Reasons to work in Australia

[JadedCPN, BSN, RN]

Good morning everyone! I've been a pediatric RN in the US for 2 years now, and have recently been playing with the idea of being a nurse in Australia for a couple of years. I was hoping to get any advice that anybody has to offer. Specifically, I've heard a lot about the differences in US versus Australian healthcare world...any thoughts? Pros? Cons? Also, could anyone offer up suggestions for larger all-pediatric facilities to look into? Where does everyone work now if you are in pediatrics? How do you feel US nurses are received by staff? I would appreciate any advice!! Thank you very much.

[suzanne4, RN]

First question: What type of training did you have? Two year or a four year BSN? The two year is not acceptable for licensure there.

[JadedCPN, BSN, RN]

I have a 4 year degree so that won't be a problem.

[suzanne4, RN]

Anything having to do with licensure and/or immigration questions about working there and we ask that they be placed under the International Forum to make it easier for everyone.

Since you have a degree that will be accepted there, you need to decide where in Australia that you would be interested in and then go for licensure in that state. Much already written about working in Australia on the International Forum.

Best of luck to you.

[JadedCPN, BSN, RN]

I'm not asking about licensure information, I was hoping to connect with different people that have or currently work there, what their experiences were, what they did and didn't like, etc so I thought it would be appropriate to post it here as opposed to the international forum. I apologize if it is in the wrong place.

[talaxandra]

Not having worked anywhere else, I can't help you compare the two systems. However:

Australia has MediCare, a universal health care provider funded as a 1% tax, which subsidises GP visits, subsidises prescription costs, and covers public health care services (inpatient, outpatient, rehab, hospital in the home etc). Private health insurance in optional, but individuals who make over $50,000/year (higher for couples/families) without insurance are charged an additional 1% levy for every dollar over that cut off.

To the best of my knowledge there are pediatric hospitals (and general hospitals with strong pediatric departments) in every capital city- the Ryoyal Children's Hospitals in Brisbane and Melbourne, Westead and Sydney Children's Hospitals in Sydnmey, and the Adelaide Women's and Children's hospital. As far as I know there aren't any private children's hospitals in Australia, but I'm open to correction :)

Conditions vary from state to state, so you'd need to decide on a location/hopsital before looking at specifics.

Hope that helps :)

[nyapa, RN]

I would really check with the immigration website and ring the embassy to find out whether your degree is recognised here. Australia has reciprocal arrangements with many countries, but I'm pretty sure the US isn't one. You may just have to do a catchup course...

Re: US nurses being accepted by other staff! Welcomed with open arms! You're a nurse right? You're a colleague! Of course you'd be welcomed! We have nurses in the NT from all over the world. You'll blend in with the rest of us!!!

:)

Jay

[Grace Oz]

There's a "sticky" thread at the top of this forum in which you might find information.

Best wishes to you.

[Djuna]

Hi Jess

I have worked in Paediatrics here in Australia however it was in a rural hospital so I don't know what the city hospitals are like.

As an RN with 2 years of experience your base rate of pay would be; $24.36/hr

$925.50/week

$48,291.27/base rate

http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/nursing/pdf/award_july07.pdf

You also receive penalties for weekend work, uniform allowance and various other bits and pieces. I don't know how these pay rates compare with what you get where you are, but they're not that bad.

Sydney, like all cities is expensive to live in but it's a fun, vibrant place.

Australians are friendly people but expect comments on your President and your country's policies. My husband is American and he found it a bit annoying but people generally don't mean to be rude.

I think coming to Australia would be a great experience and it's fun to try new things, so all the best with your adventures.

[Promin]

How much do you "take home" after taxes? I've heard that Sidney is a very expensive place to live. Could you give estimates how much you pay for housing, transportation, food (especially fruits and vegetables)?

What is a nurse to patient ratio? Do you have nursing assistants?

[talaxandra]

Pay for each state is different, and it obviously depends on your level of experience, qualifications and what you work.

Sydney's probably the most expensive capital to live in, but the nurses also earn a little more, at least at the moment. The greatest expense is rent, and that obviously depends where in the city you live - check out www.realestate.com.au or www.domain.com.au for ideas about housing prices. Remember to factor in transport costs if you think about living further out.

[JadedCPN, BSN, RN]

Wow thanks so much for all the wonderful information!! Djuna, your post was great - I may pick your brain with more questions as they arise if you don't mind. I'm having a tough time chosing between Royal's, Sydney's Children's Hospital and Westead. I've gathered that Sydney is the most expensive of the group, but perhaps the most fun.

Excuse me if I offend anyone, but through various threads on this forum and elsewhere, I've heard some negative things about Queensland? It looks like a beautiful place to live. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Again I don't mean to offend anybody!