Have you dreamt of having the opportunity to explore Australia’s vibrant landscape while still advancing your nursing career? If you’re a nurse in the USA, this dream could be closer to reality than you think. One of the most incredible things about being a nurse is that if you are burned out, you still have options–especially if you’re adventurous like me. So, if you want to become a travel nurse in Australia, you’ve come to the right place. 

Can I Be A Nurse In Australia If I’m From The USA?

Yes, you can! As a US-trained nurse, you can definitely practice in Australia, but it involves several necessary steps.

Qualification Recognition and Registration

• Assessment Of Your Qualifications: If you want to be a travel nurse in Australia, your nursing qualifications need to be evaluated for equivalency with their standards. This is done through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). You’ll need to submit your academic transcripts or nursing degree, evidence of your RN license in the USA, and await further steps from the agency after you are accepted. Typically, you must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and at least two years of experience in your field in order to qualify. 
• English Language Proficiency: Since Australia is an English-speaking country, you’ll need to prove your proficiency in English if it is not your first language. This usually means taking an English test like the IELTS or OET and meeting the required score. If you’re already a practicing nurse in the USA, this shouldn’t be too much of an issue.
• Applying for Registration: Once your qualifications are confirmed, apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board Of Australia (NMBA). This will involve additional checks, including a criminal history check. 

Visa Application

• Choosing The Right Visa: You’ll typically need a visa to be a travel nurse in Australia. The most common visa for nurses is the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482). This requires an employer who is willing to be your sponsor (your travel nurse agency) and your job offer. This visa allows you to stay in Australia for up to four years! The best part about this visa is that you can bring your spouse and children with you. If you are aged 30 and under, you can apply for a work-holiday visa, which allows you to stay for up to twelve months with the opportunity to renew two more times. With the work holiday visa, the only downside is that you cannot work for the same hospital for more than six months.
• Application Process: The application process to be a travel nurse in Australia is quite lengthy. From registering with the AHPRA to getting your visa, this process takes about 7-8 months. This is mainly because the AHPRA may require additional information such as high school and college transcripts, RN license certifications from all states you’ve worked in over the past five years, and your employment history. You can expect to approx $2,000 USD in fees. Although the process can seem a bit frustrating, the reward of being able to live in your dream country while still getting paid is worth it in the end. 

Which Agencies Are Available?

I recommend speaking with multiple travel agencies as you go through the transfer process. Luckily, the travel agency you choose will walk you through getting your licenses and visa since the process is daunting. The agency that I ultimately worked with was Healthcare Australia (HCA). However, other agencies such as Swingshift Nurses and Affinity Nursing Agency are also options to consider.

Opportunities To Be A Travel Nurse In Australia

Becoming a travel nurse in Australia is perfect if you are looking for a unique blend of professional development and adventure, making it an attractive option for nurses who want to elevate their lifestyles. Here’s what you need to know:

Diverse Work Environments

• Variety of Settings: Australia’s healthcare system is very diverse, ranging from huge, technologically advanced hospitals in major cities to small clinics in remote outback communities. In other words, there’s something for everyone. 
• Cultural Exposure: As a travel nurse in Australia, you can work within Australia’s indigenous Aboriginal communities. This can be a fantastic opportunity for cultural insight and experiences.

Opportunities And Flexibility

• High Demand: There’s a constant demand for nurses in Australia, especially in rural and remote areas. This translates into numerous opportunities for you as you job hunt. 
• Flexible Contracts: Most positions in Australia are quite flexible, allowing you to choose the duration of your assignment, which can range from a few weeks to several months. 

Lifestyle and Adventure

• Work-life balance: Australian employers often emphasize work-life balance, providing ample opportunity to explore the country. Sounds like a win to me!
• Travel Opportunities: Between contracts, you’ll be free to travel from a different part of the world. If you want to explore Southeast Asia or New Zealand, you are much closer! Not to mention, there’s so much to explore within Australia that you will not be short of things to do during your time off. 

Travel Nurse Salary In Australia

As a travel nurse in Australia, you’ll make great money. You can expect a lucrative salary package that reflects their demand for your skills. Here’s what you should know about the finances. You can expect a lucrative salary package that reflects the high demand for your skills. 

Pay and Lifestyle:

A travel nurse in Australia will typically earn up to AUD 130,000 annually. Of course, this also depends on your experience, specialty, and assignment location. Many travel nurses are paid hourly, which can range from AUD 40 to AUD 90 per hour.

Specialized nurses, such as those in critical care, may earn even higher rates. Also, the cost of living in Australia is similar to the USA; however, housing is much cheaper than in the USA. Moreover, Australia’s overall quality of life is far better than the USA’s. According to a study by the OECD Better Life Index, Australia has one of the highest standards of living in the world. It’s no wonder so many people want to move there. 

