I am an RN in the US, Washington State specifically, and I have been in the process of moving to Brisbane. I received eligibility from AHPRA, so now all I need is a job and a visa. I plan on staying in Oz around 2 years, potentially longer. I have a very open mind :) I have 3 years total experience, 2 years in Post-Partum, and Labor and Delivery, as well as 1 year in an OBGYN office. To my understanding, there aren't RN's in the field of obstetrics in Australia, correct? Will the fact that I only have experience in obstetrics hinder my ability to find a job in Australia? I am very open minded, as I said, and I am willing to work in any field of nursing that will have me.
Also, is it possible to get a Working Holiday visa just to get over there, and then apply for an employer sponsored visa once I am there? I just feel that it might be a little easier to find a job if I am physically there. Any answers or advise is greatly appreciated, as I have been in this process since December and really want to get down there as soon as possible. Thanks!
@Rachi321 - It's good. It took me about a month and a half, but I did find a job. It's a lot different and a bit of a learning curve, but I am loving the experience. How is your process going? You're still not here in Australia I assume?
Good to hear.. what type of ward did they place you in? I arrived in australia about 2 weeks ago.. currently trying to find a job.. i was offered a job through an agency over here healthstaff recruitment.. but for some reason its taking a long time for them to issue me a letter of offer.. i guess all the paperwork is taking longer then i expected. im eager to start working. .making money.. and see what australia has to offer.. so is it really that different over here?
Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency- a national Registration Authority for, nurses, drs, physio, ot chiro, chinese med, etc. etc. that will need to assess your nursing education and regency of practice to see if you can be Registered as a nurse in Australia.
We have done away with the many state registration bodies and have one national registering body -AHPRA.
...and no they will not find you a job.
There is no point applying for a job online, which usually costs nothing, unless you are registered with AHPRA, there is not a natural progression if you have a US Registration that you can automatically be Registered in Australia.
Rachi321
98 Posts
@US2oz.. how is it over there? Were you able to find a job?