2-yr Graduate Entry in OZ: Can one work overseas with that?

Silverdragon102, BSN · Jan 19, 2009

A lot will depend on country and meeting their requirements as a foreign trained nurse

Example. The UK/EU requires 3 years of training or 2300 hours must be in clinical or practical training, and 1533 hours must be theoretical training.

allnurses Guide · Jan 19, 2009

You will be hard pressed to find anyone, because the GE course hasn't been around that long in Australia. YOu need to ask the university exactly how many hours instruction and clinical you will get in:

- paeds/maternity/psych/med/surg

straight4 · Jan 20, 2009

Hi, thank you both for your replies.

I am always confused about the length of program Vs the hours in each subject--

The impression I got from reading this forum is that immigration looks at the length of your program first; even if you cram the same number of hours (in a 3 or 4-yr course) into say, 2 years, they will not grant you a work visa.

In any case, if I were to do make-up courses, will I be able to work overseas?

International nurse recruiters have told me the length of the program does not matter, while others have told me they "believe their client in XXX country does not accept accelerated degrees."

(Unfortunately, these recruiters are one of the few sources of information, since nursing boards never reply to my inquiries.)

I know I would want to go back to school again to get a Master's. Would that help me in terms of meeting the minimum length of program that governments require? Say, 2 years BSN + 1-2 years Master's = 3-4 year nurse education? I realize it depends on the country, but I was told Saudi Arabia, UK and US (assuming hiring freeze/retrogression were lifted many years later) accept 3-yr degrees.

And how are Australia-trained NPs viewed? They are still relatively new.

Btw, one of the reasons I am studying in Australia is because I was granted a scholarship for a 2-yr degree (the only thing that would make schooling possible for me), and I am facing the dilemma of whether I should do the 3-year degree (but having to pay for 3rd year and living expenses that I am already paying for the 2-yr degree would be a huge challenge).

On the other hand, I have found a full scholarship to study medicine (graduate in just 4 years, compared to 3 years for nursing), but as much as I am passionate about helping people, the doctor's lifestyle does not appeal to me. I have been criticized about this, that I am choosing nursing because it is an "easier" job. But I do not understand why it would be hypocritical or selfish of me to want to take care of my own well-being (and family) while also doing that for others. Besides, I believe nurses and doctors have different roles.

Thanks again!

allnurses Guide · Jan 20, 2009

The boards of nursing in the US do not accept that 2yrs BSN + 1-2 yr Master degree = 3-4 yr "nursing" degree. They accept a 3yr bachelor degree IF the require coursework & clinical hours have been completed.

You really need to ask the nursing boards you will ask for licensure to answer these questions. Most of them have phone numbers and I found them very helpful when arranging licensure from Australia (I dealt with VT and PA).

As to nursing -v- medicine.. well, that's up to you to decide. If I could get medical school paid for, I'd DEFINITELY do that. Medicine, once you're past the internship/residency, and depending on what specialty you choose, can be just as flexible as nursing in terms of lifestyle.