US Nurse seeking job in AU or NZ

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

Hi everyone! I’m currently a registered nurse working in the state of New York and have had 2.5 years of experience in emergency medicine and one year is psych experience. I’m originally from Malaysia and wanted to work somewhere closer to home. Can anyone help me regarding the transition from being a nurse in the US to one in Australia or New Zealand? I’ve done some research and I know that I need to be registered with the NMBA for Australia but I’m not sure what the process is immigration wise.

Any info is much appreciated ?

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

Hi!

There is a new process from AHPRA and NMBA for the general registration of Internationally qualified nurses and midwives (IQNM). 

Depending on the self-check, it will determine in which stream you are classified on: A or B  or C

  • Stream A will let you proceed immediately with the initial registration after paying the fees.
  • Stream B will require you to sit for an Outcome Based Assessment (OBA) which includes a multiple choice examination (MCQ) and an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) before getting your initial registration.
  • Stream C will require you to enroll in a qualification leading to registration through approved study programs.

For more information:

https://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/Accreditation/IQNM.aspx

Your next concern will be your visa. Some hospitals/ organizations offer sponsorship through visa 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa/ visa 186 Australian Permanent Work Visa (Employer Nomination Scheme). There are also other options such as visa 189 Skilled Independent Visa/ 190 Skilled Nominated Visa (State nominated) / 491 Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa if you have enough points to get an invitation. The criteria for the points system are as follows:

  • Age
  • English language skills
  • Skilled employment experience
  • Educational qualifications
  • Specialist education qualification
  • Australian study requirement
  • Professional Year in Australia
  • Credentialled community language 
  • Study in regional Australia
  • Partner skills

For more information: 

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia

Best of luck in the future!

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Hi Lyn,

I am US Citizen and planning to take BSN while in Malaysia. I have questions im hoping you can assist with .. 

1. how was your CGFNS process for validating your BSN

2. was there bumbs in the road of getting NCLEX 

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