USA RN to Sydney... need advice!

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Hey,

I have 2+ years experience working in the Surgical/Trauma ICU and have a BSN. I have been approved for my nursing license in NSW and have just obtained my working holiday visa. I need advice about the best hospitals to work in for my field of work, where to live, etc. I would LOVE to find a roommate, as I will be traveling alone the end of May 2010. I am a 25 year old female, love anything outdoors, very social and outgoing. I do not know anyone in Sydney and need advice about hospitals, finding a job and roommate. What agencies are the best, would you recommend going with an agency, and how does ICU nursing in OZ differ from the US? Any advice would be helpful!! Thanks so much!! :redbeathe

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I do know it is one on one patient ratios in ICU, in Australia I remember a lecturer quoting survivial rates US against Australia in ICU. We are the best in the world, welcome

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Specializes in CTICU.

That's a big call!

There are mostly 1:1 in ICU but commonly 1:2 for stepdown/low acuity/longterm patients.

Best hospitals in Sydney might be: St Vincents, RPA (big ICUs, RPA has a lot of trauma).

Housing: domain.com.au or realestate.com.au, or housemates.com.au, flatmates.com.au

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Thanks so much!! Any advice is helpful! How difficult do you think it would be for me to get a job in the ICU at one of those hospitals without an agency?

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Specializes in CTICU.

Not at all if you have a pulse and a brain.

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Specializes in dialysis.

I think that ST Vincent Hospital is the best in Sydney.You can join the hospital casual pool, so you can actually get more shifts,but i am not sure if there is ICU unit in that hospital, you can check up with them

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Specializes in CTICU.

There are most definitely ICUs at St Vincent's, both public and private.

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Specializes in Medical.

I'm not aware of any large public hospital here that doesn't have an ICU

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Thanks so much to everyone who has offered me advice!! Would you recommend that I contact the hospitals directly before moving over in May for the best potential job outcome?

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Specializes in CTICU.

Can't hurt - would be nice to know you have a job lined up before you get there.

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Specializes in ICU.

Welcome to OZ!! The hospital you decide may be dictated by where you are going to live. If you decide to go agency just don't sign any binding contracts as they can be quite restrictive. As far as ICU's go my recommendation would be RPA or Liverpool. What ever you do AVOID St George Hospital like the plague.

Hope you enjoy it.

Forrest :monkeydance:

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i know this thread is from almost a year ago but i am now in the same boat and have lots of questions :)

i'm a nurse here in the US with 2 years experience on a cardiac/telemetry floor and just applied for my nursing license through the AHPRA to work in australia, specifically sydney

any advice on travel agencies, experiences, what's the usual nurse patient ratio on a telemetry/step down unit??

any and all advice is greatly appreciate :)

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