Is it nice to nurse in Australia??

talaxandra · May 21, 2008

I work in a Victorian puiblic hospital; I haven't worked anywhere else, so I have no first-hand basis for comparison. However, many of my friends and colleagues have worked in the private system (including a couple who work part-time with me and part-time in the private sector) and/or overseas, and at least five are in the UK as I post.

Like everywhere, patient acuity is rising, not helped by the introduction of hospital in the home programs and preadmission clinics - far better for patients, but ramping up the inpatient workload. I look after patients every week who would have still been in ICU or stepdown only a ferw years ago, and discharge patients who would have been inpatients for several days (if not weeks).

At the same time there are increasing job opportunities for nurses in non-traditional and new areas - clinical coordinators, patient educators, hospital int he home programs and pilot programs, which draws experienced nurses interested in a change of pace and/or a new challenge away from acute inpatient nursing.

According to my private sector friends, the public sector has sicker, more complex and more acute patients, but also has more support (particularly out of hours) and better staffing.

Nobody I've talked to who's worked overseas has been happier with the workload there than at home. Where I work we certainly have frantic shifts, and sometimes leave late (especially the nurses resourcing for each shift), but there's a lot of backup, and though we often have to work with a higher complement of agency and bank staff than I'd prefer, we don't run short - if there really aren't any available nurses we close beds, no negotiation.

ozinjune · May 21, 2008

]Thanx for the response talaxandra

]So I guess Nursing has the same dynamics wherever in the world you are!!

]So I need to prepare myself and just work hard. I need to focus on the reason I am leaving this country (South Africa)!!

]Thanx again!!!

]vanishree

nyapa, RN · May 21, 2008

Vanishree, as talaxandra said, I think it depends on the acuity of your patients. Some states have a staff patient ratio. Others, like mine, don't. Those who have come from overseas often say that yes, it is busy, but in a different way, so I guess you'll have to see when you get here.

Whether it's nice to nurse in Australia. Heyyy, I'm Aussie, of course it's nice!. Seriously, it depends on the state, the hospital, the clientele (love that word)...as it does in any country...

Good luck

Jay

Promin · Jun 5, 2008

I would like to hear some comment about cost of living vs pay rate. Can nurses in Australia afford to buy a decent house? How much do you spend for the food, transportation?

HM2VikingRN, RN · Jun 5, 2008

I will be eligible for my pension in a couple years. Is it possible to become a landed immigrant as long as you can show means of support. (Code for I won't be a sponge on the system?)

calliesue · Jun 5, 2008

HM2Viking,

:oIf you leave who is going to take up the banner for change in US healthcare?

talaxandra · Jun 6, 2008

I would like to hear some comment about cost of living vs pay rate. Can nurses in Australia afford to buy a decent house? How much do you spend for the food, transportation?

Like everywhere, costs are increasing faster than salaries - the fuel crisis has pushed up petrol prices (currently hovering around $1.55/L in Victoria and tipped to rise) and affected food costs, and housing prices have significantly increased over the past three - five years, though forecasters predict a fall over the next six months (which shouldn't be as dramatic as the US property market's fortunes).

Obviously prices of everything vary widely depending on where and how you live - I work near the city, live in a leafy eastern suburb, catch public transport and eat fewer processed than pre-prepared meals. I currently rent, which has more to do with my procrastination that finances - I had a wake up call in July and have managed to save just over 40% of my salary since then without compromising on my lifestyle.

nyapa, RN · Jun 7, 2008

Buying homes is becoming out of reach of most nurses. And also most of the community. Also it is getting harder to rent in Australia, though it depends where you go. But some of the country areas have really cheap accommodation.

Petrol is becoming more expensive in the NT as well. Its about $1.65 / Litre. Seems like it is half the price of that in Britain. Public transport exists up here, but buses can often be an hour in between 'pickups'. We have no trains, except for the main one that goes down the centre of Australia. Case in point: I went to Sydney and nearly got run over by a train because I had no idea how to catch one!

welshie123 · Jul 25, 2008

Hi

I also would like some advice on this.

I am planning to work in Perth in psychiatry and am wondering about private/public. All comments appreciated :bow:

Zana2 · Aug 16, 2008

We have no trains, except for the main one that goes down the centre of Australia. Case in point: I went to Sydney and nearly got run over by a train because I had no idea how to catch one!

:chuckle

I though you had to whistle?!

SisterKate · Aug 22, 2008

Hi
I also would like some advice on this.
I am planning to work in Perth in psychiatry and am wondering about private/public. All comments appreciated

I have worked in both Public and Private mental health. Mostly the private are less acute and do not take authorised patients, although there is one private hospital that takes mostly public patients. The public mental health units generally take the more acute end of the spectrum and are very short of nursing staff. There are not many coming out of the nursing education programmmes, which give comprehensive qualifications but with a very large emphasis on general nursing. :crying2: If you are serious about working in Perth visit the Dept of health website or www.jobs.wa.gov.au. or www.seek.com. There are always adverts for MH nurses and good nurses are always welcome. :nurse: