Info for new grads wanting to work in Oz

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I noticed Lindsay I think it was posted a question about being a new grad in July 2010 and wanting to move to Oz to do a grad year. For some reason I was unable to post a reply to the question so I thought I'd start a new post and hopefully it will help someone. :)

Firstly, I'm a final year BN student myself, I will graduate in July 2010 in QLD, Australia.

Lots of information:

Australia's school year is backwards to the US. We start in March and finish in November. So the vast majority of grad positions commence in January or February each year. A smaller number commence in July.

The GFC didn't really hit us too hard in Oz, however, what it did do is reduce the amount of movement in Nursing. Less people going overseas, taking time off to have kids, long holidays, study etc. Which means, less positions last year and this year than three or four years ago. As a result, Aust government is saying to internationals and even interstate (yes, I can only get a grad position in QLD, not interstate like in VIC or NSW), that they will place their own students first, then if there is left over places they will place international new grad RNs.

So it is certainly true that there are lots of nursing jobs in Australia, just not new grad positions. In saying that, you don't have to do a new grad program, you can just apply directly to the hospital and ward you want to work in and if they have the place and the ability to take you on, they might. The new grad program is just so good because of all the support and study days you get. You aren't just "thrown in the deep end".

In Australia, we have public and private hospitals. It might be different to the US, bus our major hospital system is the public system. Our biggest hospitals, tertiary facilities, all of that is public and is paid for by the government. So everyone who is an Australian citizen, holder of permenant visa - is eligable for Medicare - and this pays for the hospital. The best wages, the best working conditions, are generally accepted to be found in the public health system, not the private. But there are many private hospitals in Australia - Ramsey Health is the biggest provider with many hospitals spread around Australia, and it can sometimes be easier to get a grad position in a private hospital than in the public hospital system. When applying for grad positions, each state in Australia is like its own country. If you want to work in QLD you apply to QLD health (public system). If you want to work in NSW you apply to NSW health (public system).

Australia is a huge country, with the vast majority of the population living on the east coast, in Perth and surrounding areas, and in Adelaide and surrounding areas. Not many people live in Northern Territory. So, when thinking about where to apply for a job, remember that the majority of Australia is Rural. Rural nursing, if you have only worked in cities, can be a completely different experience. Not to mention living in a small town of 5,000 people and the only entertainment is a couple of pubs, limited access to nice shops, maybe being situated 200-500km from a major city. Rural lifestyle is not for everyone. Alot of rural practice includes Indigenous health which is another huge learning package before you start. Rural QLD, rural, WA and rural NT all focus on Indigenous health. It is also cheap to live in Rural Australia and you do get extra money from the government (a bit like a "hardship posting"), if you choose to live and practice there. Plus, you will learn alot, and, not many new grads go bush in their first year (unless they are from the country) so it can be easier to get a grad position in rural.

If you choose a major town centre or a city, expect ALOT of competition because these are the hospitals everybody applies for. More expensive cost of living, but then more of the luxuries of a city.

Now, the August grad position catch.

I've done a bit of research and the only state with a August grad year still available in 2010 in the public health system is QLD. All the others - WA, NSW - they allocated their August intake places well over a year ago.

There are not alot of places available for Augustt - and approximately 300-500 QLD students graduating. We're not sure that there is going to be enough places to cover all the QLD new grads in QLD.

http://www.health.qld.gov.au/nursing/gnor/default.asp is the QLD health recruitment website. Applications open 29 March 2010 for August 2010.

http://www.gradplus.com.au/ is the Ramsey Health (private hospitals around Australia) recruitment website for four states. Many hospitals - good if you're interested in Surgical or peri-operative - they do ALOT of surgery in these hospitals. Applications close very soon so get moving if you're interested for August intake.

http://www.healthscope.com.au/info/general/Content/get/497/itemId/ is another private hospital provider with hospitals all around Australia - Healthscope. Their grad year starts in September 2010. Applications open in March 2010.

Mater hospitals - are a system of public and private hospitals (public and private combined but not part of the government public health system). There is usually a Mater hospitals in every major city - Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, just google "mater hospital + city, Australia" and these run their own grad programs every year. You'll have to search around the site to find out what they offer. The Mater usual has good working conditions and good rates of pay - pretty much the same as the government hospitals. I think Brisbane Mater grad position applications closes on like the 5th of March for August 2010. :up:

You'll need to apply for registration. I don't know exactly how you will go about this because our usual state registration is becoming a national registration on 1st July 2010. (This is the date everyone renews their nursing licence).

