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Frequently
Asked
Questions
Working in Australia as a
Registered Nurse
Registration
Assessment
Costs
Process
Conditions of
Employment
Assistance Offered to
the Nurse
Q. What is the registration criteria, in terms of academic
qualification and experience?
Firstly it is important that
you realise that EACH APPLICANT IS ASSESSED
INDIVIDUALLY.
Registered
Nurses must have the equivalent qualifications to a three year
Bachelor of Science degree (BSc.) from an Australian
University, possess good to very good
English language skills and
meet the competencies necessary to practice nursing in Australia,
set out by a national organisation (Australian Nursing Council
Incorporated ANCI).
RN�s
obtaining their qualifications in overseas training that don�t have
similar academic
qualifications will be tested more rigorously, for example Diploma
or qualifications from India and Asian countries.
If the nurse has worked in English speaking
country and has current UKCC (Now NMC) then they will have a greater
chance of being recognised to become
registered.
It is not possible
to anticipate the success for any individual applicant until he or
she has submitted the necessary documents and been
assessed.
Q. How long does the entire
process of registration take?
Depending on how quickly all the required documents
can be gathered and sent by post. Then the processing depends on how
long the organisation takes to process individual applicants.
It could take up to 12 weeks
Q. What is the total cost of registration?
There are various costs to the applicant:
It is advisable that the
applicant visit the NRB NSW website to
look at the process involved in registration
- Nurses Registration Costs: $50
- Department of Immigration and Multicultural and
Indigenous Affairs for PQBS Long Stay
Visa $160
Airfares to Australia (we may pay for this
*Conditions apply) (Australian
dollars).
Are staff
nurses accepted as well or only registered nurses?
No not at present.....this may be possibility in
the near future as the staff nurse may be eliglible for "ENROLLED
NURSE" but I need to do further reseach for this & just now am
busy with the RN & their requirements.
With which nursing council
must the applicants register and what is the cost?
there is no easy answer in this process as it
all depends on the level of experience..........generally the
RN's we are seeking will have a 3 year registered certificate
or degree, have their UKCC (either registration or
decision) and either have worked in an English speaking
country or have very good to exceptional English
skills.
You may find some of the nurses will need to do
a bridging course first.......please see other related
questions.
Nurses DO NOT need to apply to the Nursing
Council unless they are going to immigrate. They DO NEED to apply
to the State Registration Board but can do so through me......this
is best as I can ensure constant communication to help the
process.
BUT FIRST they have to be assessed by my
service.
Who pays for the air
tickets?
THe Nurse....but we can negotiate the hospital
paying as an advance of wages....to be assessed
individually.
Q. Will the nurse need to
apply to the national organisation to be eligible to work
in Australia, before applying to NRB NSW nursing board?
This national organisation is
the ANCI (Australian Nursing Council Incorporated)
NO, you do not need
to.
If are applying for the positions our team first
assesses your resume and then we process you directly through us to
the NRB NSW for registration.
BUT�. Some fail to qualify for NRB NSW. These
applicants will be referred to the ANCI for assessment. This is a
clinical assessment to ensure that the nurse can demonstrate his or
her ability to function as a registered nurse in this Country.
In this instant the applicant is
not
eligible to apply to
the positions we have available. If the applicant so choses to
undergo the assessment scheme themselves this is their own
undertaking and we are unable to assist in this process except to
supplying the available contact details.
YES, those wishing to immigrate to Australia (and
apply for permanent residency) will need to apply for assessment to the ANCI (Australian Nursing Council
Incorporated).
Go to: www.anci.gov.au for information
Q. Is an ANCI assessment
required for the nurse who is applying for immigration?
YES. IF the nurse is immigrating and planning to
work as a nurse in Australia they MUST apply
to the ANCI
ANCI asses the qualifications of overseas nurses
immigration purposes. If the ANCI says the nurse�s skills are
suitable for migration for work in Australia, this goes in favour
for the points needed for immigration.
If the applicant so choses to undergo the assessment
scheme themselves this is their own undertaking and we are unable to
assist in this process except to supplying the available contact
details. If the nurse completes successfully the assessment they
will be eligible to apply for the positions.
BUT remember ,��the nurse doesn�t need to go to the ANCI when
applying for the positions through us in order to gain an offer,
work permit and visa etc.
If the nurse does not gain Nurses Registration NSW
the NRB NSW will refer them to the ANCI for assessment.
It is then up to the nurse to choose to
proceed.
Q. What is the total cost
assessment?
Assessment by the NSW College of Nursing: contact
http://www.nursing.aust.edu.au/education/course_oqn.html
Assessment costs are not necessary and not required
to make an application for the positions in the first
instance.
If the applicant wishes to be, or needs to be
assessed and/or immigrate permanently then they must
apply
Q. How long is the entire
process of registration and assessment?
