Processing Time Aus

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Hi fellow Nursing Friends!

I'm curious, does anyone know an estimate of how long it takes to get your license approved in Australia as a foreign nurse?

I'm a CCU/ICU RN with 2 1/2 years experience from the USA working in a city hospital. I already have my Work and Holiday Visa and just waiting on my license. I'm so excited to get out there and start working!!

I called the board and they said they are not allowed to give approximated times. I'm just curious because I was planning on getting out there in February and I have to give my 4-week notice at my current place. It takes 2 months to transfer you license state-to-state here...I just applied for my NY license for when I get home! All I can tell you for the Australia Board is that they charged my credit card 2 weeks ago for the assessment fee...

Also, do you know if I should start contacting agencies now or wait till I get my license?

http://www.nursingaustralia.info/ I bought this e-book and it was written before Australia went to a national board but it has some fantastic help in there--Thought I should share! And thanks for all the posts! I've been researching like crazy on this website!

Thanks in advance for any responses! I'm so exc

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Our national board is swamped with applications from overseas nurses, also our own new graduates have just finished university, so their processing will take precedence.

Also you are not 'transferring'' your usa license to Australia, you are actually applying to another country for your first initial registration in Australia.

International applicants talk about 2 months to 10 months. Good luck in your endevours.

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

Yes Ceridwyn is right. I have nearly 4 years various wards/unit experience as a BSN RN, went for an interview, was warned may not get many shifts as this hosp just took on 47 new graduates, so we are all competing against them. Also they have their own casual pools too.

You could email the nursing agencies; they are always looking for RNs for shifts there.

I don't think you'd get too much work around Feb 12, sorry.

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