You'll also need a criminal history check in your home country - name only I think. Or maybe this is done for you for a fee when you apply for registration. You'll have to find someone who knows more than me. It basically gets done for us through university so we don't need to worry about applying for registration and the like.

You'll need to arrange a visa for yourself because I understand that no hospitals are offering sponsorship anymore? (I'm not positive this is correct, just what I've heard people saying). :confused:

I understand you have to be in Australia in March/April to attend an interview. From what I understand, they must be face-to-face interviews - not over the phone. You'll have to check with the hospital if this is true for all but that is what I've heard.

If English is not your first language you have to sit a test - IELTs? You have to score 7 on all sections I think.

I haven't actually met anyone from O/S who has managed to secure a grad position in Australia. I'm sure there are, I just haven't met any. Most people do a year in their own country first and then apply for a job. You can always work for an agency - but as a new grad I certainly wouldn't feel comfortable doing this. It is hard enough being on your own let alone going to a new hospital, new ward every day and being expected to do everything without assistance. Plus, many of the bigger nursing agencies will not hire until you have one year of experience.

I don't know how the situation is in NZ. It might be easier to do a year there and then come over to Oz after that.

Good luck to all who are interested in working in Oz.:D

Specializes in medical/surgical.
I noticed Lindsay I think it was posted a question about being a new grad in July 2010 and wanting to move to Oz to do a grad year. For some reason I was unable to post a reply to the question so I thought I'd start a new post and hopefully it will help someone. :)

Firstly, I'm a final year BN student myself, I will graduate in July 2010 in QLD, Australia.

Lots of information:

Australia's school year is backwards to the US. We start in March and finish in November. So the vast majority of grad positions commence in January or February each year. A smaller number commence in July.

The GFC didn't really hit us too hard in Oz, however, what it did do is reduce the amount of movement in Nursing. Less people going overseas, taking time off to have kids, long holidays, study etc. Which means, less positions last year and this year than three or four years ago. As a result, Aust government is saying to internationals and even interstate (yes, I can only get a grad position in QLD, not interstate like in VIC or NSW), that they will place their own students first, then if there is left over places they will place international new grad RNs.

So it is certainly true that there are lots of nursing jobs in Australia, just not new grad positions. In saying that, you don't have to do a new grad program, you can just apply directly to the hospital and ward you want to work in and if they have the place and the ability to take you on, they might. The new grad program is just so good because of all the support and study days you get. You aren't just "thrown in the deep end".

In Australia, we have public and private hospitals. It might be different to the US, bus our major hospital system is the public system. Our biggest hospitals, tertiary facilities, all of that is public and is paid for by the government. So everyone who is an Australian citizen, holder of permenant visa - is eligable for Medicare - and this pays for the hospital. The best wages, the best working conditions, are generally accepted to be found in the public health system, not the private. But there are many private hospitals in Australia - Ramsey Health is the biggest provider with many hospitals spread around Australia, and it can sometimes be easier to get a grad position in a private hospital than in the public hospital system. When applying for grad positions, each state in Australia is like its own country. If you want to work in QLD you apply to QLD health (public system). If you want to work in NSW you apply to NSW health (public system).

Australia is a huge country, with the vast majority of the population living on the east coast, in Perth and surrounding areas, and in Adelaide and surrounding areas. Not many people live in Northern Territory. So, when thinking about where to apply for a job, remember that the majority of Australia is Rural. Rural nursing, if you have only worked in cities, can be a completely different experience. Not to mention living in a small town of 5,000 people and the only entertainment is a couple of pubs, limited access to nice shops, maybe being situated 200-500km from a major city. Rural lifestyle is not for everyone. Alot of rural practice includes Indigenous health which is another huge learning package before you start. Rural QLD, rural, WA and rural NT all focus on Indigenous health. It is also cheap to live in Rural Australia and you do get extra money from the government (a bit like a "hardship posting"), if you choose to live and practice there. Plus, you will learn alot, and, not many new grads go bush in their first year (unless they are from the country) so it can be easier to get a grad position in rural.

If you choose a major town centre or a city, expect ALOT of competition because these are the hospitals everybody applies for. More expensive cost of living, but then more of the luxuries of a city.

