USA RN to Melbourne!!!

AnneI · Aug 24, 2011

Hi all, so after you obtain an Australia RN license you have to then apply for ANMAC assessment or is it the other way around?

American in Oz · Sep 18, 2011

Consider getting the book "Living Abroad in Australia" by James M. Lane. It's not specific toward nurses, but as an American who moved to NSW a few months ago, I found it a handy resource on what to expect -- including some of the stereotypes you might face as an American. It also talks about costs of living, etc. Good luck!

PMFB-RN, RN · Sep 18, 2011

I have been in Melbourne in one of the ICUs of the large hospitals mentioned here for over 2 years. I won't paint a rosy picture for you of my experience.
Melbourne it's is VERY expensive to live, one of the most expensive cities in the world. Also, as an American be prepared to hear some very racists comments about others. You will be subjected to many here who consider American nursing schools and the RNs coming from them as inferior. Americans in general are NOT liked here in Australia, if in doubt spend some time reading comments online that are posted in the large Melbourne newspapers. Took me several attempts to secure a flat, and was denied 2 times solely because I was American!
quote]
*** I met and married my wife in Austraila. We lived there for over a year in Brisbane Queensland. I did not work as a nurse but I can second the other aspects of being an American in Oz. My experience is that Americans are not well liked at all. Barely tolerated at best and met with open hostility at worst. I experienced this dislike from people I had never interacted with at all so it is not just me. Also agree on the racism. I regularly heard highly racist comments in public and even on TV & radio that where shocking to my American ears. I can't speak to US nurses being considered inferior but I left with impression that Americans, American things, American institutions, and American education were considered decidedly inferior in the eyes of Austrailians. I have to say that I was treated wonderfully by most everybody who I got to know and worked with and made many friends.
I absolutly loved Austraila. We spent a lot of time in some very rural areas of Queensland. My inlaws own a large (by American standards) station (ranch) near Blackall in central Queensland. I very much appreciate the self sufficient, can-do sprit I encountered among those living and working in the remote and rural areas.

PMFB-RN, RN · Sep 18, 2011

But I truly doubt that any American nurse in America would be expected to be not only the ONLY health care personnel for hundreds of Kilometres but also the ambulance officer, social worker and all around go to person. The nurse in a place like Bedourie HAS to wear multiple hats and basically be whatever is required

*** Ah, you mean like large parts of Alaska. I work with a nurse whose previosu job was as a traveling nurse working in rural villages in Alaska. It was no uncommon for her to have to use air planes, snow machines, dogs sleds and boats to reach her patients. She was usually the only person with significan medical training for hundreds of miles and she too wore many hats.

carolmaccas66, BSN, RN · Sep 18, 2011

I am really surprised to hear on AN that Americans are not generally liked.

I've worked in different states (city & rural) and in many different units/facilities & hospitals in Oz and worked with American and Canadian nurses. I got on with them well, and they were all great nurses. Mind you I was brought up with people from many races, ie: Greek, Spanish, etc so working with other races doesn't bother me.

I think some cities in Oz are more prejudice than others by the sounds of it, and you do get it everywhere.

And I never once heard any American or Canadian nurses rave on re their country as being better than ours. Though when I asked re where they came from, etc they would proudly rattle off how beautiful their country is, and where they came from, and tell you a bit about their state and home town/city. And rightly so - the USA has some wonderful places, cities, people and scenery.

It has really opened my eyes reading these comments. I mean we made jokes with others when we used to go to cricket matches in Adelaide, about the 'whingeing Poms' and the Kiwis and their 'fush and chups!' I worked with Kiwis when I was younger, and we would tease and banter all day long - no-one ever got offended.

And that cardiologist that screamed down the corridor at one of the posters, man what a *********! Next time, you just walk up to him and look him in the eye and tell him to keep his smart orifice comments to himself. I'd call him a PITA as well - that is definitely NOT Australian! and I certainly wouldn't tolerate unprofessional behaviour like that.

Maybe it's the weird Aussie humour. I wouldn't typify it as sarcastic too much - I think Brits are more sarcastic than anyone I've met in general - it's more harmless, casual, off the wall humour. And in the end, when the work is done, nobody remembers what anyone has said and they all go off home or out to the pub, and the next day is the same! Many Aussies I've met forgive and forget quickly (well, the males anyway!)

Sorry some of you have been subjected to racism. It is sad to hear that, but you will get it in many places still, unfortunately.

Mindylane · Oct 4, 2011

Hey everybody...

