Want to know about Agency Nursing In Australia

[ms_cog86]

I just had my PR granted and an AHPRA registered nurse. My experience is purely overseas and do not have Australian experience yet except my 3 months clinical placement. Been sending applications to public and private hospitals. While waiting for formal interviews, I am planning to join nursing agencies in Australia but i do not know which agency to join. I heard about Healthcare Australia, MEdiserve, Aktrapid but have no idea about how they handle their staffs and do I need to pay something when joining their organization? Am I going to pay for my own training like first aid or BLS? I prefer to work in the medical ward ward first becasue i think it is much easier. Then try to take up other areas later on once I am accustomed with the job and the routines in the ward.

I would like also to hear from other nurses who had been to nursing agencies about what to expect on the first day being an agency nurse. any tips or advice would be helpful. I heard that once you've been given a schedule, you will go to the ward, and expected to work immediately and would be treated just like a regular staff nurse in the ward. Any advice what to do on the first day in a completely new environment, how to deal with nurses (hope they are friendly and approachable). Thinking about the first day seems a bit scary... and these makes me sometimes a bit hesitant too.. Your tips and advice I hope would somehow give me the courage to go for it.. lol..