2016 US RN to Australia

Brookeee · Oct 10, 2017

Thank you US RN in OZ! I will definitely keep you guys posted. When I looked up the bachelor's degree at the university if Brisbane, it listed the same courses that I have completed in college and nursing school, just over the course of 4 years, where my nursing program was only 2 years for my ARM, but exact same courses. So I am hoping that we just have a different educational system here and like you said, if I am a qualified RN in US, I should be just as qualified in Australia ...another strange thing I've encountered throughout this process is that every single time the board requests additional information they are always encouraging me to withdrawal my application, and give me narrow deadlines to submit the information...almost as if they are purposely discouraging applicants or attempting to wead out those of less perseverance. I however, have been communicating with them non stop and submitting everything and more at times as requested ...so I'm just hoping this journey leads me to a registry soon! Thanks again for all of your support and feedback, and I will keep you posted!

Cottntale32 · Oct 10, 2017

Thank you US RN in OZ! I will definitely keep you guys posted. When I looked up the bachelor's degree at the university if Brisbane, it listed the same courses that I have completed in college and nursing school, just over the course of 4 years, where my nursing program was only 2 years for my ARM, but exact same courses. So I am hoping that we just have a different educational system here and like you said, if I am a qualified RN in US, I should be just as qualified in Australia ...another strange thing I've encountered throughout this process is that every single time the board requests additional information they are always encouraging me to withdrawal my application, and give me narrow deadlines to submit the information...almost as if they are purposely discouraging applicants or attempting to wead out those of less perseverance. I however, have been communicating with them non stop and submitting everything and more at times as requested ...so I'm just hoping this journey leads me to a registry soon! Thanks again for all of your support and feedback, and I will keep you posted!

I am an ADN Nurse too! However, I had to go for my BSN to be qualified for most hospitals here in NY. But I'm glad to hear that BSN's are not necessarily required. I recently sent in my application and other required materials, so we'll see what happens. It took me a while to go through the U.K. application process so I know the drill with getting feedback and having to send in more documents. But please keep us posted and I will do the same. I'm glad you are on this forum, as I didn't think there was anyone out there with helpful info on the AHPRA application process! I hope you receive good news soon!!

Rockclimbingnurse · Oct 16, 2017

Hi there,

I'm a US RN that went through the process of applying and would like to share my experience.

AHPRA granted me registration HOWEVER, with conditions. I fell short of the 800 required clinical hours in my nursing program. My university confirmed that I completed 720 hours. I can't really put a case against that- numbers don't lie.

The conditions are: I have to be directly supervised for 3 months full time. Is that basically a death sentence? No employer would want to put in the resources of having someone breathe over my neck when there are so many other qualified nurses out there. I don't see the chance of getting hired, let alone have them sponsor me!

AHPRA also gave me the option of completing a bridging course, but that costs over $10,000 and that insulting given that I met all their other requirements other than being short 80 hours of clinical during school!

Does anyone know any nurses who were able to get a job with conditions on their license?

Brookeee · Oct 16, 2017

Hey Rockclimbingnurse,

Congratulations on getting the registration!! That sucks though that they're placing these conditions on you or that you would have to do a bridging program that costs 10k...for the 3mos though of supervision, wouldn't it kinda be the time of training on the job?

If I may also ask, were you an ADN or a BSN when you were going through the process?

Rockclimbingnurse · Oct 16, 2017

I have a BS in another degree, and went for a Master's Entry to Nursing program (which is basically the same as an Accelerated BSN). I'm pretty irritated that my program didn't meet the required 800 hours. We focused a LOT on theory and research... I would have loved more clinical hours. I learned so much from clinical.

And yeah, hopefully hiring managers would consider the supervision just extra training for the job. I'd be a super top notch nurse after that right? I just feel that I'm not an attractive candidate, because once they see restrictions it's just a big red flag.

