BBC One recently followed UK Dual-Registered Nurse and Midwife Nicola on her journey to secure a job in Brisbane, Queensland. We helped her to understand the lay of the land in Australia and how to find a nursing or midwifery job “down under”. Here are our tips for UK Nurses and Midwives considering a career move to Australia.

1. What are the steps to getting a job in Australia?

• Visa: Firstly, you need to organise the appropriate visa to allow you to come to Australia and work. You can do this yourself online or through a reputable migration agent. One of the key decisions to make is whether you’re looking to come to Australia short-term (Working Holiday Visa) or long-term (Permanent Residency).
• AHPRA registration: UK nursing qualifications are recognised in Australia, but once you have your visa sorted you will need to register with the federal government agency AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency). This is a reasonably straight forward process and generally takes approximately three months.
• Get work ready: Make sure all of your immunisations and serology are up to date and that you’ve done your police check, so you can hit the ground running when you arrive in Australia.

2. What type of jobs can I apply for?

We place Registered Nurses (RNs) in all specialities and Midwives in every clinical setting imaginable, whether that be hospital, private practice or in an Aboriginal Health Clinic. We offer locum/agency roles, contract and permanent roles across all states and territories in Australia. Our most in demand roles are Mental Health Nurses, Emergency Department RNs and dual-registered Midwife/RNs.

3. Can I work wherever I want in Australia?

Cornerstone predominately assists with vacancies in rural and remote communities in both coastal and country locations. If you let us know what state in Australia and what kind of community you are most interested in, we can look to match you with a vacancy there.

4. Can you help with organising my visa?

Unfortunately we do not sponsor or organise visas on your behalf. You’ll need to organise your own visa before you arrive in Australia and before we are able to place you in a role.

5. Let’s not beat around the bush. What’s the rate of pay?

Cornerstone Nurses & Midwives are some of the highest paid in the industry. Depending on the state the job is based in the rate will vary, but we’re happy to estimate what salary we think you could achieve after we understand your clinical skills and experience.

6. I have my visa/working rights in Australia, how can you help me?

Once you have your visa and you are ready to come to Australia or have already arrived, get in touch with our Nursing & Midwifery Division and you’ll be assigned your own personal consultant to assist you.

Our nurses say they feel completely supported and safe in the hands of our friendly and helpful team.

Our team can help you with everything from finding the right position, the location, the clinical setting, accommodation, flights and making sure you are completely set up and comfortable in your new environment.

Get in touch with the Nursing & Midwifery Division today and follow us on our socials for the latest job updates.