The healthcare industry requires reliability, strong communication skills, the ability to work well under pressure, an empathetic nature and the ability to work autonomously as well as part of a team. As you can imagine, this area involves dealing with emergency situations that can realistically mean the difference between life and death.
What qualifications are needed? Relevant educational qualifications and current registration.
Do the qualifications vary between states? Registrations are state specific, and working with children checks and MRSA screening is necessary in some states.
How does the nursing sector look like at the moment? Are there lots of jobs? There are always lots of regional and rural temp placements available, and there is a steady demand in other areas as well.
What are the rates of pay? And what are the variables? Rates of pay vary depending in which sector a nurse is working (ie, in aged care or in a private hospital), and whether the employer pays above the award. The nurses’ award also varies between states and is based on years of experience. Temporary placements are usually more highly paid.
Do you offer any training? We provide a comprehensive Occupational Health and Safety induction for all of our nurses in addition to annual updates on CPR training.
What sort of jobs are there in the nursing sector? Depending on what qualification a nurse holds, opportunities are many and varied. A nurse these days could work in any area from community health, to aged care, emergency to critical care, with the Department of Defence or in the allied services. The possibilities are endless!
Are there any sponsorship opportunities? There certainly are sponsorship opportunities available, depending on our client’s requests.
What are the benefits of getting some Oz work experience? Working holidays allow nurses to see Australia, from the most cosmopolitan cities to the coastal areas and the Outback, while they work. Regional placements are often sought for nurses and health professionals as a means of building their knowledge and experience as regional placements allow them to be involved in all aspects of healthcare. Accommodation is provided cheaply and travel allowances are applicable in most cases.
Thanks to Tracy Thorp, Chandler Macleod Health.