US RN in Oz · Oct 16, 2017

Hi there,
I'm a US RN that went through the process of applying and would like to share my experience.
AHPRA granted me registration HOWEVER, with conditions. I fell short of the 800 required clinical hours in my nursing program. My university confirmed that I completed 720 hours. I can't really put a case against that- numbers don't lie.
The conditions are: I have to be directly supervised for 3 months full time. Is that basically a death sentence? No employer would want to put in the resources of having someone breathe over my neck when there are so many other qualified nurses out there. I don't see the chance of getting hired, let alone have them sponsor me!
AHPRA also gave me the option of completing a bridging course, but that costs over $10,000 and that insulting given that I met all their other requirements other than being short 80 hours of clinical during school!
Does anyone know any nurses who were able to get a job with conditions on their license?

It was to my understanding that if it was within 10% (720 hours and up), it would be ok. This would be particularly true for someone with enough post- nursing-school experience. What are the appeal options? I could certainly help your case. There is no reason for you to take a bridging course or have 3 months direct supervision. It is likely there is a communication barrier due to the differences in education and employment between the two countries. How much work experience do you have? I went to school and worked in America. I now work AND teach in Australia. I am familiar with the two systems and have been able to clear things up between AHPRA and American applicants.

Rockclimbingnurse · Oct 17, 2017

They didn't give me too many options (either appeal or accept) and when I called, they gave me the option of a bridging course. I was able to get transferred on the phone to a registration officer, and she said with 720 hours, I can't get full registration. I have 3.5 years experience (med/surg, psych) so not tons, but I personally think it's enough to warrant full registration. Unfortunately, I already signed the form telling them I accepted registration with conditions. Is it too late to change any of this? I would gladly appreciate your help through this!

Cottntale32 · Oct 17, 2017

Hi there,
I'm a US RN that went through the process of applying and would like to share my experience.
AHPRA granted me registration HOWEVER, with conditions. I fell short of the 800 required clinical hours in my nursing program. My university confirmed that I completed 720 hours. I can't really put a case against that- numbers don't lie.
The conditions are: I have to be directly supervised for 3 months full time. Is that basically a death sentence? No employer would want to put in the resources of having someone breathe over my neck when there are so many other qualified nurses out there. I don't see the chance of getting hired, let alone have them sponsor me!
AHPRA also gave me the option of completing a bridging course, but that costs over $10,000 and that insulting given that I met all their other requirements other than being short 80 hours of clinical during school!
Does anyone know any nurses who were able to get a job with conditions on their license?

Hi Rockclimbingnurse,

Thank you for sharing your outcome of the AHPRA registration! It was really helpful for me because they will most likely give me the same two options... I am a US RN as well; I completed my ADN first and then went for an Accelerated BSN. My total number of clinical hours is 730 and I have been working as a nurse a little over 2.5 years (it'll probably be the same as you once I've actually completed the registration). I thought that the reason they request syllabi from each of the courses you had through nursing school was to gauge that you completed the correct course material, although you may not have enough clinical hours...? I have sent almost the same paperwork to the NMC for licensure in the U.K. and they have not put conditions on my license...

This is definitely a bummer. I just posted my application to the AHPRA not too long ago, so I am just in the beginning stages. Please keep us posted here on the forum. I would like to hear about the rest of your experience trying to secure a position and any other "hoops" you may have to jump through. Good luck!

US RN in Oz,

You are very kind. I'm not at the stage yet to receive a decision on my registration, but would you be available to help me when I am ready? I am extra nervous now and am sure I will have conditions on my license as well.

maryhadalittleann · Nov 10, 2017

Hi my husband's job is taking me to Australia and the form is so confusing!

what did you write for section 10. What are the details of your qualifications and examinations/assessments?

is this where I list my nursing school and board of nursing information?

Section 17 to prove that all courses where taught in English, do I have to get a certified letter stating that all my classes where taught in English? Could I get an old teacher to sign this? Do I need my write to my college to sign this? Is the Australian government not aware that all classes in the US are taught in English? I move in three months, feeling the stress about this form. TIA

sunshinerainbows · Nov 11, 2017

Link found on this website: Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency - English language skills

Here are the two ways that you will most likely go about using:

Excerpt:

What must I do?

