Becoming a Nurse in Australia – All You Need to Know
Australia’s healthcare landscape is confronting a profound challenge – a shortage of skilled nurses. This scarcity is a pressing issue affecting healthcare delivery nationwide. As the population ages and healthcare demands rise, the need for solutions to attract and retain nursing talent has never been more critical.
Role of Registered Nurses in Australia
In Australia, Registered Nurses (RNs) play a vital role in the healthcare system, representing the largest group of healthcare professionals. As of last year, there were approximately 450,000 registered nurses in the country, with the projections of a deficit of up to another 100,000 nurses by 2025, as reported by the Health Workforce Australia (HWA).? RNs are the backbone of Australia’s healthcare workforce, providing essential care services across various settings, including hospitals, aged care facilities, community health centers, specialist centers and medical clinics.
Registered Nurses in Australia are responsible for a wide range of clinical and non-clinical duties, including administering medications, monitoring patient vital signs, and providing emotional support to patients and their families. They are also crucial in promoting health education and disease prevention, contributing to the overall well-being of the population. With their diverse skill set and specialized knowledge, Registered Nurses are integral to delivering high quality patient-centered care in Australia’s healthcare system.
Opportunities for Overseas Nurses in Australia
Australia presents a wealth of opportunities for overseas nurses, with the country experiencing a significant demand for skilled healthcare professionals. Approximately 30% of nurses in Australia are trained internationally, highlighting the country’s reliance on overseas talent to bolster its healthcare workforce.
Overseas nurses are particularly sought after in regional and urban areas, where there is a notable shortage of healthcare professionals.
Steps for Becoming a Nurse in Australia
To work as an overseas nurse in Australia, you would need to follow the 3 steps to ensure your qualification meets the criteria: ?
Step 1: Do your qualifications and experience meet the requirements?
Regardless of your qualifications, to be allowed to work as a nurse in Australia, you will need to meet the registration requirements of the?Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA)?and the?Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). There are a few criteria that are used in assessing your application for registration:
Criterion 1: Proof of identify
You will need to provide a range of 'proof of identity' documents including: Your passport; Change of name documentation (e.g. marriage certificate).
Criterion 2: English proficiency
You must demonstrate the required score in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Occupational English Test (OET) for Nurses, Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT. You only need to pass one of these tests, not all of them. The results are only relevant for two years after examination.
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Criterion 3: Meet Australian nursing and midwifery education standards
If you are qualified as a nurse in one of the following countries with a bachelor degree or a diploma AND you are registered as a first level nurse in one of these countries you?are likely?to meet the equivalent qualification as a nurse qualified in Australia:
The?NMBA?has found that nursing qualifications in the following countries may meet the requirements of quality assurance and accreditation in Australia:
What if you do not come from one of these countries? Nurses from countries not listed above will require individual assessment to determine whether their qualifications and experience will be recognized by the Board. There is also a bridging course available.
**All applicants must provide graduation certificate and basic transcripts.
Criterion 4: Professional practice
You must provide evidence of having practiced as a nurse in the five years prior to submitting your application. Also, you would need to submit a professional reference detailing below: Your Name, Your Organization, Your Direct Supervisor, Dates of Worked, Your Official Duties. The letter should be endorsed by your supervisor.
Criterion 5: Demonstrate that you are fit to practice
You must prove that there has been no previous proven disciplinary proceedings against you, that there are no restrictions on you arising from mental incapacity, that there are no restrictions on you arising from physical incapacity, that you have no criminal history which would preclude you from working as a nurse in Australia.
Step 2: Submit your application for registration with AHPRA If you think you meet the criteria in step 1, then you could submit your application for registration to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. Click here to view and download the form.
Step 3: Get a VISA Once you are registered with AHPRA as a nurse you would now need a VISA to be allowed to live and work in Australia.? There are a few VISA’s available. If you are able to secure sponsorship by an employer, one of the following VISA types will be appropriate: Temporary Skill Shortage Visa, Employer Nomination Scheme (Permanent Visa), and/or Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Permanent Visa).
If you are not sponsored by an employer, you can still pursue a VISA under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) provisions of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.?Click here for more VISA options under the GSM. If you want to come to Australia for a working holiday, and you are aged between 18 and 30,?click here for details on Working Holiday Visa’s.
Still Thinking of the Idea?
We understand that becoming a nurse in Australis from overseas is a BIG life decision to make, and one that shouldn’t be made lightly. Do you research, check out different forums, speak with someone who had travelled there would share some lights for your consideration.