My husband is from Australia and although I have just finished applying to a one-year accelerated nursing program, assuming I finish and pass the exam, we're very much planning on returning to Australia once we can. I lived there for about six months with my husband and his family, and fell in love. He is from Ballarat, which is about an hour from Melbourne. I am wondering if any Americans in AU can shed some light on how easy/difficult it was to get a job after moving overseas. I have some healthcare experience (however, it's mental healthcare rather than nursing, specifically -- I have my bachelor's degree in Psychology. Would this help me?) so I am hoping that this will improve my changes of getting a job as a new grad. I really appreciate all the help. Thank you.

Mindylane · Oct 4, 2011

And after having read through the thread in its entirety, I too, have not found much prejudice against Americans in Australia. I mean, sure, the whole world is familiar with the stereotype of the "dumb" American, but I don't believe that one individual would apply that to another individual who they are meeting. That being said, I was there not as a tourist but living with my husband's family, but I did go out and about on my own and found people to be friendly; in fact, probably overly friendly. I think this varies based on who you're dealing with and what kind of personality you have. It's also kind of a self-fulfilling prophecy in that sense. But, in summation, I think Australians are undeniably more accepting than Americans, ESPECIALLY those Americans who think their country and general mindset are superior to all else.

RNtoThe3rd · Dec 5, 2011

Hey Neeke!

I'm a 2 year crit care nurse with my visa already to travel--I'm doing the Work and Holiday visa. I'm just waiting on this Australia License--it's already been 2 weeks! Did you end up going??? How's it like over there? I'm so nervous because I'm going by myself for 3-4 months! Please update us about your adventures!!

RN2NZ · May 16, 2012

Oh, thank God I found someone who has experienced what I am just about to begin........the app process to NZ.

Tell me, if you would, please, how difficult was it? Are you an ADN, BSN? And, the requirements for proving your education, what exactly do they need? Do they wish to have a syllabus of each course?

I am desperate for help on the application and would truly appreciate your help!

Please PM me, if you would........please :)

Thank you!!!!!!

Leggings and Lattes · Jun 28, 2012

Hi RN2NZ,

I know it's been a while since you posted on here, but here is a site that I found EXTREMELY helpful. She is a nurse that moved to NZ from the states, and she now has a blog. International Nurse in New Zealand… | Practically Perfect…

Have you started the paperwork? How's it going?

jimmy81 · Jul 2, 2012

I am an RN at Footscray hospital here in Melbourne Australia and I am a US citizen living and working down here. I just wanted to say that I agree with most of everything that nursegirl62 says in her post. I don't think that nursegirl is trying to be negative, nor am I. I actually love living and working here in Melbourne and life is good down here in general. Australia is the most racist country that I have ever lived in though and it is true that Aussies generally don't like Americans at all and it will handicap you at times (like getting a flat, ect.) There are great experiences to be had down here and you can make good friends here. I am happy to help anyone that is looking to move down here from the states. Just reply to this post or email me at [email protected] and I am happy to tell you more! Cheers and good luck with whatever adventure you are looking for!

vls09 · Jul 6, 2012

I'm also an American RN and after visiting Australia twice in the last few years I have been considering emigrating and living somewhere in Oz for a few years; not a permanent move, mind you, but a few years living and working in a new place with some new perspectives and experiences.

I've encountered a LOT of anti-Americanism overseas (particularly in Europe, which was the worst) but I didn't encounter any in Australia, although I was only visiting for 10 days each time. I must admit, reading through this message string and seeing other people's comments and experiences makes me a little more concerned about going to Australia for a few years as an RN. I don't expect Americans to be loved anywhere (heck, I live in America and sometimes I get sick of Americans) but outright hostility towards Americans in the workplace and discrimination when it comes to things like renting a flat sound totally ridiculous and disappointing. The true shame is that I have worked with Aussies in the US and overseas in other countries and we all got along great.

I'll end with this - if what nursegirl62 says is true, I completely understand her apprehension. If a physician screamed "YOU AMERICANS ARE RUINING THE WORLD" to me in front of patients, randomly, I would be just as horrified and disgusted. Contrary to the implications of some posters on here, nursegirl62 never once stated or implied that 'merrica was better than anywhere else, and despite the common stereotype and misconception I've found a lot overseas, not all Americans think they're better than everyone else. Nursegirl62, I'm sorry you experienced hostility and stereotyping in Australia AND on this forum - the reactions and mannerisms of some of the posters on here make it clear that what you experienced probably wasn't unique or a fluke.