Nursing in Australia – Sector Overview
Nursing remains one of the most in-demand job sectors in Australia. A report commissioned for state and federal government in 2012 suggested that by 2025 there could be a workforce gap of between 80,000 and 147,000 nurses. Australia wants to reduce its reliance on foreign nurses, but without immigration, there needs to be an increase of nursing graduates of between 85 and 158 percent. Particular areas of demand include critical care and emergency, general medical and surgical, mental health, midwifery, neonatal intensive care, oncology, operating theatre, pediatrics, trauma and aged care.
Nursing in Australia – Location
Jobs in nursing are needed all over Australia, and in particular in remote locations.
Nursing in Australia – Skills and Qualifications
Nurses in Australia must have good health and be of good character. They must been registered by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Board, which is partnered with the Australian Health Practitioners Registration Agency. It will assess the qualifications of those migrating to Australia and wanting to work as a nurse. Nurses migrating to Australia need to prove their ability to speak English. Those training in Australia become a registered nurse by completing a Bachelor of Nursing, or an enrolled nurse study at a Technical and Further Education (TAFE) or vocational institution.
Nursing in Australia – Major Recruiters and Employers
The public health service is run at a state level, each of which has jobs and career advice on its website.
Recruiters include:
- Healthstaff Recruitment
- Nursing Australia
- Mediserve
- Nursing Jobs Australia
- Vital International Recruitment
- Affinity Nursing
- Nighingale Nursing
Nursing in Australia – Pay Rates
Nurses in Australia can earn between AU$40,000 and $76,000 annually, depending on experience and skills. Extra payment for shift allowances, responsibility and living in remote locations are common. Public hospitals are managed at a state level, so pay levels vary across the country.
