migrating to Australia from US

wam79 · Dec 26, 2004

Hi all

My wife and I are getting closer to our goal. We are leanind towards The Adelaide or Melbourne areas. My appologies to those of you in Queensland, after 12 years in Hawaii my wife wants to be some place with "seasons". At least we will still have the warm weather at Christmas time LOL...

I have sent the paperwork to the Immigration dept. Now the wait for a reply. sigh..

I have been accepted as an RN by the ANC. After I get an RN registration how should I go about getting a mental health RN? I work in Psych now ( I'm certified by the APNA). I would like to continue in psych. It seems that Australia has similar issues with community care and mental illness as here. Cost, privacy, safety, ect...

Happy Holidays or as we say here

Mele kalikimaka ( Merry Christmas)

Bill

Farkinott, RN · Dec 26, 2004

You shouldn't have any problems getting a job in an acute facility. One you have gained a bit of experience in teerms of Ozzie culture then you could work towards more community based work.

I grew up in S.A. and it does have a lot going for it but it does get bloody cold in winter! Even during the warmer months it can be 38C one day then 18C the next! S.A. has a wonderful food and wine culture so if you like eating then it is a fine place to be. The German produce at Hahndorf is one of my loves (home smoked sausages etc!)

One downside is that it is the driest state in the country so if you love a green garden you have to be prepared to pay for the extra water that takes as water restrictions are the norm.

As far as I know the mental health service (public) down there is very good as I have a younger brother with schizophrenia as a long term admission in Adelaide and I think they have done a good job of looing after him considering he really is in the too hard basket.

Good luck with wherever you choose, you still can't beat Queensland weather though!

wam79 · Dec 26, 2004

If it works out I think it would be best for me to work in general medicine at first. I think that would give me the best opportunities to learn. I will be learning a new culture and be responsible to know the laws and rules and meds ect....

I have worked in Psych for many years and it would be good for me to take a break anyhow :chuckle

Bill

gwenith, BSN, RN · Dec 28, 2004

The registration for Psych is the same board as for General and I think you will find you have a double registration already. I would apply to a psych hospital and tell them your background. I think you will be surprised that they would accept you to work virtually straight away but you might have to wait a while for extra pay for your advanced qualifications to be sorted (we get paid per qual generally). Don't let them muck you about more than 3 months though and don't leave it too long yourself otherwise you might miss out on a bit of back pay.

We are more unionised than the USA so be prepared to join as soon as you come. In some hospitals that is a condition of employment - that you be a member of the union. (again don't faint :chuckle) Being a member of the union also automatically gives you professional indemnity insurance. It is one of those differences between Aus and USA - if we get into hot water at work then the Union is supposed to look after us not some lawyer. (and for the most part they do.)

Hope you enjoy it here!!!

Post a note/thread when you arrive!!

Grace Oz · Dec 28, 2004

sooo, you've almost decided on adelaide, eh? wise choice!

i could go on and on and on.... but!...... the others would give me a "caning!" i already give them grief with my ramblings about beautiful, pretty, perfect weather, accessible, affordable, adelaide!!!! :rotfl: :rotfl:

either way, you will not regret your decision to join us here in the absolute best place on the planet!!

welcome!

cheers,

grace

wam79 · Dec 28, 2004

gwenith

Thanks for the info. If Things are the same there as here

Psych nurses can find work with no problems

I'm used to working with a union, I have no complaints with unionized

work places.

Bill

Interested Party · Dec 28, 2004

Now, if you had chosen to live in Queensland, I certainly would have guided you by the hand for QNC registration and even offer to help you get interviews, who knows even a job:rolleyes: . But since you have chosen Adelaide ....... ....... you're on your own:chuckle . Seriously, congratulations and I know that you will not have a problem finding a job in Mental Health.

Blessings

talaxandra · Dec 30, 2004

Congratulations on your progress - and if you ever decide to move to Melbourne, it's just a step to the east...!

JimHarris · Jan 6, 2005

I have been considering migrating to Australia as well. However, seems that little checklist leaves me a bit wanting in the points department. I know there are some nurses that have migrated and was wondering how long the process took them.

Jim

Interested Party · Jan 6, 2005

What checklist? As I mentioned before, I can only give info about Queensland Nursing Council. I contacted them about 4 months ago and QNC stated that it will take max 6 weeks to get nursing registration providing you have passed NCLEX RN (it does not matter if you have an associate degree or bachelor degree) and all you papers are in order. With the registration, you can then apply for nursing positions, with a job offer, you then apply for a work visa and then a tax file number. A friend of mine was given a work visa within 2 weeks after application and received permanent residency within 6 months after applying.

The difference between ADN and BsN (???) is the rate of pay and if you have attained any post-grad qualification in your area of specialty, you can recognition by way of a slight increment in rate of pay.

Any more questions ................ask away ..................

IP

Interested Party · Jan 6, 2005

Oh, oh, oh! Points .................. immigration ................ I remember...........what did you score for the points anyway?

JimHarris · Jan 6, 2005

There is an immigration checklist but I know that nurses are short enough everywhere that concessions are made. Yes I have an ADN and have passed my NCLEX. Good, I will start the process so I can think about moving during June/July, whats the weather like there then?

Thanks for the help

Jim