Now, the August grad position catch.

I've done a bit of research and the only state with a August grad year still available in 2010 in the public health system is QLD. All the others - WA, NSW - they allocated their August intake places well over a year ago.

There are not alot of places available for Augustt - and approximately 300-500 QLD students graduating. We're not sure that there is going to be enough places to cover all the QLD new grads in QLD.

http://www.health.qld.gov.au/nursing/gnor/default.asp is the QLD health recruitment website. Applications open 29 March 2010 for August 2010.

http://www.gradplus.com.au/ is the Ramsey Health (private hospitals around Australia) recruitment website for four states. Many hospitals - good if you're interested in Surgical or peri-operative - they do ALOT of surgery in these hospitals. Applications close very soon so get moving if you're interested for August intake.

http://www.healthscope.com.au/info/general/Content/get/497/itemId/ is another private hospital provider with hospitals all around Australia - Healthscope. Their grad year starts in September 2010. Applications open in March 2010.

Mater hospitals - are a system of public and private hospitals (public and private combined but not part of the government public health system). There is usually a Mater hospitals in every major city - Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, just google "mater hospital + city, Australia" and these run their own grad programs every year. You'll have to search around the site to find out what they offer. The Mater usual has good working conditions and good rates of pay - pretty much the same as the government hospitals. I think Brisbane Mater grad position applications closes on like the 5th of March for August 2010. :up:

You'll need to apply for registration. I don't know exactly how you will go about this because our usual state registration is becoming a national registration on 1st July 2010. (This is the date everyone renews their nursing licence).

You'll also need a criminal history check in your home country - name only I think. Or maybe this is done for you for a fee when you apply for registration. You'll have to find someone who knows more than me. It basically gets done for us through university so we don't need to worry about applying for registration and the like.

You'll need to arrange a visa for yourself because I understand that no hospitals are offering sponsorship anymore? (I'm not positive this is correct, just what I've heard people saying). :confused:

I understand you have to be in Australia in March/April to attend an interview. From what I understand, they must be face-to-face interviews - not over the phone. You'll have to check with the hospital if this is true for all but that is what I've heard.

If English is not your first language you have to sit a test - IELTs? You have to score 7 on all sections I think.

I haven't actually met anyone from O/S who has managed to secure a grad position in Australia. I'm sure there are, I just haven't met any. Most people do a year in their own country first and then apply for a job. You can always work for an agency - but as a new grad I certainly wouldn't feel comfortable doing this. It is hard enough being on your own let alone going to a new hospital, new ward every day and being expected to do everything without assistance. Plus, many of the bigger nursing agencies will not hire until you have one year of experience.

I don't know how the situation is in NZ. It might be easier to do a year there and then come over to Oz after that.

Good luck to all who are interested in working in Oz.:D

Hi,

In melbourne/victoria, we actually renew our license/registration 31st of december.....victorian graduating students participate what we call "computer matching" to get a graduate position from the hospital of our choice. Other than that the above posting applies to us as well.

I did hear on the radio and the news, that all skilled migrant places, including nursing is being reviewed at the moment and may be cut... and had conversation with a Uk nurse who imigrated in the last 2 months, she had to do the IELts test, which cracked me up...should be an Australian test, not english as this is her first and only language, who brought the language to Australia in the first place? who's kidding who? politics, just politics....Also met nurse from the US who was associate trained or something similiar two year degree? was not given recognition as an RN, must be at least a three year degree.

It seems the hospitals are looking for specialisations such as having mental health grad dip, midwifery qualifications and critical or intensive care quals and have management skills, these are being advertised for mostly as ANUN or NUM or CNS positions not general RN"S.

We sometimes forget that rural communities require specialist/experienced nurses just as much as the city.

Specializes in ED, L+D,.

Just wanted to add my 2cents worth -

I know that the new grad situation changes on a yearly basis, so it may not be relevant now. However, I was accepted into a new grad program at Flinders Hospital in Adelaide while I was living in New Zealand. They gave me a phone interview and were happy to accept me into the program from that. So you may not HAVE to attend a face-to-face interview. I guess it all depends on how great you look on paper from your CV....

Also, with rural/bush nursing. I would be reluctant to encourage a new grad to this kind of position. Many find themselves with limited support due to low staffing numbers, and this can be quite a hard adjustment when you first start out as a new nurse. If you're keen to move to Australia, definately focus on the major metropolitan areas first.

