Chicago New Grad looking for work in Sydney!

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Hi everyone!

I'm new to this forum, so please excuse any repetition in the content of this inquiry - looked like all relevant posts were a bit outdated...

I'm a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (Mozambique) and New Graduate from Resurrection University in Chicago, IL. My fiance is Canadian, but lives in Sydney, and we are planning a move down there in the coming months. I was hoping this forum could help formulate some options!

I graduated at the top of my class and worked a clinical internship in the ER at Northwestern Hospital in Chicago during the last semester of school. However, I'm looking to move to Sydney with no post-graduate experience. While I'm looking at any and all options, I would love some advice on where I might be able to work or what new graduate programs might accept professionals with little to no post-grad experience.

Does the AHPRA grant licenses to US citizens without post-grad experience? I am still only 27, so might I be able to apply for a work-holiday visa with more ease than seeking a professional work visa? Honestly, I'm interested in anything that would qualify as relevant experience in the healthcare field during that first year I'm there.

Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks very much and Happy New Year!

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Specializes in Surg- PACU/Anaes.

You might have to consider something else- because in order to qualify as a Registered Nurse in Aus, you need recency of practice.

In Aus, nurses are already qualified before entering new graduate programs, so it's not really applicable to your situation given you won't be able to register.

In any case, new grad positions are few and far between even for Aussie newly qualified nurses, and I'm not even certain that they can give them to non-citizens.

Check out the AHPRA and Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia websites :)

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Hi Sean,

You would only need to log 450 hours as a registered nurse in America to meet AHPRA recency of practice requirements. So, you would need to work about 12 weeks full time. It will take that long to gather all the other documentation together, anyway.

Also, it is important that you had at least 800 clinical hours during nursing school.

I recently made the move from the US to Oz. It just takes a bit of time, organization, and attention to detail.

You will not need to worry about grad year placement. You will be able to start work fairly easily. Feel free to contact me for a chat.

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Hi everyone!

I'm new to this forum, so please excuse any repetition in the content of this inquiry - looked like all relevant posts were a bit outdated...

I'm a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (Mozambique) and New Graduate from Resurrection University in Chicago, IL. My fiance is Canadian, but lives in Sydney, and we are planning a move down there in the coming months. I was hoping this forum could help formulate some options!

I graduated at the top of my class and worked a clinical internship in the ER at Northwestern Hospital in Chicago during the last semester of school. However, I'm looking to move to Sydney with no post-graduate experience. While I'm looking at any and all options, I would love some advice on where I might be able to work or what new graduate programs might accept professionals with little to no post-grad experience.

Does the AHPRA grant licenses to US citizens without post-grad experience? I am still only 27, so might I be able to apply for a work-holiday visa with more ease than seeking a professional work visa? Honestly, I'm interested in anything that would qualify as relevant experience in the healthcare field during that first year I'm there.

Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks very much and Happy New Year!

Hi, I am in a similar situation willing to get any visa that fits my lack of experience. I am a ADN graduate working as an RN in a FQHC in NJ for, as of right now, 9mos with expecting graduation from my RN to BSN program this August 2017. Ideally I am seeking to immigrate to Australia to be with my 2 aunts in Queensland by end of November 2017 and start working whenever I get the chance. Seeking advice through my own post on this site & found yours.

Wondering about any updates and if you can share you experience so far =)

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Hello

You will not be eligible for graduate nursing programs (typically a 12 month contract, offered to a nurse who has graduated in the previous 6 months) - especially as there are not currently enough grad positions for Australian trained graduate nurses.

Even if able to register you will struggle to find work with less than 12 months of experience, there are nursing shortages but on the experienced end of the nursing market, not the graduate end.

I suggest checking out this :

Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia - Internationally qualified nurses and midwives

it is worth contacting APHRA to check whether your course meets the requirements-

equivalent to an Australian bachelor's degree

800 clinical hours during your training

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Hi, my husband's job is taking us to Melbourne. I was wondering how you go about applying for licensure in Australia. We're moving in Jan. And I'll be under his visa. I'll have almost 2 yrs experience as a nurse and 7 yrs lab experience. Will it be hard to be able to work there? I'm not sure how to send personal messages on here. Thanks in advance!

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Hi, my husband's job is taking us to Melbourne. I was wondering how you go about applying for licensure in Australia. We're moving in Jan. And I'll be under his visa. I'll have almost 2 yrs experience as a nurse and 7 yrs lab experience. Will it be hard to be able to work there? I'm not sure how to send personal messages on here. Thanks in advance!

Wow! That's great, Mary. I was virtually in the same situation. I moved to Melbourne because of my partner's job and was on her visa. I had less than 2 years nursing experience at that point. Once registered, it should not be too difficult to find work. I started working agency shifts 2 days after getting registration. However, it will most likely be different than to what you've been accustomed.

Way too much info to post. Feel free to email me at [email protected] We moved to Melbourne a like over two years ago. Love it.

Registration is quite thorough and complicated. If you you need a hand with the registration process or just want out done relatively quickly with no holdups, email [email protected]

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Specializes in MS/TELE.

Hi,

I just wanted to ask you if we need to do any tests to work in Australia as an RN? I know about the English test only. I will finish my BSN in a year (from USA), and I am researching places to work abroad. Thanks for the info. Good luck!!!

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If you are born and raised in US then you won't need the English test (just provide proof your education was conducted in English)

There is a skills test you have to do

There is not a theory test like your NCLEX

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OP...any updates on moving to Australia?

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