Nursing in Sydney Australia – FAQ

Bower Health Care is one of Sydney’s leading Health Care and Nursing Agencies. Here’s a Nursing in Sydney, Australia FAQ from their team.

Once my application with Bower Healthcare is complete, how soon can I start work?
The majority of our work is with public hospitals and they require us to make a referral first, supplying your documents for review, to prove compliance. Some also like you to have completed their own hospital application forms in advance, which we supply you and then include with your referral paperwork. As soon as the hospital gives us the go-ahead we can book your first shift.

Do I just turn up to my first shift and start working?
In the Sydney market this depends on the hospital. Some of our client facilities like you to attend in advance to complete paperwork and on-line inductions and assessments (medication administration) and will then book you once they’ve processed the results. Others prefer you to go in a bit earlier before your first shift to do the same, going on to work straight from there. These hospitals prefer new starters to commence on afternoon shifts to facilitate this.

Do I get an induction on my first shift?
Depending on the hospital (see above) your initial visit to the hospital roster office may also include participation in an online induction. After that, all new starters on a ward/unit should get a brief physical induction on their first shift, but unfortunately that doesn’t always happen. If not, we recommend that you at least familiarize yourself with the emergency equipment, exits, alarms, etc.

What are the usual shift times?
This varies. Morning shifts mostly start at 07.00, until 13.30, 14.30 or 15.45. Afternoons commence between 13.00 and 15.30, finishing at 21.30 or 22.00. Most night duties are from 21.30 to 07.30, with some units offering 12 hour options (from 19.00 to 07.30, including a half-hour break). The most common duration is 6 hours during the day and 10 hours at night.

What are the pay rates?
Public hospitals pay agency nurses at the current award rate, according to your year of service. The award can be found here:

Is there plenty of work at week-ends?
Generally there are less work options available at week-ends as hospitals don’t like paying penalty rates and their own casual staff prefer to pick up shifts then also for the extra pay. However, during the peak season in Sydney (Winter, extending into Spring) there are usually shifts to be had, especially if you have a specialty.

Will I be working at one, or several hospitals?
To some degree that’s up to you, dependent on things such as your experience (certain hospitals require specific specialties), where you live and how long you’re planning on staying in Sydney (because of the 6 month maximum with one employer visa restriction, we will help you manage your choices so that you don’t use up all of your options in one go and be left without later in your stay). Hospitals are grouped in Local Health Districts and starting at one hospital will then mean you can work at any others in the same LHD. The bad news though is that also means the LHD counts as one employer, so you can’t work at any of its hospitals once the 6 month limit has been reached.

How do I get around to the various hospitals?
Don’t worry if you will be reliant on public transport to get to work, we supply hospitals that are conveniently located and well serviced by buses and/or trains. When we know where you will be staying, we will advise you on the best options for you (in relation to the easiest travel routes and keeping options open to satisfy the 6 month visa rule).

To apply for agency work or to discuss your options, or to initiate immediate contact, please email [email protected] or visit www.bowerhealthcare.com.au/contact/apply-online