US RN moving to Melbourne

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I'm a RN and engaged to marry an Australian citizen. I will relocate to the town Sunbury near Melbourne . I'm a US citizen, with an Associates of Nursing degree (ADN). I have experience in ICU, ER and most recently Long term care and work as The Director of Nursing Services in an facility in the US.

Where do I begin in being able to work in Australia as a nurse? I really don't know where to start or what my options are.

Thanks

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

You need to start with the state nursing board and be aware you may have some issues with your ADN training but everyone is assessed individually and goes on your transcripts.

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Can you explain further about "some issues" with my ADN training? Is there a chance that I couldn't get licensed in Australia?

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Your RN training needs to meet the same requirements as Australia so there is a possibility it will not meet their requirements. As I said a lot depends on your transcripts and each state will assess individually. The only way to know is apply to the state where you are going to live.

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Specializes in OB/GYN Med/Surg.

Hello,

I am from Arkansas, and have been living in Melbourne for five years.

I am an RN, I doubt you will have any trouble getting registered here.

You can find out a lot of information from the Nursing Board of Victoria website, and if you need more info, ring them.

Good luck to you, and enjoy AU!

LavaRN

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Thanks for your reply! Can I ask what kind of degree do you have? ADN or BSN?

It is funny but because of the requirements for my ADN, I actually had 2 years of college level classes to take before I could even get in.So all together I have 4 years in for a two year degree.

I need about a years worth of addtional classes then I could have a BSN too....but havent been all that excited about doing the extra time needed in school.

thanks, Melanie

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Specializes in CTICU.

I thought you needed a bachelor degree to be licensed as a nurse in Australia...? I agree, only way to find out is to contact http://www.nbv.org.au

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Moved to the International forum

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Specializes in OB/GYN Med/Surg.

I was an LPN for a long time, and went back to school in Melbourne.

I got a BSc Nursing in two and half years. After graduation I took the NCLEX in Sydney, so I have registration here in Melb, and am licensed in Arkansas as well.

There is a huge nurse shortage here, just like in the US. You should definitely check out the nursing board (Victoria), or you can go through a nursing agency, and they can help you.

Good luck!

lavaRN :)

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Hello,

I am from Arkansas, and have been living in Melbourne for five years.

I am an RN, I doubt you will have any trouble getting registered here.

You can find out a lot of information from the Nursing Board of Victoria website, and if you need more info, ring them.

Good luck to you, and enjoy AU!

LavaRN

Hi lavaRN, I'm a new LVN graduate fr TX and have moved to Melb recently. I just want to know how I can get registered here in Vic? I'm already licensed in TX but don't have any experience as I moved here right after I finished the program. Could you pls give me some tips on how to get registered here? Thanks alot!

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Specializes in CTICU.

You can't get licensed as an LVN, only as an RN. If you want to be an RN Division 2 (enrolled/practical nurse) then you'll need to apply to a course and get credit for your previous studies. Please read the website of the Nurses Board of Victoria: http://www.nbv.org.au

LavaRN went back to school and got her bachelor degree before becoming licensed.

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Thanks for your reply! Can I ask what kind of degree do you have? ADN or BSN?

It is funny but because of the requirements for my ADN, I actually had 2 years of college level classes to take before I could even get in.So all together I have 4 years in for a two year degree.

I need about a years worth of addtional classes then I could have a BSN too....but havent been all that excited about doing the extra time needed in school.

thanks, Melanie

That's what I've been saying all along. The ADN is a 4 year program including prerequisites & general education. The BSN program at a lot of state universities is a 5 year program with 2 years of prerequisites and general education and 3 years of core nursing.

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