If the nurse gains NRB NSW Nurses Registration this
may only take 5-6 weeks.
The assessment program is 10 Weeks - only necessary
if the NRB NSW has referred the applicant to the ANCI.
This means the nurse would have already spent 5-6
weeks applying to NRB so a total of 15-20 weeks if this
happens.
The nurses not gaining NRB NSW are not eligible for
the positions we have available.
If the nurse chooses to undergo the assessment
scheme themselves, this are there own undertaking. Of course we help
any way possible by providing the available contact details and
information. If the nurse is successful they will be eligible to
apply for the positions.
Go to: www.anci.gov.au
for information
Q. Does the employer share costs of assessment and
registration? How much?
No, the employers normally will not share any of the
costs.
Although, some employers will advance air fares for
a successful applicant to be paid back after starting employment.
This is assessed individually.
Competency/Bridging Program:
Q. Most
overseas nurses are required to undergo a
bridging
/qualifying/competency-based programs, how does
the process work?
This is the assessment course already mentioned
governed by the ANCI. (see above) Go to: www.anci.gov.au
for information
The nurse may not need to have the competency
assessment course and the only way to find out is to apply for NRB
NSW.
The NRB decides who needs to have further
assessment. Each applicant is assessed individually, on his or her
own merits.
The NRB (Nurses Registration Board) will refer
applicants to be assessed, if this is
necessary.
Q. What is the duration of the
qualifying program?
10 weeks
Q. Does the nursing board decide the duration of the program
for each applicant. On what do they base their decision?
No, the program is 10 weeks for all nurses referred for assessment.
If the nurse does have the required education or
English language skills they will be referred on to the
ANCI.
It is important that you remember that
EACH
APPLICANT IS ASSESSED INDIVIDUALLY
Q. Where is the program offered, in hospitals or approved
universities or institutions?
The Australian College of Nursing runs the program
go to http://www.nursing.aust.edu.au/education/course_oqn.html for information on the
program.
There
are Visa and English language requirements.
Q. Can the nurse decide where the program can be
undertaken?
NO
Q. What is the cost of the program? Who pays for the program?
Overseas Qualified Nurses Pre-registration Assessment
Program
This
program is designed to assess the competence of overseas-qualified
nurses who have been referred for assessment by the Nurses
Registration Board of New South Wales.
The New South Wales Health Department funds this
program (subject to funding availability), however there are a
limited number of fee-paying positions. Visa and English language
requirements apply.
The Australian College of Nursing runs the program
go to http://www.nursing.aust.edu.au/education/course_oqn.html for information on the
program.
Q. How many hours is the nurse
allowed to work, during the program?
NONE this is a full-time clinical assessment, like
working, but not working
Q. What is the stipend or salary during this period?
Contact http://www.nursing.aust.edu.au/education/course_oqn.html for information on the program.
Q. Is there a visa sponsored
for the nurse to complete the program?
No, there is no sponsorship for nurses wishing to
complete the program available from the hospital
employer.
For costs required by the Department of Immigration
for various visa applications go to:
http://www.dima.gov.au/allforms/pdf/990i0702.pdf
Contact the Immigration Department for further
information, go to http://www.dima.gov.au
Nursing Employment
Q. What are the nursing conditions
like in Australia?
Generally very good, to excellent. Several
government and professional bodies ensuring very high standards of
practice and conditions govern the nursing profession in Australia.
Recently there have been pay increases and there are constant calls
to raise the pay, status and conditions.
Private hospital employment is greatly contested by
the RN�s in Australia.
All hospitals are modern. The shifts are 8 hours or
sometimes 10 hours. Due to the shortages of RN�s there are often
very busy periods and the nurse may be requested to work overtime.
Overtime is available at higher rates of pay.
Hospitals are generally located in urban
environments close to transport and shops. They are generally very
safe and have human resource facilities for any issues that need to
be addressed.
Additional training is encouraged and often
available at the place of employment.
Nurses are also encouraged to enjoy their work with
many programs available to cater for social and physical needs, like
gymnasiums, swimming pools and tennis courts.
All hospitals in Australia follow equal opportunity
policies and there are rarely any incidents of racial or social
problems in the profession in this country.
Staff facilities are normally very good with
discounted accommodation and subsidised
meals.
Q. Where are the nurses largely
placed, in Hospitals, nursing homes or private care?
We will place the majority nurses in Private
Hospitals, many of these are Christian organisations. Some positions
may be available in the public hospitals
Q. Are the placements in main cities or rural areas?
Which city would the nurses is
placed in NSW?
Mainly city areas, Sydney and just north of Sydney
in the next major cities Gosford And Newcastle. Some rural positions
are becoming more available.
Q. What are the pay rates like
for a registered nurse?
