Nursing in Australia: Everything to Know 19 November 2024 Working as a Nurse in Australia Ever thought about progressing your career while seeking new horizons? Nursing in Australia offers adventure, opportunities, and a refreshing lifestyle change for those who take a chance on this sun-soaked southern land. For UK nurses moving to Australia, as well as many other health professionals around the world, taking the plunge could open an exciting new chapter of professional development, work/life balance improvements, and spectacular experiences. Below we take the time to explore what nursing in Australia is like, how to start the process, the benefits of living and working in ‘the lucky country’ and other important info to help you decide if a shift to Australia could be the adventure you’ve been dreaming of. How to Become a Nurse in Australia from the UK Qualifications for Nursing in Australia Nurses coming from the UK will be required to have completed an approved nursing degree (or an equivalent qualification). Fortunately, most UK-trained nurses meet the educational standards set by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) – though they may need to show practical experience. Usually, you need to have worked as a nurse within the last five years to be eligible. The friendly Geneva Staffing team are here when you need guidance: whether that’s help getting to grips with eligibility, or getting tailored advice based on your own experience and qualifications. Registration in Australia To begin the registration process, submit an application to AHPRA through their online portal. Key steps include: Submitting evidence of qualifications Completing a criminal background check Providing proof of English language proficiency (if required) Want some guidance to make sure you’ve got everything in order? We can help you through how to register as a nurse in Australia. Geneva Staffing connects nurses with appropriate resources and provides a checklist to make sure they meet AHPRA’s requirements. Head to the AHPRA site to learn more or contact us today for tailored advice. Visa Options for International Nurses The type of visa required to find a nursing job in Australia can vary depending individual circumstances. The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) is often used when hospitals are sponsoring international nurses in Australia, but hospitals aren’t the only employers eager to find skilled staff from overseas. Geneva Staffing is dedicated to helping qualified nurses find nursing jobs in Australia with sponsorship, across a range of healthcare settings. If you’re not sure which visa is the right fit for you, our team can work with you to identify which option fits your own particular circumstances and guide you through the whole process. Benefits of Nursing in Australia Now for the really important question: is Australia good for nurses? The fact is, this is one of the best places in the world to work as a nurse. Below we outline just a handful of reasons why it’s so good to work as a nurse in Australia. Professional Opportunities and Career Growth When you’re feeling stuck in your career, sometimes you need to look a bit further afield for the solution. With nurses in hot demand in Australia, there’s plenty of scope to develop and grow a thriving career in the country’s health sector. Career progression plays out differently for everyone but in Australia’s thriving merit-based economy, opportunities abound for skilled individuals who are willing to put in the work. For those who rise to positions like nurse manager or clinical nurse specialist, salaries close to or even above AUD$120,000 are not unusual. Salaries and Working Conditions When it comes to both salary expectations and working conditions, Australia is well ahead of the pack for nurses. Compensation will vary based on experience and employer but salaries tend to be higher across the board for Australia-based nurses compared to their UK counterparts. For more specific information on what you could expect when you come to work as a nurse in Australia, head to our {{Frequently Asked Questions}} (FAQ) section. Working conditions for nurses is another area where Australia has a clear advantage over many other countries – this is vividly illustrated by the nurse to patient ratio. While in the UK a 1:8 ratio isn’t uncommon, in Australia it’s more usual to have a ratio of one nurse to four patients. This halves the average number of patients being cared for by each nurse, reducing stress for nursing staff and allowing patients to receive more personalised care than would otherwise be possible. Lifestyle Benefits One of the main reasons we hear for nurses making the switch to living and working in Australia is the lifestyle. When it comes to sunshine hours and golden beaches, there’s no denying that Australia has a huge head start on the UK but there’s plenty to love about life down under even if you’re not a dedicated sun worshiper. This is a country that’s famous for its laidback vibe, with a strong cultural dedication to work/life balance that’s likely to make a big impression on anyone coming from the UK. Australia is home to a work culture that foregrounds personal wellbeing, with a renowned café culture and a love for the great outdoors catering to both adventurous and indulgent weekend plans. And when it’s time for a slightly longer break, the idyllic tropical islands of the Pacific are only a few hours away. Catching a flight to much loved Pacific retreats like Fiji, Bali, or Vanuatu can see you stepping into an exotic world of relaxation in just a handful of hours. Potential Challenges for Nurses Moving to Australia While the upsides are obvious, there’s no denying that there can be challenges for people nursing in Australia who hail from the UK. We’re confident that the benefits easily outweigh any challenges, but it’s always best to be prepared. Adjusting to a new system If you’ve already built