If you are applying for initial registration you must demonstrate your English language competency in one of the following ways:

1.English is your primary language and:

a.you have attended and satisfactorily completed at least six years of primary and secondary education taught and assessed in English in one of the recognised countries, including at least two years between years 7 and 12, and

b.your qualification in the relevant professional discipline, which you are relying on to support your eligibility for registration under the National Law was taught and assessed solely in English in one of the recognised countries and:

i.in the case of a registered nurse or registered midwife, you must provide evidence of at least a two (2) years full-time equivalent pre-registration program of study approved by the recognised nursing and/or midwifery regulatory body in any of the recognised countries.

ii.in the case of an enrolled nurse, you must provide evidence of at least a one year full-time equivalent pre-registration program of study approved by the recognised nursing and/or midwifery regulatory body in any of the recognised countries listed in this registration standard.

OR

2.Registered nurses and registered midwives

If you are applying for registration as a registered nurse and/or a registered midwife, you must provide evidence of the completion of five (5) years*(full-time equivalent) of education taught and assessed in English, in any of the recognised countries.

NOTE:

a)The Board will only accept the completion of five (5) years* (full-time equivalent) of:

i) tertiary and secondary education taught and assessed in English; or

ii) tertiary and vocational education taught and assessed in English; or

iii)combined tertiary, secondary and vocational education taught and assessed in English; or

iv)tertiary education taught and assessed in English

from one or more of the recognised countries listed in this registration standard.

b)The five (5) years referred to in paragraph 2(a) above must include evidence of a minimum of two (2) years full-time equivalent pre-registration program of study approved by the recognised nursing and/or midwifery regulatory body in any of the recognised countries listed in this registration standard.

There are other ways but I figured they didn't apply to you.

Recognised country means one of the following countries:

â€¢Australia

â€¢Canada

â€¢New Zealand

â€¢Republic of Ireland

â€¢South Africa

â€¢United Kingdom

â€¢United States of America.

US RN in Oz · Nov 11, 2017

Hi my husband's job is taking me to Australia and the form is so confusing!
what did you write for section 10. What are the details of your qualifications and examinations/assessments?
is this where I list my nursing school and board of nursing information?
Section 17 to prove that all courses where taught in English, do I have to get a certified letter stating that all my classes where taught in English? Could I get an old teacher to sign this? Do I need my write to my college to sign this? Is the Australian government not aware that all classes in the US are taught in English? I move in three months, feeling the stress about this form. TIA

For section 10: Nursing school info only. You do not need to put a board of nursing in this section. No need to fill out "additional qualification" part.

Title of qualification... Registered Nurse

Name of institution... the name of your nursing school (example: University of California).

Campus... name of campus (example: San Francisco).

County, dates.... self explanatory.

Section 17:

American transcripts do not typically include this information. The best way to do it would be to simply have official at the school write a letter, on school letterhead, starting that the classes were taught in English. No need to be certified. Like the official transcripts, have the schools send this letter directly to you, then submit with application pack.

"Is the Australian government not aware that all classes in the US are taught in English?".... Not all classes in America are taught in English. Although the US has national languages, America does not have an "official" language set at a federal level. Secondly, it is not any countries duty to be fully aware of all aspects of American culture.

There are many common errors with this application process. I'd be happy to to critique yours prior to submitting. Let me know.

g.isid · Nov 20, 2017

Hi there,

I'm about to start my registration for AHPRA. I called them last week to inquire about the documents I neede to send. However, they just gave me general answers.

My first question is: Do I need to send all my class syllabus from college or just the nursing classes?

2nd question: I went to two schools to finish my BSn. I went to a community college first to take my prerequisites for nursing and transfered to another college for my BSN. I didn't get any sort of fegree from the community college. I just finished some nursing pre requisites such as anatomy, microbiology, nutrition from the said school. Do i need to get my syllabus from them too?

3. Do all the pages of the papers that i need to turn in contain i have seen and certified or just the first page?

If anyone could help me with this, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you!

Gil