How to Become a Registered Nurse in Australia?
Domestic students wanting their nursing registration have to complete a bachelor’s degree in nursing before they can approach the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). International students wanting nursing registration in Australia must clear the Outcomes-Based Assessment (OBA) exams before they can approach the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
Registered nurses in Australia are in high demand. This is because of Australia’s ageing population, an increasing rate of chronic diseases and a wide range of mental health issues. Also, the pandemic has played its part in increasing the workload on existing registered nurses who have been in the frontline of duty.
Australia’s healthcare system is one of the best in the world and as such registered nurses there can chase their dreams of having a successful career!
Who is a Registered Nurse?
Registered nurses (RNs) are skilled professionals who are licensed to provide compassionate care to patients in a wide range of environments like hospitals, aged care facilities, emergency care facilities, general practice clinics, schools, residential homes and so on.
Registered nurses in Australia and all over the world work shoulder to shoulder with doctors, surgeons, and physiotherapists to heal patients. Often, they are the first point of contact for people seeking care, support or advice. Registered nurses also support patients in critical care.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has reported approximately 400,000 registered and enrolled nurses in Australia, with 33% of nurses born overseas. Historically, nurses who migrate to Australia come from England, New Zealand, India, Canada, Malaysia, China and so on.
How much does a Registered Nurse in Australia earn?
According to au.talent.com, the average salary of a registered nurse in Australia is $79,435 per year. However, it’s not just the money. What can be more satisfying than saving lives or bringing new life into this world? So, if you are thinking about working as a registered nurse, you can hope for a rewarding career!
How can Domestic Australians get their Nursing Registration?
First of all, an aspirant will need to enrol and complete an approved Bachelor of Nursing degree course from Australia. This Bachelor of Nursing course is usually for three years. Many universities in Australia offer this course. Then he/she will have to apply for nursing registration to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
Registered nurses in Australia who have many years of experience can move into more specialised areas such as neonatal nursing, mental health nursing, emergency nursing, orthopaedic nursing and so on. If they want, they can even move into roles such as team leader, unit manager or administrator.
How can overseas nurses get their Australian Nursing Registration?
If you want to work as a registered nurse in Australia, you will need to be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). The NMBA conducts an assessment.
The assessment includes:
- An online self-check
- An orientation program for all those who have been asked to continue with the assessment process, and
- An Outcomes-Based Assessment (OBA) for those who have received relevant but not equivalent qualification to Australian approved qualification for nursing registration.
The NMBA had implemented the OBA to test if an overseas nurse is ready for Australian Nursing Registration. The OBA comprises of two examinations — The online National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX for RNs) Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) written examination and the on-campus Objective Structured Clinical Examination for Registered Nurses (OSCE for RNs) practical examination.
A candidate needs to clear both the examinations and then get registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority (AHPRA) to be eligible to fulfil his/her registered nurse requirements.
Institute of Health and Management (IHM) offers the NCLEX for RNs and OSCE for RNs preparatory courses to help candidates ace the OBA to get their Australian Nursing Registration. IHM enjoys a 100% success rate in this regard.
Is there another Alternative?
Candidates may choose not to become registered nurses as of now and instead enrol in the Diploma of Nursing course, to become an enrolled nurse.
The difference between a registered nurse and an enrolled nurse is that the former holds a higher degree of responsibility and accountability than the latter. Also, enrolled nurse have to carry out their duties under the direct or indirect supervision of registered nurses.
Institute of Health and Nursing Australia (IHNA) is one of the leading healthcare institutes in Australia and its HLT54121 – Diploma of Nursing course is ideal for students looking to start their nursing careers in Australia. Upon completion of the 18-month course, students can apply to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) for registration as an Enrolled Nurse (EN). There is a high demand for enrolled nurses as well in Australia. According to au.talent.com, the average salary of an enrolled nurse is $62,166 per year. Once you start working as an enrolled nurse, you can gradually figure out what nursing discipline you would like to specialize in and then embark on higher studies (as mentioned above) to become a registered nurse (RN) in Australia.
Summing-Up
Working as a registered nurse in Australia is like a dream come true for many. Registered nurses in Australia are highly respected and the profession offers a successful and high standard of living. Who wouldn’t want an exhilarating career that is both challenging and rewarding at the same time?
Cheers!
Related Blog: What are the Top Five Nursing Careers in Australia?