$34,600 per annum for a 3rd year
Registered Nurse (minimum for these positions) and more as the time
of practice increases
Q. What are the incentives and
benefits offered to the nurse?
The 12 months contract and sponsorship is a big
incentive to nurses wishing to migrate to Australia.
The opportunity to work in Australia is valued in
itself as an extremely rewarding and fulfilling
experience.
The benefits also depend on the hospital conditions
and facilities available.
Q. What are the shifts in
Australia?
8 or 10 hour shifts, covering 24 hours. Starts are
at 7 am, 8am 2pm, 3pm 10pm & 11pm, depending on the
hospital.
Q. What are the terms of
employment?
Is the nurse expected to sign a
contract?
If yes, what are the minimum
years?
Terms are a 12-month contract, full-time shift work.
A 12 months minimum contract is to be agreed to by the nurses, with
the option to be renewed for another 2 years at the end of the
contract.
If the nurse wishes to do so and both parties agree
a further 2 years employment will be offered. This is an excellent
opportunity for the nurse to apply for immigration if they wish to
do so.
Q. Do most hospitals have or
offer nursing quarters or subsidised accommodation?
YES
Q. Would the employers offer accommodation for a certain
period?
The hospitals offer on-site accommodation at reduced
rates with all the modern staff facilities available. This
accommodation is modern, clean and safe.
Q. Are the nurses sponsored on a
work visa?
How long is the visa valid?
YES the nurse is offered a 12 months sponsorship and
all the paperwork is prepared for the applicant to send to the
Immigration Department to apply for the visa (the nurse receives the
papers, fills out and sends it themselves).
Q. Are the nurses expected to
complete medicals or specific health checks or inoculations to work
in Australia?
YES a health clearance is necessary go to:
http://www.dima.gov.au/faq/general/general03.htm
for further information.
Q. What are the prospects of
employer-sponsored immigrant visa?
Are Australian hospitals or
employers forthcoming in sponsoring immigration visas?
No, this is not necessary, to apply for immigration
does not require sponsorship. But it is favourable to be working on
a sponsorship to count towards a nurse�s
immigration.
Q. What is the process for
Skills-based immigration?
For General Skilled Migration to Australia, you or
your spouse must be able to satisfy all of the following basic
requirements:
- Age
You must be
under 45 when you apply.
- English language
You must have sufficient ability in the English language
for working in Australia. This is known as 'vocational
English'.
A higher level of English is required for certain
occupations where English ability forms part of the skills
assessment.
You are encouraged to have your English language
ability tested before you apply.
- Qualifications
You must have post-secondary (such as university or trade)
qualifications (in a small number of occupations substantial
relevant work experience may be acceptable) and your skills must
have been assessed by the relevant assessing authority as suitable
for your nominated occupation.
- Nominated occupation
When you apply, you must nominate an occupation which fits
your skills and qualifications. Your nominated occupation must be
on the Skilled Occupations List (SOL). If your nominated occupation is not on the list,
you cannot apply.
Q. How long does it take for immigration?
This question cannot be answered simply there are
too many variable for each applicant, it will depend on the type of
migration & the skills etc. of the applicant.
Go to: www.anci.gov.au for information
ASSISTANCE OFFERED TO THE NURSES
Q. How do you work with foreign
nurses and what level of assistance do you offer?
We assist through thorough assessment of the nurse�s
eligibility to work in Australia and the process of registration. We
help secure the nurse available positions by providing those that
qualify an offer from a reputable organisation, a 12 month contract
to work in Australia.
We assist in their registration process by providing
the information they need and the advice to complete their forms and
checking with the nurse or agent to ensure they have all necessary
requirements fulfilled. This can be a lengthy process and requires a
lot of consultation.
Once a nurse has completed the registration process
we will liaise between the hospital and the nurse for an offer and
the sponsorship and visa requirements. We assist you with your visa
application and travel arrangements and will meet you at the airport
when you arrive and take you to your accommodation at the hospital.
We provide an information pack to the
foreign-trained nurse to assist in their transition into the work
and the community, taking special care of any cultural and religious
needs.
Q. Can I bring my
spouse/children on this visa?
Yes, you can. Your spouse/children will also be
eligible for employment at any business or public office, for the
time period of this visa.
Q. What is the maximum
length of stay on this visa?
4 years is the maximum time period for the
visa.
Q.
Does this visa application have any effect on applications for other
visas?
No. Applications for this and other visas may be
submitted concurrently. This visa will not effect the outcome of
your other status requests.
Q. Can I work part-time on
this visa?
No.
The work requirements for this visa is determined by
salary and the nurse must earn a minimum salary of AUD$34,075 pa
whilst in Australia. This means full-time work must be
undertaken.
Don't delay. We
don't charge you and assist every step of the
way.
There is the
possibility of us providing your Airfares. *Conditions
apply.
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