New grad Filipino nurse wanting to work in Australia/New Zealand

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Hi everyone, please help me.

I graduated last march 2007 here in the Philippines and I have my license here already.

Because of oversupply of nurses here, it's too difficult to find a job.

That's why I'm looking forward to working in Australia or New Zealand.

However, I'm confused. Esp about Australia.

I already have my bachelors degree here.

When I go there in Aus to work as RN, must I take a diploma in nursing first? can I work while studying?

After obtaining my diploma there, am I already a registered nurse?

Thank you!

Specializes in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical.

Is that for queensland only or does it apply to other states as well? I mean when you undergo bridging programs from other states like Victoria, NSW, WA, SA... is the format just the same like they have a theory and clinical part? :nurse:

Specializes in Hemodialysis.

My bad. The information I posted earlier was for Queensland. I don't know for the other states. Sorry. :zzzzz

I doubt it; just like the US as well as Canada have individual boards for licensure.

Come July 2010 Australia will have the National Registration and the Government is already on their way of implementing this. You may check this link from the New South Wales Nurse Registration Board:

http://www.nmb.nsw.gov.au/National-Registration/default.aspx

Pre-registration courses do not offer degrees, they are only training programs. Those that are going to Australia and from other SE Asia countries already will possess the BSN in order to get licensed there.

I'm sorry but I have to disagree. In Australia, the Bachelor of Nursing degree is also called a pre-registration degree. Actually it is actually called "Bachelor of Nursing (pre-registration)". There are also post-registration degrees. The degree is intended naturally for local students, however, international students can also apply for it and may or may not finish the degree in a shorter duration. They also have different strands for it including graduate entry and the special 1 year program for Overseas qualified nurses. The one year program will still give you a BN degree from Australia upon completion.

However, in Victoria, they call some bridging programs pre-registration courses or the Re-entry/ Return to practice programs and sometimes the same program for Overseas qualified nurses.

aelith, do you know anything or updates regarding australia's plan to "nationalize/centralize" their registration/accreditation system for nurses?? is there such plan?? that would mean there would be a uniform procedure for overseas nurses in applying for assessment and registration??

thank you as always..:)

Yes, I have read about those and have also asked the Nursing state regulating authorities about it, as well as several Universities across Australia. It has been planned for a long time now and currently, they are aiming to have it implemented on 2011. But the exact date has not been decided yet or at least so far there is no final date for it yet.

Just a reminder:

The review materials you'll need for the CAS program is not the same materials you used for NCLEX/NLE - some generic/basic nursing information only will be useful. Some topics included in the exam are specifically for Australian practice which you have to review too. The subjects that is included in the Part A exam are listed in the following website:

http://cas.cqu.edu.au/FCWViewer/view...LvpAe?page=653

Anyway, should you fail the exam, you will be asked to complete certain theoretical modules. You will then need to pass those to be able to proceed to Part B.

HEY AELITH ;)

hi im soo relieved i found this thread. i have applied to NSW by myself and have received my letter of offer from the NSW board--but then i found out that joining the competence assessment in NSW will not guarantee registration (for one thing i dont know how difficult it is) and it costs heaps of money ($10,000AUD) and just in the nick of time someone in Queensland and Victoria offered to give me free board and lodging so i am thinking of switching states.

1.is the Challenge test anywhere near the nclex? i passed it last august so im thinking of taking the challenge test in QNC if it's like the nclex but if not, ill opt for the modules. anybody here who took the test? and what about these review materials??? does anyone have any idea how to get them?

2. what about victoria? do you have any estimate as to the cost of the assessment programs? or any useful link perhaps?

*for those who want to try for NSW you can send your applications even if you dont have experience (which i didnt have when i submitted my application but i was still considered as eligible...still it's a gamble hehe coz in my case i switched my mind to apply to another state)

haha im am in total limbo right now because my IELTS is expiring next year so i want to lodge my applications before it expires so...i am eagerly anticipating your reply.

btw those who have something to say about this i also need your opinions. ;)

thanks in advance!

this thread is my savior haha :p

New Zealand's Nurses and Midwives board require you to provide evidence of practice for the past 3 years prior to application. You can check their site at :http://www.nursingcouncil.org.nz/reg.html#other

They will advise you if you need to undergo a bridging program or not. However, in most cases of overseas trained nurses, they require them to undergo the said program. Fees range from 4000-6000 NZD.

In Australia though, there is no specific rule that you should have a related experience before you apply for registration. Although, those who have experience are asked to provide evidence. To confirm this, you can check with the respective State registration authority where you intend to register. Each state has its own rules and regulations and it may vary from state to state.

Also, Australia will soon have a National Regulating Authority for Registration of Nurses and Midwives which will be effective on July 2010. It is my understanding that the current state registering authorities will cease their function upon commencement of the National Regulating Authority. It is still not clear what changes will be made regarding the registration process and courses offered by Universities.

So, in Australia you have two choices: Enroll in a pre-registered course or Register directly (may or may not be required to undergo an assessment program).

