Job comparison: California vs. Australia, need help!

[Saint637]

Hello

I've been a jobless California new grad RN since I got my license in September 2009, I have been applying and looking for jobs for the past 5 months and I've been rejected by most of the hospitals out here..unfortunately most hospitals at the moment value new grads with prior hospital experience (which I have none). Anyways I've decided to change my game plan for the new year and maybe find an RN career in Australia, I have many family there and they are encouraging me to work as a nurse over there for 1-2 years then come back to California and reapply for a better chance to land a job (because of the experience). They have said Aus is in desperate need of RN's more so than California and most of America. I have given this a lot of thought and I am really thinking about working overseas for experience to better my chances back here in California.

So I was wondering if anyone here lives in california and has happened to work in australia and then came back? and are there any hospitals in Australia that have sister hospitals in california of the same company? Most importantly is this even a good idea?

thanks in advance

[aura_of_laura]

I don't know much about Australia, but I know that one must have a BSN to be qualified in most other countries - and they may not want to bother with the immigration hassle, even if they are short-staffed. Plus, most other countries want experienced nurses. Also, being a commonwealth country (they are, aren't they?), nurses from other commonwealth countries probably have an advantage... though if you have family in healthcare in Australia, it may give you a boost.

If you can get through those obstacles, go for it :-) I think international nursing is excellent, doubly so if one can't find a job here!

[RichLovina]

Hi there, as an industry consultant engaged in many Australian and Asian industries, I can advise you that (a) Commonwealth country RNs are not given 'preference' to working in Australia's health industry. (b) Some 'success' may emerge from some being more fluent English speakers and in having a Nursing qualification (e.g. UK, NZ, Canada & South Africa) 'more closely aligned' to the Australian RN qualification, and it's only natural that this would occur through closely similar tertiary and clinical practice educational systems.

There is indeed a strong RN demand in Australia, but first gain your IELTS level 7.0 or above in all four test areas....test then valid for 2 years. A national Nurse registration system is scheduled to commence 1 July, 2010. Although the $ Aust. is a little less than that of $US, nursing salaries are reasonably comparable, especially if you look at the national Australian health system, its essentially free, as largely funded through your tax; whilst in USA you WILL pay much more at all levels. As a guide, about $US40,000 - $US65,000 annually depending on state, special skills, and location.

Australian State Nursing Boards all have 'bridging programs' (for overseas RNs) prior to full registration for working as an RN, with course costs varying from $A1,100 - $A12,000....you are essentially placed in a program by the State Board, based on Board's professional assessment of your qualification and experiences. Currently, as a rule of thumb, have at least one year's professional working experience (as an employed RN) to be considered; preferably from work in an "acute hospital environment". You could also come as a student and enrol at a university with "advanced standing"; and as a student you may work 20 hours per week. You may also work for 2-3 years and then move on, or you may choose to stay and become a skilled migrant, but always use a Reg. Australian Migration agent in all cases.

There are both private and state hospitals who employ nurses, one of the largest private groups is Ramsay Healthcare. Good luck...

[charleeh]

Hello Mr. RichLovina,

I understand that it has almost been a year since this post has been up, but I am new to allnurses so please forgive me if I am asking a repeat question. I graduated with a B.A. in another field before I pursued nursing. Now, I have my BSN (which I received in August 2010) and I obtained my RN license just this past November. I want to move to Australia, but I am unsure about the availability of New Grad Programs across the country. So, I have a few questions for you.

1) Where do I find these New Grad Programs? Which are the best places or websites to search if I want to work in a facility near the coast (i.e. Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide...)?

2) Where do I start with this whole process?

3) How has the national Nurse registration system changed? Will this make this more difficult or easier for international/American nursing new grad applicants?

4) Should I seek taking IELTS out on my own/separately, or are there agencies or facilities offering international applicants assistance with this whole VISA and registration process?

I realize I am asking for a lot of information, but if there is a way to get more information and expedite this process in a cost-effective way that would be the most ideal situation for me and other new grads in California or the US who would like to work in Australia, too.

Thank you so much in advance for all your help.