DiverChick71

This thread has been so helpful. I thought of going through this process a couple of years ago, and was just overwhelmed. Reading more about it here, I feel like there is much more information available now. I saw somewhere in the thread that someone had called the AHPRA and they were vague, I felt the same. They basically told me to apply, and my education would be assessed. I'm also an ADN but I'm a bit older than most people posting here, I believe. I have 18 years experience. My nursing school was a bit overwhelmed when I called them to talk about this...they don't really have the course syllabus, etc. But they were willing to look into it and see what we could get. Now that I have the information that needs to be included (from poster's correspondence with AHPRA) I think that it will help a lot. So I have one important question for the American applicants....DID You need the IELTS?? According to question 27, it seems necessary. But then on question 28, it says attach evidence that you were working and schooled in English. So it's a bit contradictory? I'm close to San Francisco, so at least I can take the test easily enough. Reading their guidelines on certifying documents, it seems that a Notary will become your BFF during this process! :) I'm just excited to know that ADN's can practice as a Registered Nurse. I love my job and my work. My experience is in ER, any comments that anyone might have regarding their work experience in ER would be greatly appreciated! I work for an HMO trauma center hospital in the US. I traveled for almost 10 years, so I feel like I'm ultra flexible and I do well going into a new environment. It will be huge learning curve though I'm sure. Learning different terminology and med names. But it would be exciting!

lol well the GBR is far closer to Brisbane than it is to Florida... but Cairns looks TOOO HOT. After realizing the uncertainty regarding my associate's degree and getting registered, I think I'll wait to seriously look into it until after I finish my BSN.

Oh I'm not interested at all in enrolled. Perhaps I have the wrong idea, as I'm not THERE and not familiar with the system. But to me...that's a step back. I have a great career here. And I'm already actively working on my US BSN anyway. I heard from QLD nursing council today, they suggested that I send in my application for assessment to see if I qualify for Registered, as I do have college hours other than my ADN. So I guess I'll do that, but if I can't become registered I'll finish up my BSN here in the US. I'm not in any hurry...just wanted something different. I just can't fathom taking a step back or less pay.

Well I got the bug to look into migrating to Australia, so found this website by doing searches on Australian nursing. A few questions...how are work conditions? I'm an RN in California, USA. I work primarily ER. I think we enjoy a broad scope of practice and do find my work rewarding. Is it the same in Australia? Do we start our own IV's, assist in invasive procedures, covered under protocols, etc? Is my ACLS, BLS, PALS and TNCC (Trauma cert) required and transferrable? Is there anything that a nurse who has practiced in both countries can tell me is specifically or drastically different? Also, how is the nurse to patient ratio? Is it governed by any laws or does it vary from facility to facility? In CA we have a 1:4 ratio in ER. Other states vary drastically. Also, I'm an Associates degree RN here. Will that effect my level in AU? I have all my paperwork downloaded from the QLD nursing council and plan on getting that submitted for the final say, but any feedback is appreciated. I've found conflicting information in forums. It seems that the "Enrolled Nurse" is similar to our Vocational nurses in the US. Realistically, I could not professionally take a step backwards. I'm taking classes here towards my BSN, plan on continuing that in AU if I go. But can't go backwards. I would be professionally frustrated and that's not a direction I'm interested in. I'm interested in migrating for the cultural experience. I want to see what it's like "down under". I love to scuba dive so obviously that's a plus, the GBR so close. But obviously, I need to support myself and family so fulfillment in my profession is pretty important. So I believe I've posted this in the "proper" spot now....would greatly appreciate feedback.

Well I got the bug to look into migrating to Australia, so found this website by doing searches on Australian nursing. A few questions...how are work conditions? I'm an RN in California, USA. I work primarily ER. I think we enjoy a broad scope of practice and do find my work rewarding. Is it the same in Australia? Do we start our own IV's, assist in invasive procedures, covered under protocols, etc? Is my ACLS, BLS, PALS and TNCC (Trauma cert) required and transferrable? Is there anything that a nurse who has practiced in both countries can tell me is specifically or drastically different? Also, how is the nurse to patient ratio? Is it governed by any laws or does it vary from facility to facility? In CA we have a 1:4 ratio in ER. Other states vary drastically. Also, I'm an Associates degree RN here. Will that effect my level in AU? I have all my paperwork downloaded from the QLD nursing council and plan on getting that submitted for the final say, but any feedback is appreciated. I've found conflicting information in forums. It seems that the "Enrolled Nurse" is similar to our Vocational nurses in the US. Realistically, I could not professionally take a step backwards. I'm taking classes here towards my BSN, plan on continuing that in AU if I go. But can't go backwards. I would be professionally frustrated and that's not a direction I'm interested in. I'm interested in migrating for the cultural experience. I want to see what it's like "down under". I love to scuba dive so obviously that's a plus, the GBR so close. But obviously, I need to support myself and family so fulfillment in my profession is pretty important. Finally:bowingpur, I'm a bit perplexed by this site. It states to post threads regarding general nursing in "International Forum" but that link continually circles me back to here. So is THIS the International Forum? I'm not computer illiterate and am actually an active participant in many web forums. This site has be going in circles...literally. Well now that THAT is out of the way.....Any help on my question is appreciated!