Both choices are expensive and would require a lot of time and effort. There is really no easy way in any country. The best thing to do is to sit down and ponder on which path you would want to take. :D Consider carefully the PROs and CONs of all of your options. Do a lot of reading as this really helps. Also, you may want to contact the regulating bodies or Universities or any other person or agent that may help you with your decision. I have been doing all those for months now and I found all of them very accommodating. They were all very kind and would gladly answer all of your questions if they can. The best part is they reply promptly. :up:

Just a tip: Applications for Australia and New Zealand can be done on your own. An agent or Agency is not really necessary. However, if you have the cash and if you feel you need help from a professional then you may opt to consult Migration Agents regarding your case and they can be found anywhere in Australia and around the world. Choose your agent well tho. There are free assessments and there are also paid assessments. The fee for assessments varies accordingly but you can expect to pay around 50-150 AUD per assessment. This will give you somehow a better picture of your choices. They will explain to you the chance of your application and would provide you alternative options if your case is not suitable or not strong enough for your desired visa application. They can also give you an idea about the average processing time for the specific visa you require.

If there's anything else you would like to be clarified or if there's any other info you want, just tell me and I'll try and share with you what I know. I am by the way in the same boat (going for Australia and have zero experience )

hi,

can u tell me which state board in australia allowed you to register with 0 experience? i plan to apply there as well

I doubt it; just like the US as well as Canada have individual boards for licensure.

Australia would already have a national registration / accreditation set to commence on July 1 2010.

No details yet were given on the procedures and protocols.

Just don't know if this is a good or bad idea.

click the link....

http://www.qnc.qld.gov.au/upload/pdfs/queensland_nursing_forum/_2008_May.pdf

@ chekovgirl:

1. I have not taken the Challenge test but in my opinion it would not be really the same since the subjects that are included in the CAS Challenge test is specifically for Australia (laws, delegations, responsibilities, practice, etc.). The review materials is the problem but maybe QNC can give you some tips where to get them.

2. For Victoria, if it's okay with you, can you read back in this thread? I gave a step by step process in Victoria with links for pre-reg courses and bridging programs. But expect to pay around 10-12k AUD for their Overseas bridging programs - sometimes they call it pre-registration non-award programs. And usually the programs are 3-6 months in duration.

3. Yes, NSW, QLD and VIC doesn't specifically require experience for the application. They just have slight difference in the requirements and the bridging programs too.

Hope that helps. If there's anything else you want to be clarified, just ask ;)

You can go anywhere as long as you have the cash. In Australia you can study again for 2 years if you like and be registered there after. You will also be eligible for a permanent visa if you finish a 2 year course. You can do the same in UK and Canada. But it is very expensive so that is the major problem.

If you also have relatives abroad, that would help you too. You can try other related jobs while you're abroad. This may not count as experience but if you're desperate for a good source of income then why not try something else right? You can also try passing your resume to clinics/schools/day cares. Try contacting hospitals directly as some offer training for newly grad students.

You need to find what options are available for you. Consider your budget too. Also, migrating abroad is not an easy task and it is accomplished that fast. It takes a whole lot of time really. You can ask everyone you know for help or update on jobs. But most of the effort should come from you if you really want to be successful in your endeavor either in Philippines or abroad. :)

im willing to study again for 2 years in the UK, aus or canada. Do they accept students who already have a BSN though?

HEY AELITH ;)

hi im soo relieved i found this thread. i have applied to NSW by myself and have received my letter of offer from the NSW board--but then i found out that joining the competence assessment in NSW will not guarantee registration (for one thing i dont know how difficult it is) and it costs heaps of money ($10,000AUD) and just in the nick of time someone in Queensland and Victoria offered to give me free board and lodging so i am thinking of switching states.

1.is the Challenge test anywhere near the nclex? i passed it last august so im thinking of taking the challenge test in QNC if it's like the nclex but if not, ill opt for the modules. anybody here who took the test? and what about these review materials??? does anyone have any idea how to get them?

2. what about victoria? do you have any estimate as to the cost of the assessment programs? or any useful link perhaps?

*for those who want to try for NSW you can send your applications even if you dont have experience (which i didnt have when i submitted my application but i was still considered as eligible...still it's a gamble hehe coz in my case i switched my mind to apply to another state)

haha im am in total limbo right now because my IELTS is expiring next year so i want to lodge my applications before it expires so...i am eagerly anticipating your reply.

btw those who have something to say about this i also need your opinions. ;)

thanks in advance!

this thread is my savior haha :p

hello,

did u do something else though in order to be registered since u dint have any experience? like did you go to australia for their training/assessment? or did u just turn in your application?

@ heavensent814: NSW, VIC, and QLD would accept inexperienced nurses.

As for the 2 years course in AUS, you can still apply for a BN course there even if you already have a BSN in the Philippines. The duration can be anywhere from 1-3 years. The duration will depend on the subjects that will be credited or if the University offers a graduate entry or a specific 1 year program for Overseas qualified nurses. As what I have stated before, the 1 year program is still an award program meaning you will have a BN degree from Australia (legal).

In UK though, students cannot apply for permanent resident after the 2 years or even if you study for a longer period of time. You still have to apply for another visa or a working permit which is actually not available at the moment. On the other hand, you can apply for permanent residency in Australia after your 2 years course (whatever degree or diploma) as long as the skilled job to be nominated is in the SOL list.

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