Employment opportunities after AUS Bridge Program

[FranzSeno]

(I'm not really sure what section to put this topic where many can comment on this, I'll just let the admin decide on that. Thanks.)

Like mine, it has always been the goal of most of us nurses from the Philippines to work as a nurse abroad for a higher pay. I have eyed different countries for opportunities, and Australia and NZ is one of them, and currently the one still offering or open (hopefully?) since Canada has closed its doors for IENs.

I have planned to take the BP in Australia for a reason that it is the easier way for a PR in a country as a nurse with a high salary rates, but like most of us, it is hard because of the expense needed to take the BP. I have a relative in Sydney and is willing to take me in while I take the BP (hopefully), but it has come to my concern that AFTER I TAKE THE BP, WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF ME SECURING A JOB AND A SPONSORSHIP?

I wouldn't want to waste money on a BP and find no job after I finish the program, it's hard looking for money to pay the fees and fail in securing a job. I am willing to sacrifice for this, but I/we want to know what we are going into on this.

I'd just like to ask my fellow PH-RN there to enlighten us on this, show us the reality of the situation of securing a job. Is it hard to find one already? How long does it take to find one? Will there be hope for securing a sponsorship? Etc.

Thanks. =)

[iamnomad]

The employment situation is not favourable to IENs at this time. I have an Indian co-worker who's cousin just finished the BP. This cousin went on to find a sponsor after the BP but couldn't find any. She practically tried every Australian state (except for Tasmania) and was told that they're not hiring foreign RNs at the moment. Even some agencies stopped sponsoring RNs. This came not as a surprise since there are Aussies who can't find job on this field and the government just tightened the 457 (work) visa.

This is the general climate for IENs so I guess it's not definite. You may still find sponsor if you really persevere. If you're qualified to migrate as a permanent resident (PR) (see Skillselect), you can use your nursing credentials to come here even without a sponsor. The PR route seems favourable at this time.

I guess if you really want to work abroad, you've gotta start somewhere, put your heart into it, and take some risks. After nursing school in Manila, I set my eyes for the US. It was the middle of the great recession and very high unemployment rate with a very impossible visa approval for RNs. But that was what I wanted and I persevered to get it. I did. Worked there for 3 years before coming here to Australia. So, good luck.

[FranzSeno]

Thanks for the reply. I guess it's what it is now, hopefully in the future it will be favorable for us IENs.

[n3f5zjosha]

Hello sir! @ FranzSeno i read in another thread that you are planning to enroll in Australian College of Nursing in Sydney. I am also compiling my requirements how is your application so far?

[FranzSeno]

i'm still planning on applying there. Still on the process of saving up some cash. Are you on the process already? I wanted to go to ACN because i have an aunt in Sydney.