a career nursing in the UK, Australia’s health system is unlikely to cause you any major headaches. Even so, some systems, procedures and protocols will differ, requiring a period of learning and adjustment. On the plus side, the nurse-patient ratio is much more favourable in Australia, with an average of one nurse to four patients, as opposed to 1:8 in the UK. Cost of living The cost of living in Australia isn’t radically higher than in the United Kingdom, but some things are likely to be a bit pricier than you may be used to. Rents, house prices and some groceries are often a little more expensive than back in the UK, though utilities and petrol are generally more affordable in Australia. Cultural differences Given that it’s half a world away from the British Isles, there isn’t as much of a cultural chasm between Australia and the UK as you might expect. Some of the differences you might come across in Australia include a more irreverent attitude with less respect for convention or tradition, a penchant for outdoor adventuring, and a greater prioritisation of personal wellbeing. Find Nursing Jobs in Australia Now Wondering where to find out about nursing job opportunities in Australia? We’ve got you covered. Geneva Staffing can connect you with a wide range of nursing roles available in Australia now. Careers accessible through Geneva Staffing can include community and district nursing, mental health roles, and bureau roles – whether you’re looking for part-time or full-time employment, we’d love to connect you with a role that’s perfect for you. Reach out to our team at [email protected] or enquire here to learn more today. Geneva Staffing Can Help You Relocate to Australia Moving to a new country is big life decision but you don’t have to do it alone. The Geneva Staffing team is here to help smooth out the transition and assist you in starting your new adventure. Specific supports will vary based on the role/employer and we can’t speak for other nursing agencies in Australia, but these some of the types of assistance you could find with Geneva Staffing: Visa support Financial support towards your relocation – this differs between employers but some of the recent offerings have included: Financial aid to cover moving costs Airbnb accommodation for a month Car rental for a month Registration costs Assistance with finding schools for your children Advice and suggestions on places to live To find out more about the specific kinds of support available to you, get in touch with the team at Geneva Staffing and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have. Testimonials “Geneva Staffing made my dream of working in Australia a reality. From guiding me through registration to finding a great position at Bendigo Health, they made the entire process stress-free.” Sarah M., Registered Nurse “Moving to Australia felt overwhelming at first, but Geneva Staffing’s support made it so much easier. They helped with everything from paperwork to finding accommodation.” Mark J., Mental Health Nurse Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Nursing in Australia For those considering a career nursing in Australia, there are a few common questions that keep coming up. We’ve done our best to address some of these in our frequently asked questions below, but please do reach out with anything else you want to know about the process and experience – we’re here to help. Is Australia good for nurses? Nursing can be a challenging profession, and each person will have a slightly different experience of working in any health system but the fact remains that nursing in Australia has some real advantages over other countries. For a start, the average ratio of nurses to patients (1:4) is much better than in many other countries, including the UK. Additionally, many people report being more satisfied with their lifestyle when working as a nurse in Australia. This is often due to a greater focus on work/life balance, a world-renowned living environment, and the chance to dedicate more time to each patient. How to apply as a nurse in Australia The best way to start your nursing journey in Australia is reaching out to Geneva Staffing to register your interest, or enquiring about a specific role. We’ll then reach out for a no-obligation phone call. Someone from our team will help you get a good understanding of how the recruitment process works, and will give you advice around verifying your professional credentials and other key documents through CGFNS International. The next step for those who choose to continue moving forward with the process is submitting an application to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). If you are successful in your application, you will then be issued with a registration number and (where appropriate) an annual practice certificate if required. How much do nurses get paid in Australia? Salary will vary by employer and your level of experience but generally speaking, nurses in Australia are better paid than in the UK. Registered nurses can expect an average salary somewhere around AUD$80,000, while nurse managers and clinical nurse specialists can command salaries closer to AUD$120,000. Ready to Start Your Nursing Career? Are you tempted to take the next step of your nursing career in sunny Australia? With highly competitive salaries, superior working conditions, and the lure of golden beaches, there’s a lot to love about nursing in Australia. Don’t forget: you’re not on your own on this journey. Geneva Staffing is here to help you make this dream a reality, whether that means guiding you through how to apply as a nurse in Australia or finding a new place to live. If you have specific questions for our team, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can also see jobs currently available here, or register your interest and we’ll reach out when roles come up which fit your preferences. All the best of luck, and we hope to hear from you soon!
