New Nurse; New Country?

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I'm entering my final year of nursing school in Massachusetts. Job prospects here are poor and I am willing to move anywhere to get some experience as soon as I graduate...I also spent a semester abroad in Australia and LOVED IT. In light of this revelation - is it possible to get hired as a new grad in another country? If I'm willing to move anywhere, I figured an out-of-country experience might be beneficial, however I know that rules and regulations, along with the scope-of-practice varies greatly as well. If it is possible, how is it usually arranged? Is there any international nursing standard organization, etc? Just curious.

Thank you in advance for feedback!

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Hey there :)

You would have to check the regulations in the specific country you want to move to.

If it's Australia, you might have to undergo a bridging program or a conversion course prior to your practice which might cost anywhere from 10-25k AUD in tuition, for about 3-6 months. They don't have a written exam like the NCLEX there. Check out the AHPRA website or the international forum here.

You'll also have to take an english test / IELTS, make sure your immunizations are current and have money to prove you can sustain yourself during the course.

tc :)

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Specializes in Med/Surg, DSU, Ortho, Onc, Psych.

Don't know all the ins and outs but you could try one of the nursing agnecy websites for info:

http://mediserve.com.au/

The government has put a ban on some states for permanent nursing work; unless you have years of experience and about 2 degrees, you will probably not get a permanent job but there is usually casual work around.

Contact also the nursing board for each state as well - SA, WA, NT, QLD, ACT, NSW, VIC, TAS.

Australia is also introducing national registration soon; so you have only one nursing license for the whole country instead of having to register in each state (phew!)

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Specializes in Northern Nursing.

I tried to get a job abroad as I graduated, it's ruff without experience! Try finding a job somewhere(ANYTHIG!!!) then going. That's the route I'm doing :)

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