How To Get A Nursing Job In Sydney New South Wales Australia If You Are Just Qualified And From The UK Or Ireland

With the rapidly ageing population of Australia, the demand for nurses is rapidly growing, thus creating more and more job opportunities for those who have made nursing as their career. Experts in the Australian government have predicted that healthcare will see a boom in the immediate future and that there will be an acute shortage of nurses by 2030.  

Shortage of Nursing Staff

With the looming shortage for nursing staff, Australian employers are always on the lookout for foreign nurses from comparable healthcare systems in foreign countries.  

Easily accessible visas

Easily accessible visas that encourage foreign nurses, along with better pay and more than 240 days of sunshine a year on average have tempted many citizens of Briton and Ireland to consider Australia a place to live and work.  Australia offers lifestyle benefits, excellent career prospects and working conditions too for nurses considering migration to Australia.

Qualified nurses with at least two years of experience are needed in all the main cities and especially in Sydney which faces a crisis as a result of a shortage of nurses.

1.Applying for Visa

As a qualified and registered nurse (RNs) from the UK or Ireland, however, without experience, there are 2 main visa application options for you.

a. Temporary Employment Visa (457)

If you are not eligible for permanent residency due to lack of experience, you can apply for a temporary employment visa that allows you to work in the country for a maximum of four years, with continued sponsorship by an approved employer.  Accompanying family members can work and study in Australia under the scheme.

b. Working Holiday Visa (417)

If you are between 18 – 30 years, you can apply for a working holiday visa.  You can stay up to 12 months in the country and work as a nurse with any one employer for a maximum of six months, provided your work remains incidental to your holidays.

2. Registering as a nurse in Australia

To work as a nurse in Australia, you need to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).   You are required to send your application and supporting documents for registration to the AHPRA office in the state or territory where you plan to live and work.

Applicants intending to work as a doctor, dentist, nurse or paramedic are required to undergo a chest x-ray and medical examination as well as HIV, Hepatitis B and C testing.

3. English Language Proficiency

To demonstrate your English language proficiency, you can sit for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Occupational English Test (OET).  Prior to lodging your application, you should obtain sufficient English language test results.

4. Finding a job

Once you are confident that you can obtain your nursing registration and that you are eligible for a visa, start applying for jobs.  As the visa requirement and application procedures can be complex, consider approaching a reputed employment agency.