Future nurse from U.S. working in Australia...how realistic is it?

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Hello everyone.

I have a few questions. I am a nursing student from the United States who will be graduating next year with a BSN degree (December 2006). After graduation, my plan is to work for one or two years as a registered nurse in the U.S. and after that, I will apply for a nursing job in Australia.

Is the applying for a work visa a long process? I feel like I am getting old each year (I turned 23 this year). Right now, I am single and I hope to have children someday. I want to move forward with my life as fast as possible.

What are hospitals specifically looking for in overseas nurses?

I hope this makes sense.

Thank you.

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Specializes in ICU.

Is the applying for a work visa a long process?

YES!!

:smackingf What can I say? It is a bureaucracy? Give them plenty of time to pass the paper around:p

What are hospitals specifically looking for in overseas nurses?

You are registered upright and breathing:chuckle

I will just add my usual warning - do not accept any job that is designated "rural or remote" as some of those are VERY remote. You will need to spend a little time in a regional/metropolitan hospital to get used to the way we talk and the different drug names etc.

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Hi gwenith,

Thank you for your response.

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Specializes in Mental Health, Orthopaedics, MedSurg.

Hi

I spoke with DIMIA about 4 weeks ago and they advised me that they now fast track applications for work permit and permanent residency for nurses. I have had dealings with DIMIA to do with work permit applications and I was advised that if all the required documents are submitted, approval may take as quickly as 6 weeks. I found this advise to be true as I have assisted 2 people in obtaining their work permits. However, these people were in Australia at the time of application ......which might account for the quick response.;)

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Specializes in Mental Health, Med/surge, Forensics.

Just like you, I am a BSN-prepared US graduate now working in Perth, Western Australia. With almost two years experience, I was able to secure a job here and I'm loving it. Go for a metropolitan hospital and not "rural" at least the first few years in Australia. And for the visa, provide all requirements at first, and it takes about 6 weeks. Having walked that terrain, assistance is on the corner when you need it. But remember that the first thing is to pass NCLEX and get a US license first, which all Australian States' Board of Nursing ask from US graduate. Like me, your dream is realizable. Good luck!

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Just like you, I am a BSN-prepared US graduate now working in Perth, Western Australia. With almost two years experience, I was able to secure a job here and I'm loving it. Go for a metropolitan hospital and not "rural" at least the first few years in Australia. And for the visa, provide all requirements at first, and it takes about 6 weeks. Having walked that terrain, assistance is on the corner when you need it. But remember that the first thing is to pass NCLEX and get a US license first, which all Australian States' Board of Nursing ask from US graduate. Like me, your dream is realizable. Good luck!

Can you please tell me why did you choose australia instead of america to work ?

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