Hope this helps,

Rebecca

With all due respect,

New Zealand nurses are treated quite differently than somebody from any other ''overseas'' country. New Zealand citizens can travel and work freely in Australia.

Nurse graduates, as from all other professions, qualifications are to be treated equally, due to the cross Tasman recognition, agreement legislation. Therefore their quals are automatically recognised and have equal job opportunities as any Australian nurse.

As with telephone interviews I did hear our hospital will no longer be doing these due to a fraud incident. State to state is another thing I would think. :)

Specializes in Medical.
had conversation with a Uk nurse who imigrated in the last 2 months, she had to do the IELts test, which cracked me up.
In fairness, nurses moving to the UK also have to sit an ENglish test as part of their visa process, unless they've got UK citizenship.

We sometimes forget that rural communities require specialist/experienced nurses just as much as the city.
Very true, which is why I could not agree more with Rebecca that:

I would be reluctant to encourage a new grad to this kind of position. Many find themselves with limited support due to low staffing numbers, and this can be quite a hard adjustment when you first start out as a new nurse. If you're keen to move to Australia, definately focus on the major metropolitan areas first.

New Zealand nurses are treated quite differently than somebody from any other ''overseas'' country. New Zealand citizens can travel and work freely in Australia.

Nurse graduates, as from all other professions, qualifications are to be treated equally, due to the cross Tasman recognition, agreement legislation. Therefore their quals are automatically recognised and have equal job opportunities as any Australian

Yep - three or four of our 2010 grads are Kiwis. Welcome :)

It is true that many Australian states will always employ their graduating RNs first; that's only logical and politically the correct arrangement set up between state universities and state governments. This also happens in the teaching and other academic professions. Nothing new there.

What IS new is that on 1 July 2010 a National Health Professional registration system comes into existence, affecting RNs, doctors, dentists, chemists, etc. Australia is LONG OVERDUE in having its registration systems nationalised. We are a very large country, geographically, and divergent systems do not benefit us.

As to Immigration changes; professions such as nursing, medicine and teaching have not been affected. Please contact me to obtain migration advice from registered Australian migration agents. From a work perspective RNs may work short-term or become permanent residents in Australia, subject to becoming eligible. The English test standard is IELTS, level 7.0 minimum in all four testing areas. There are also ways to finance your RN bridging studies in Australia!

The above comments about shortages in mental health, intensive care and rural areas are indeed correct.

I went through the visa/rego process as an international new graduate from the united states. If your trying to get a job as a new grad go the private way- public will not look at you or at least your chances are pretty slim. I got two interviews and ended up taking a job in brisbane. And pay is pretty good- better than some of my friends at public hospitals.

So yes it is possible to get a job here as a new grad- and I'm in a new grad program for a year on a 457 visa. PM me with any questions Im all too familiar with the process

In fairness, nurses moving to the UK also have to sit an ENglish test as part of their visa process, unless they've got UK citizenship.

It is part of registering, didn't know it was for the visa too. The NMC require all foreign trained nurses to sit it and gain 7+ as part of the registration process, this is regardless of whether or not you are a British Citizen or not :uhoh3: I've got dual citizenship and if I want to go over there and register I'd need to sit it - very frustrating!

Specializes in Medical.

Really? Because two of my friends managed to bypass the English language test when they got UK registration by virtue of British grandparents. That was almost three years ago, though, so maybe things have changed.

Same here, I have Uk parents, does not mean a cracker, except, right to abode or citzenship if you want it....everyone who has nursing training apart from the EU or UK needs a 7 in IELTS. So if you have done your training a a uni in say, hungarian, its ok to work in the UK......:lol2:

Hi Ellie10 and others out there,

I am about to complete my Bachelor of Nursing and registration in New Zealand. I am looking to work in Oz and have applied to QLD health, however have not had any positive response. I received an email from Fraser Coast health, whom I listed as a placement preference, informing me that all positions had been filled. Other than that email I have heard nothing. I am becoming very discouraged. I was hoping any of you could enlighten me regarding applying for RN positions that do not involve a new graduate program. How would you expect a new graduate to cope? What are chances of me being offered a position without RN experience? Where I could look for such positions?

I appreciate any help or comments. Thank you, Katie

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