Postpone Aussie dream? Try Singapore/Middle East first?

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Being idle is an unpleasant experience for a professional.. well at least, in my opinion. I am a Div 1 registered nurse in my prime, but can't earn and practice, just because of visa sponsorship problems. Yes, I religiously submit job applications to every Aussie employer I come across, hoping to get sponsorship, but as I'm busy doing this, time flies. My hospital experience gets less and less recent, and I have no earnings. It's quite bad for the resume, and not to mention, the rep.

I was just thinking if "postponing" the Aussie dream would help my nursing career, or not - that I should I just keep on applying until someone would be generous enough to grant me even an interview gig.

Maybe while working elsewhere honing my nursing skills, I'd be able to save up money and apply for permanent residency in AUS. Yep, more like a stepping stone. Any thoughts? Is the idea misguided, or, for lack of a better word, dumb?

Specializes in Medical-Surgical, Orthopedics.

I would assume you are registered with AHPRA. If you are really determined to go to Australia I would suggest coming here on a student visa and studying cheap courses not necessarily related to nursing. This route though requires a significant amount of money as the cost of living is not on the cheap here in australia. But this is an option given you have extra money and if you have a relative where you can stay would significant lower the cost. Then by starting at an aged care facility which can sponsor for a 457 visa. Once settled then you can start applying to major hospitals. I know of people who had used this option and they succeeded in becoming aussie RNs. Hang in there and Goodluck.

Specializes in Acute Care. ER. Aged Care/LTC. Psyche.

Your idea is not bad at all. It doesn't hurt to apply and work in other countries while waiting for your "Aussie Dream". The experience you will gain will help you become a better nurse and will surely help on your next steps.

But at the same time, I would be cautious on the reality that's been going around, like immigration changes, unemployment, easing of nursing shortage, etc. Because things might change and may not suit you in the future anymore. I don't know your immigration profile (age, IELTS score, experience, etc) so I don't know how you'd measure up against the current migration rules, but consider that as well.

Have you exhaust every possible and legal means of attaining a sponsorship, like direct enquiries to hospitals, clinics, aged care facilities, etc? Have you tried applying to a regional (not necessarily rural) area? Have you applied to each state's department of health's career websites? Or even agencies?

The other poster suggested studying cheap and unnecessary courses so you can stay in Australia and be able to work part time and find a sponsor. It's feasible. But consider the cost and the impact it would cause to your actual nursing experience.

Best of luck!

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