All About Nursing Jobs in Australia
Today there are more choices available to nurses than ever before particularly in terms of where and when to work. There is and will continue to be for some time to come a worldwide shortage of Nurses. This has come about through a number of factors these include, improvements in medical technology, procedures and medication that have all contributed to the growth of the healthcare sector and more importantly life expectancy of the general population. In tern this has created an increased demand for aged care services too, further increasing the shortage of Nurses. This has meant that there is no shortage of work for qualified Nurses and nursing jobs in many areas are plentiful.
As in all parts of the world nursing jobs in Australia are always in demand. The Australian government has made it relatively easy to get a work visa for nurses as long as their training and work experience meets specific criteria. After the USA and UK, Australia is one of the best countries to look for a nursing career. When you search online for nursing jobs in Australia, you will find a large number of recruitment agencies providing facilities and options regarding job opportunities. Before thinking or applying for nursing jobs in Australia, it is mandatory for nurses to register with the national registration body AHPRA.
Australia is a relatively welcoming country for nurses who wish to migrate however they need to have their qualification assessed before applying. There are many countries whose healthcare systems are similar to that of Australia and fewer checks are required. In some circumstances your documents may are needed to be sent to the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs for migration for assessment by the Australian Nursing Council Incorporated. Currently nursing jobs in Australia are in high demand and visa applications for this category receive priority processing. Nurses need to be in good health and are required to pass a health examination.
The salary rates of nurses increases with years of experience. Nursing is an almost unlimited field with a large number of categories to choose from. Many Nurses Choose to work on a fulltime, part time or Casual bases given good flexibility to start and top work and or to make childcare arrangements. Broadly the nursing profession is categorised as A&E, Critical Care, Midwifery, Aged Care, Community, Maternal & Child Health, Education, General Medical Surgical, Management, Oncology, Paedicatric. Psych, Forensic & Correctional health, Theatre & Recovery and Occupational Health and many more.
English is the language of communication in health care in Australia. It is therefore essential that nurses can speak English fluently. From July, 2009 it is mandatory for all internationally qualified nurses and midwives to provide proof of English language proficiency. English language tests acceptable in Australia are IELTS and OET (Occupational English Test).
Nursing in Australia has two levels
- Registered Nurses or Reg Nurse Div 1: They are university graduates with a degree level courses generally a Bachelor of Nursing.
- Enrolled Nurses or Reg Nurse Div 2: They hold a certificate or diploma through a colleges of technical education.
Australia has five states and two territories that unify under one national regulatory health practitioners body AHPRA (except WA which has its own, but is expected to join soon). Nurses who wish to work in Australia must be an enrolled or registered with the Australian Health practitioners Agency AHPRA (except WA).
Check out the Medepage Healthcare community site for Nursing jobs in Australia and meet healthcare professional from across the globe.