. I deal with Agencies everyday and certainly can tell you the good from the not so good.

I'm not sure whether that is allowed on these boards so if you want more info PM me.

Cheers.

princenina · Oct 22, 2007

happy hunting,

the tas health dept has a casual register, access it via the state gov web site...follow the links to jobs.tas.gov.org...i think. there is a system where health workers can get three month appointments too, i'm not sure how it works.

don't forget you need a separate practicing certificate for each state so need to contact each nrb individually.

having said that, rural nursing is great fun and all manner of challenges and experiences present themselves. many moons ago i scored a very cheap ski season by working at bright one winter at the old bush nursing center.

i guess for city work agencies are probably the go, altho some to service remote areas too...just not here in tassie.

good luck.

princenina.