Dreaming of nursing in Australia? Need some direction? Well, you've come to the right place! As an American born nurse, currently working in Australia, I have some knowledge of the steps one needs to take to obtain a work visa. I will be writing a series of articles on the steps at a foreign trained nurse must take to be able to practice nursing in Australia.
First of all, let's discuss the benefits of working in Australia. If you were trained in Great Britain, Canada, or the US, you'll find that there are a lot of similarities to working as a nurse here. Some of the equipment is the same, the standard of care is the same high quality, the Dr's decide the course of care and the nurses carry it out. Most medicines used in Australia are similar to those used in the above countries. You may have to learn a few new names. For example, what is known as Tylenol or Acetaminophen in the US is known as Panadol or Paracetamol here, and you'll be looking your drugs up in the MIM's not the PDR.
I find many doctors far more approachable here. Of course you'll always have the odd surgeon with an attitude, but there's another end to this spectrum. While working in Australia, I've had doctors willing to assist occasionally in pulling patients up in beds, as well as answering ward phones and visitor intercoms! In fact a few days ago I had a doctor insist upon making my coffee, even though I wasn't busy and was standing next to the machine! This provides a refreshing change to most of the hospitals I have worked at in the US. Sometimes it seems like some of the doctors there would rather cut their arm off then make a nurse (an older, not so attractive nurse at that) a cup of coffee!
Imagine this. The Doctors order the medications right on the medication sheets; no transcribing. Now isn't that a brilliant concept? Think of the time wasted and the mistakes made because of medication transcription. Following along that theme, there are more protocols here, and I've rarely run into a care plan. Often, it is left up to the nurse to advance the diet or increase patient activities based on the nurses' judgment. Gees, you mean we actually get act on some of our assessments without consulting a doctor first?
Then there's the country of Australia. It is a beautiful, warm country with lots of friendly people. There are beautiful beaches, mountains, and endless expanses of land, waiting to be explored. You'll always find someone willing to stop and have a chat over a cuppa or a brew.
The expressions Australians use are a crack up, whenever I hear "She'll be right" I begin to worry, it basically means, things are really messed up, but eventually, they will get worked out with any luck. Can anyone explain to me how the expression "And Bob's your uncle" ends up meaning "And it's all fixed"?
Australia does not require one to renounce their current citizenship to become an Australian citizen. How cool is that? Currently, when you obtain a temporary residency, under the 457 visa your family can come here, too. This law gives your spouse the right to work and your spouse and dependant children the ability to become temporary residents.
Australia offers permanent residents and Citizens free Medical care. There are often medical costs above what Medicare covers, and the private health insurance offered is more comprehensive, but at least every citizen and permanent resident has health insurance as a basic right.
Holiday time: At least 4 weeks. Need I say more?

No, it's not all great. ICU staffing is good compared to American standards as there is one nurse per ventilated patient. Rarely are the ventilated patients physically restrained and there are no respiratory therapists. The nurses and Doctors are responsible for adjusting vent settings. The nurses set up the vents. However, on the wards, there can be as many as 28 patients to two nurses and maybe a nurses' aid (CNA) on the night shift. Yes, we do help clean the room after the patient leaves. Nurses are mostly responsible for the equipment.
I'm not sure about other states, but in New South Wales, most stores besides supermarkets and some fast food restaurants are closed promptly at 5:30 PM. The exceptions are Sunday, when it's 4PM and Thursdays when stores close at 9PM. Sorry to say, although you can buy lots of goods here, I've never seen any place that has as many goods to offer as the US. For instance, I haven't found an espresso as good as some of the American coffee chains, there is no refrigerated salsa available or any high quality shoes that aren't very expensive. The cost of living in Australia is one of the highest in the world, however, you adjust.
For those with school aged children, you may be interested in knowing that the public schools in Australia may charge tuition fees for children of temporary residents. However, I've seen some nurses gain permanent residency very quickly when sponsored by the hospitals.
Once you are a permanent resident that fee is no longer applicable.
There are many people who would sacrifice a lot to live the Australian lifestyle, but nursing is one of the few careers that provide one with the opportunity to experience that lifestyle. I hope this article has answered some of your questions about nursing in Australia. The next article will begin describing how to apply for a nursing license, as well as some of the problems you may run in to.

Cheers!!

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