Factors Influencing Salary:

Nurses with specialized skills/certifications or extensive experience often receive higher salaries. Areas like emergency nursing, intensive care, and labor and delivery, in particular, are more lucrative. Additionally, salaries are higher in remote or rural areas due to the scarcity of healthcare professionals. On the other hand, urban areas offer lower salaries but offer more job opportunities and lifestyle benefits. Overall, it depends on what you want from your experience as a travel nurse in Australia. 

Highest Paying States For The Travel Nurse In Australia

Western Australia:

WA, especially in its remote and rural areas, often has a higher demand for nurses, resulting in competitive salaries. Also, the presence of mining industries in regions like Pilbara and Kimberley can lead to higher wages, attracting healthcare professionals to these remote locations.

Northern Territory: 

The NT is known for its huge, sparsely populated areas. Nurses working in remote communities here usually receive higher pay. The NT offers unique experiences, especially in indigenous health, which can be rewarding if you are looking for a more cultural experience. 

Queensland (QLD) and New South Wales (NSW)

These states host major cities like Sydney and Brisbane, where the cost of living is higher. As a result, nurses often receive higher wages to balance it out. With a wide range of healthcare facilities at their disposal, nurses in these states have opportunities in more specialties.

Victoria (VIC)

As a cultural and healthcare hub, Melbourne offers competitive salaries, especially in specialized areas of nursing. Rural areas in Victoria also offer higher salaries to attract and retain nurses.

South Australia (SA) and Tasmania (TAS)

While these states might not always top the salary charts, they offer a reasonable cost of living compared to the salary. The lifestyle and lower cost of living in these regions can plus for someone who is looking for a more relaxing and lowkey experience. 

Making the Move

Once you’ve gotten your visa, license, travel agency, and job offer, you’re finally ready to make your big move. Whew! That was a lot, right? The hard part is over, and now you can start your journey as a travel nurse in Australia! Did you know that some agencies will even pay for your international flight? Here are some steps for settling in:

Finding Housing

 When you first arrive, you might want to opt for short-term housing like Airbnb or serviced apartments so you can have time to explore and find the right area. Something to keep in mind is that in Australia, you pay rent every week, so make sure you are financially prepared. When looking for housing, take into consideration whether or not you’ll be driving since your US driver’s license can be used in Australia. Even if you are, it can be intimidating to drive in Australia without practice, considering that you’ll be driving on the opposite side of the road. For me, that’s a no, thank you.

Just to be safe, finding a place near essentials like grocery stores, laundry mats, gyms, and public transportation might be the best option until you get settled. If you are working with an agency, they will, thankfully, guide you through this process.

Setting Up A Bank Account

• Choosing a Bank: Australia has a range of respectable banks, such as Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, Westpac, and NAB. Many offer services specifically for expats and immigrants. You will need an Australian bank account as a travel nurse in Australia since you’ll be getting paid in their currency. 
• Account Opening Process: You can start the process online before you arrive, which is a time saver. You will need your passport, visa details, and Australian address for verification.
• Accessing Funds: Once your account is set up, you can transfer funds from your home account. However, make sure you discuss exchange rates and transfer fees with your bank beforehand. 

Setting Up Your New Phone Plan

• Local SIM Card: Purchasing a local SIM card will save you money in the long run. Providers like Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone are reputable providers to consider. 
• Keeping Your US Number: If you want to maintain your US number, consider posting it to an online service like Google Voice so you can access it over the Internet. 
• Locked or Unlocked: If your smartphone is locked by your carrier, then you’ll have to request for it to be unlocked (may or may not work), purchase a whole new phone while you are in Australia, or switch carriers. Keep this in mind. If you do decide to get a new phone, prepaid phone plans are the norm in Australia.

Health Insurance

Does your agency provide health insurance? If not, then you can register for Medicare, which is Australia’s public healthcare system that you are entitled to as a working visa holder. However, make sure you thoroughly research this option to see if the benefits work for you. You can also obtain international travel insurance as well. 

Travel Essentials For Your Adventure

To make your transition as a travel nurse in Australia smoother, don’t forget these important essentials:

• Universal Travel Adaptor: This is an absolute must-have for any international traveler. You don’t want to be stuck in a situation where you can’t charge any of your devices. The one that I use can be found here.
• Compression Packing Cubes: As a chronic over-packer, these have been a lifesaver for me, allowing me to stay organized and maximize my luggage space. Available here.
• Air Tags: If you’re OCD like me and need constant reassurance that your luggage didn’t get lost in the airport, you’ll appreciate these. Find them here.
• Travel Bag: I especially love this bag because of its versatility. I even use it to charge my phone! Check it out here.

As you can see, becoming a travel nurse in Australia can be overwhelming. Don’t be intimidated. You’ll appreciate taking the bold move in making your dreams happen. Did you know that with your new Australian nursing license, you can easily work in other desirable areas like New Zealand? Would you consider travel nursing in Australia? Leave a comment below, and happy travels!

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