2016 US RN to Australia

World International

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Hi All,

I know this has been a topic of multiple threads before but it seems they've died off so I wanted to start a new one for those who are currently undertaking this process. What have your difficulties been? How did you solve them? What type of visa are you applying for? How did your AHPRA process go? Thanks!

Hi did you hear anything from your AHPRA application yet? I am in the same boat but I haven't lodge my application yet.

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Hey guys! Been reading through this thread. Im getting ready to send off my AHPRA registration next week. Hopefully there aren't any problems. Im a US trained BSN.

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Does anyone have an example of the statutory declaration they used stating that you were taught and assessed in the English language?

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Hey guys! Im a swedish trained nurse with 5 years of working experience.

Does anyone of you know how much the bridging program cost?

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The cost of Bridging will vary depending on what deficits APHRA/NMBA require you to make up. But to get an idea.

The Australian College of Nursing Bridging course is $14300 AUD
The Internationally Qualified Nurse Program at Monash University is $14,950
Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Bridging & Re-entry) at Universty of South Australia is $13,500.
These courses are based of you being Degree qualified.
If you are diploma qualified you may need to either apply for registration as an Enrolled nurse rather than a registered nurse OR carry out further training in Australia to meet the education requirements.

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This information has been so helpful!! I am US trained nurse with 6 years experience in inpatient psych. I have a BSN and am pretty confident I will be WAY under the 800 clinical hours required (I probably have 500-600 hours ballpark?) I'm planning on doing a working holiday in Australia and was trying to decide whether or not it is worth it to get registered as a nurse before I go so I can do agency work in Australia. From what I've read, I think I would definitely be required to do a bridging program. Sorry, no thanks! Think of all the traveling you can do over the year with the 10k!!

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I am having issues with AHPRA. They have received my application is requesting multiple things.

1. A letter from the my University related to the subjects being taught in English. I graduated years more than a decade ago. My university will not write the letter but stated to send my transcripts for which I have. I am a US citizen and I did my schooling in the US also.

2. COGS (certificate of good standing). I am licensed to work in Florida and California. I have search the website and they do not have an option to forward or mail my record to Australia. Secondly I dont think both states does this. COGS are usually done for businesses who want to get a loan.

3. Employer Signed Statement of Service with official employer letterhead, dated and signed by a manager, exact dates of employment, indicate full time/part time status. I worked for a permanent job for 5 years as my initial nursing job then traveled the remaining 5 years. This can't be done.

4. Signed Curriculum Vitae or Resume.

Did any of you guys have to deal with these also. Is there a way around this.

thank you

Eugene

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Specializes in Pediatric ED.

I had the hardest time with AHPRA. They would tell me I needed to send something else in, I'd send it then they'd ask for more stuff. Rinse, repeat. Over and over. Don't be surprised if you have to send more in after this.

As far as a way around it, I don't think so if you want to practice in Australia. I'm from Cali and here's the link to the BRN to get your license endorsed to them: https://www.rn.ca.gov/licensees/verifications.shtml

I'd suggest reaching out to the HR department at your first job and they should be able to do it. If you worked for a travel nurse agency it should also be possible.

Also be careful as to the timing of your application. I had to request another endorsement from California (and pay another $100) because they were deciding my application and it had taken more than 3 months and they said the endorsement was only good for 3 months. The same thing happened with my police background check.

What kind of visa are you after? If you're wanting a skilled permanent resident you'll have to go through ANMAC and have them evaluate your nursing credentials which is a whole other can of worms. I'd recommend doing that first. I ran into the problem of having my nursing registration approved but not having a permanent resident visa. You can't work without one.

Let me know if you have more questions!

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On 3/23/2019 at 5:49 AM, Purple_KicksRN said:

The verification from California is the $100 fee. I am not able to get a written statement from the travel agencies because I keep getting directed to an online verification which provides the time and salary that I worked for with the travel agencies and State of California. However, AHPRA requires a written form signed by the Managers, including the Dates, Full time status. Secondly I traveled for almost 5 years. Too many travel agencies and dealing with Correctional employees and mental health employees is very difficult.

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