Finding Nursing Jobs In Australia: A Guide

how to find a nursing job in australia

Nursing is a stable and fulfilling career in Australia, with nurses being the backbone of the healthcare system. With the increasing demand for skilled healthcare professionals, nursing offers job security, career progression, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people's lives. To become a nurse in Australia, one must complete the necessary training and education, which includes two main pathways: Enrolled Nurse (EN) and Registered Nurse (RN). For international nurses, organizations like Healthcare Australia (HCA) provide assistance with registration and visa processes. Job portals such as SEEK, Indeed, and HealthStaff Recruitment offer a wide range of nursing job opportunities across Australia, with positions available in rural and urban settings, as well as in various specialties.

Characteristics Values
Job Search Platforms SEEK, Indeed, LinkedIn, HealthStaff Recruitment, Nursing Jobs Australia and New Zealand, Healthcare Australia (HCA)
Job Types Full-time, part-time, contract, permanent, temporary, agency, remote
Specialisations Aged care, general medical and surgical, maternal and child health, theatre and recovery, emergency, mental health, midwifery, chemotherapy, cardiac services, critical care, rural healthcare
Qualifications Diploma of Nursing, Bachelor of Nursing, AHPRA registration, police check, evidence of Covid-19 and influenza vaccinations
Experience Previous experience as a registered nurse, clinical experience
Salary and Benefits $67–$134 per hour, $15,900 salary packaging, $2,650 meal and entertainment allowance, super up to 12.75%, travel and flight benefits, gym and wellbeing benefits, employee assistance program, health insurance discounts
Visa Requirements Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482), Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)

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Job search platforms

There are several job search platforms that can help you find nursing jobs in Australia. Here are some popular options:

  • SEEK: SEEK is a prominent job search platform in Australia, offering a wide range of nursing job opportunities. It features both permanent and contract roles across various specialisations, including aged care, general medical and surgical, and remote area nursing. SEEK also provides information on salaries and benefits, such as weekly pay and quick payment options.
  • Indeed: Indeed is another well-known job search engine that lists thousands of registered nurse jobs in Australia. It allows you to post your resume and find employment opportunities. Indeed also highlights employer reviews and ratings, helping you learn more about potential workplaces.
  • LinkedIn: With over 4,000 registered nurse jobs listed in Australia, LinkedIn leverages your professional network to help you find suitable nursing positions. It is a great platform to build connections and showcase your qualifications and experience.
  • Healthcare Australia (HCA): HCA is a trusted name in healthcare recruitment, assisting nurses in finding the right roles across Australia. They offer local placements and international opportunities, providing career flexibility. HCA also supports overseas nurses with registration and visa processes, making it easier to transition into the Australian healthcare system.
  • HealthStaff Recruitment: HealthStaff Recruitment is a recognised recruitment agency that offers an extensive range of nursing and midwifery jobs in Australia. They cater to both nationally and internationally trained nurses, providing placements in leading hospitals, centres, and practices across iconic and regional locations. HealthStaff Recruitment guides candidates through the entire process, from the job search to final placement.
  • Specialised Nursing Job Portals: There are also specialised job portals dedicated specifically to nursing jobs in Australia, such as Nursing Jobs Australia. These platforms provide job listings for various nursing roles, including clinical research nurses and practice nurses.

When applying for nursing jobs in Australia, ensure that you have a professional resume and cover letter tailored to each role. Some platforms, like HCA, offer resume and cover letter templates to help you make a strong impression. Additionally, research the visa requirements and pathways if you are an international nurse considering a career in Australia.

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Required qualifications

To become a registered nurse in Australia, you must meet specific requirements and qualifications. Here is an overview of the necessary qualifications:

Education: To practice as a nurse in Australia, you must have a nursing degree from a recognized university. The degree can be a Bachelor of Nursing, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or a Master of Nursing.

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Visa options

If you are an internationally qualified nurse (IQN) and are interested in working in Australia, it is important to review the information on the Department of Home Affairs website to determine what visa stream you are seeking and are eligible for. Visa options include:

Working Holiday Visa

The Working Holiday Visa is the easiest way to get to Australia. You must be at least 18 and under 30 (or 35 if you're from some countries). Subclasses 417 and 462. It costs around 500 AUD and gets you an automatic year, but can be extended to up to 3 years if you complete specific tasks. Working rights are included with some limitations.

Student Visa

The student visa allows you to work up to 40 hours every two weeks. The visa fee is approximately AUD$500.00, and you must be enrolled in a course. There is also a physical exam and blood test that costs an additional AUD$500.00. Renewing the student visa increases the fee to AUD$1000.00. School fees for international students are at least 3 times higher than for residents or citizens.

Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) subclass 482 visa

The TSS visa is an employer-sponsored temporary visa that may be granted for up to four years. It includes three visa streams: Short-term, Medium-term, and Labour Agreement. The labour agreement stream includes nomination in regional areas of Australia. The subclass 482 visa may provide a pathway to permanent residence with an employer-nominated visa after two years.

Subclass 189 Visa for Nurses

This is a skilled independent visa. You are eligible if you are an NZ resident/citizen or citizen of another country if you meet certain criteria. You earn "points" by having desirable skills and traits that Australia is looking for. Nurses are currently on the list of eligible occupations.

Subclass 190 Visa for Nurses

This is a permanent residency visa.

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Resume and cover letter

A good resume and cover letter are essential for standing out from other candidates when applying for nursing jobs in Australia. Here are some tips for crafting a compelling resume and cover letter to help you secure your dream nursing role.

Resume

When creating your resume, it's important to first review the job advertisement to determine the recruiter's ideal candidate. This will help you understand the required education, licensing, skills, and experience for the role. You can then tailor your resume to showcase how you meet these criteria.

Your resume should include a professional summary that briefly outlines your education, experience, skills, and objectives as a nurse. This section should also incorporate keywords from the job description. Following this, detail your academic and professional experiences in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent. Include the employer name, location, job title, and dates of employment for each role, along with your key responsibilities and achievements.

In a separate section, list your nursing qualifications, such as degrees, institution names, graduation years, and any additional certifications or training relevant to the field. Highlight your clinical, soft, and technical skills, ensuring they align with the specific requirements of the position. If applicable, mention your Australian Nursing and Midwifery Board (ANMB) registration details, including your registration number and state/territory. While not always required upfront, you can indicate that references are available upon request.

Cover Letter

The cover letter is your opportunity to introduce yourself, outline your qualifications, and explain why you're the ideal candidate for the role. It should be concise and tailored to the specific nursing position and medical facility you're applying to. Each state in Australia may have slightly different requirements for cover letters, especially for government roles, so it's important to adhere to any provided guidelines. For example, Queensland Health typically requests a 1-2 page cover letter addressing the key attributes of the role.

In your cover letter, briefly introduce yourself and mention the role you're applying for. Highlight your relevant nursing experience and skills, such as patient care, teamwork, and communication. Explain why you're a great fit for the job by referencing specific aspects of the position or organisation. End with a strong call to action, thanking the hiring manager for their time and expressing your interest in an interview. Ensure your cover letter is free of grammatical errors and matches your resume to ensure transparency in your application.

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Job benefits and salary

The salary of a nurse in Australia depends on several factors, including qualifications, experience, location, and specialisation. The average salary for a registered nurse in Australia is $51.81 per hour, $7,238 per month, or $86,861 per year. However, salaries can range from $42.19 to $85–$100 per hour, depending on the specific role and location.

Nurses with postgraduate qualifications and specialised skills, such as those in intensive care, emergency nursing, or operating theatres, can command higher salaries. Additionally, nurses working in remote or high-demand areas may earn more due to increased allowances and government incentives. Rural and remote nurses may also receive housing allowances and other benefits.

In addition to their salary, registered nurses in Australia can take advantage of exclusive perks and benefits, such as superannuation, where they contribute a portion of their salary to retirement savings. They may also receive additional allowances for qualifications, such as graduate certificates and diplomas, and for working non-standard hours or shift work. Holiday pay is also a benefit that nurses in Australia can enjoy for working during holidays and weekends.

When considering a nursing job in Australia, it is important to understand the disparities in salaries across different states and cities, as these can vary based on factors such as the demand for healthcare facilities and the cost of living.

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Frequently asked questions

To become a nurse in Australia, you need to complete accredited training and education. There are two main pathways: Enrolled Nurse (EN) and Registered Nurse (RN). An EN requires a Diploma of Nursing, while an RN requires a Bachelor of Nursing.

Nursing in Australia offers excellent job prospects, particularly for those with in-demand specialties such as aged care, critical care, and rural healthcare. There is a high demand for skilled medical professionals in rural and remote areas.

Nursing in Australia provides job security, career progression, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people's lives. Nurses can also enjoy competitive salaries, flexible work arrangements, and strong support from their teams.

Healthcare Australia (HCA) and HealthStaff Recruitment are two trusted recruitment agencies that can assist you in finding nursing jobs across Australia. These agencies offer support and guidance throughout the job search and placement process.

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