Us nurse trying to work in Australia...

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Hello everyone,

I have been searching all over the web for a good nurse traveling agencies that pays for accomodation and assists with VISA sponsorship. I have completed my registration application for the Victoria Boards as my husband and I are looking at the Melbourne area. I actually just recently sent the application out. Does anyone know how long it generally take to hear back for international nurses?

I have researched several agencies such as nursing australia, Ogrady, nursing4australia, VNS, Nurse Traveler, Nightingale Nursing, etc... and they dont mention providing accomodation. If I didn't have a 2 year old daughter this would not be such a big deal but we are trying to start a new life there and accomodation even for a month will give us more security and time to get settled.

I am still very confused about the whole process of gaining a sponsorship for VISA, police clearance, registration process after assessment, etc... Is there anyone out there who has been through this or understands this process that can provide some insight. Anything will be appreciated!:wink2: SO FRUSTRATING:confused:

THANKS

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Specializes in Ortho/Neuro/Trauma.

Hi there,

I sent my NBV registration just around this time last year (as I was advised to do, every nurse in Victoria re-registers Dec 31) and I heard back the 2nd week of January, if that makes you feel any better. I had all my documents in a row as well, at least when I was sent my confirmation they did not request anything further. From what I've read with other nurses' experience, this is very very quick (about 2 months). Don't stress :)

As far as sponsorship goes, you can go two ways. One way is the 457 employer sponsored visa in which an employer sponsors a temporary resident visa for you. They fill out their portion (once you are offered a position) and you fill out your portion, again about a 2-3 month turn around. This visa only requires that you have medicals including a chest x-ray, physical exam, HIV and Hepatitis testing and that you have your license through the NBV. I wasn't required to do police clearance for this visa. You can also bring your hubbie and children over on this visa, though I know there are limitations for how much your hubbie can work, etc. You are also required to provide your own private health insurance as you won't be covered by the medicare system as a temporary resident. Most hospitals/agencies require a 1-2 year contract and the visa can sponsor you anywhere from 3 months-4 years. After two years of living in Australia you will be eligible to apply for permanent residency.

The other route is the Skiller Worker Migration visa. This visa takes about a year to be approved and requires that your skills be assessed by the ANC. I don't know as much about this route, but I know you can bring your hubbie and children over on this visa and you would be considered a permanent resident of Australia, meaning you would be covered under Medicare, etc. The only thing you really can't do as a permanent resident is vote in government elections. This visa requires medicals, police clearances, etc.

All of this can be found on the Australian Immigration website, quick google search will send you there.

Sorry I can't help you with your accomodation questions. My employer did not help me with any moving costs, though I know some others that I interviewed with offered around $1500. (Which isn't that much considering the costs of flights, rent, etc.) Might be something you would be able to negotiate.

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Specializes in ER, Pre-Hospital.

I found this earlier today: http://www.alliedhealth.com.au/Home.htm

I too have been considering overseas nursing positions. My wife and I are both nurses so we hope that would be a bonus in terms of their consideration.

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Specializes in CTICU.

It's not that hard of a process - I'd really urge you to consider handling it yourself and avoiding the commitment to an agency. Most hospitals direct hire. Many health systems offer relocation, although I don't think many offer accommodation. I do know the SAN (Sydney Adventist Hospital) has nursing accommodation which a friend from this site stayed in when she arrived from the US until she got an apartment. I know Queensland Health system offer up to $3000 for relocation costs.

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Thanks for the replies. I am considering going through a hospital instead of an agency. The only thing I worry about with that is securing an apartment for arrival there while here in the states. How is the pay difference with an agency in comparison to working directly through the hospital?

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Specializes in Operating room, SDC.

Depends on what level you are regarded as when you are eligible to work there as a nurse. It goes by years of experience. Im from Queensland so i can only go on with what is nursing is like over there. Agency generally pays you more, as you are not entitled to what a normal RN staff would be getting. Agency rates varies.. i was getting paid $40/hour, then from 12midday up it goes up to $45/hour. Weekends are like $55/hour Sundays are few dollars more. Public holidays are like $100/hour. If i worked as staff, i would be getting paid for my level, around $30/hour base rate. Time and half for OT, saturdays at time and half, sundays time and 3/4. public holidays you get paid automatically even when you are off, it is not taken off your personal leave (this was when i was still in australia, dont know about now, but i think its still the same) and if you do work the public holidays, there are 3 or is it 4..hmm cant remember now, you actually get paid double time.

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Specializes in Operating room, SDC.

by the way, i found this, this may give you an idea. This is for the state of Queensland...

http://www.health.qld.gov.au/nursing/salary.asp

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Specializes in CTICU.

accommodation:

http://www.realestate.com.au or http://www.domain.com.au

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I know that this is way off topic but I'm also trying to register at NBV and I'm having difficulty. May I ask how were you able to verify your registration? Did you send a form to the Nurses Board of Victoria and they verified it themselves? or Did you call your own board and got them to send a verification to the Nurses Board of Victoria?

Thanks a lot!

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I applied and was assessed by the Nurses Board of Victoria and they are asking me to take a 3 months course and will be a legit nurse in Victoria after finishing it. I applied online for that pre-registration course at Deakin University at Burwood, Melnourne and was got a letter of offer. I am now applying for a student visa as course willstart Jan. It will take max 2 months for that. After finishing the course, I can already apply direct for jobs there. Once I get an employer, i will need to convert the visa from student to a working one. Of course you would need to pay fees. I will have to pay $9,300 for the short course. I will be staying with my pinay friends so accomodation is not much of a worry. Lots of houses you can share there with someone. Rental is from $100 -$200 a week inclusive of everything. Lots of pinoys there willing to help pinoy starters. YOu just need to check where they are. Good luck to your journey and may God bless us all.

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Specializes in rural.

Queensland Health seems most helpful, sponsorship, relocation etc. Excellent rural/remote package - free accommodation and they actually reply to you quite quickly

good luck

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I am also trying to work in Australia. I am having problems getting a certified copy of my initial enrollment. I talked to my board of nursing and they said they don't keep that information. Does anyone know how I can get this?

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