Information Needed

veritas · Sep 21, 2007

I believe BSN is definitely required for RN in Oz (Australia). Oz has the same standard as US. If US does not accpet ADN for RN, Oz does NOT accept any less than BSN for RN. I think this is the same for NZ. This is due to indemnity and insurance issues.

The pay in Oz and NZ is slightly less compared to US, but Oz's and NZ's GST is also much less. In Oz and NZ, all types of nurses get paid the same. You only get paid different based on your level (e.g. level 1 or 2 , etc, based on your years of experience). So unlike US where in some places OR nurses get paid more, in Oz and NZ, all nurses get paid the same rate. In NZ, the pay after conversion is slightly less than Oz, but like all economic models, this is reflected in cheaper housing, cheaper standard of living, etc... So I will have to say, US, NZ and Oz have similar pay rates, just different lifestyle. NZ is more laid back than Oz, and Oz is more laid back than US.

NZ is colder than Oz due to geographical position. And the cultures are quite different, with very specific indigenous populations.

There are a few places that will have 12 hour shifts, but most are 8 hours.

Depending on which state and area you are going to, the housing rates will differ A LOT, so you have to be specific which areas you're comparing. Oz and a HUGE place.

If I had to choose, I think I would go to Oz and in the holidays hop over to NZ. Simply because Oz is bigger, more Americanised than NZ, and there's more places to see! :)

But in both NZ and Oz, the people are fantastic, the culture is vibrant and diverse. Both are great and fun places to be in!

Cheers :)

nyapa, RN · Sep 21, 2007

Applesandoranges asked this question recently and I had a bit of fun at the time trying to find information. So I've gone and copied what I wrote verbatim ... hope it helps :)

Gwenith has listed some good information in the second sticky above.
http://aei.dest.gov.au/AEI/QualificationsRecognition/RecognisingProfessionalQualifications/GuideToProfessionalRecognition/nursing_pdf.pdf
http://www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/settle-in-australia/index.htm
http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/skilled-occupations/occupations-in-demand.htm
http://www.immi.gov.au/asri/index.htm
They are government sites and will give you specifics.You also have to check which state you are planning to go to as each has different requirements in order to become registered here.
With regards to visas and sponsoring, contact the Australian Embassy for the most accurate info. Good luck

Templedoll · Sep 23, 2007

Hi I am from New Zealand. THis is the address of the New Zealand Nursing Council who will tell you if you are able to work here.

Email [email protected]. or you can look at www.nursingcouncil.org.nz Nursing is now a degree course so you may have to undertake papers at a Polytechnic within New Zealand. The tuition fees for the competency based assessment which you may have to do is 4,731.20. for overseas nurses.

You need to have a current Practising Certificate updated annually to work here. You will get all the information from Nursing Council.

The housing in New Zealand varies in prices. Auckland is very expensive. As you move further down South the prices get cheaper. But the weather can be very cold in the South. The wages in Australia are far higher than NZ. The food in Australia is slightly dearer. I am sure the nursing council will be very helpful. Good luck.

Scooty Puff Jr · Sep 16, 2008

Thanks!!