Top 7 Advantages of Working as a Nurse in Australia 

(Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes)

Landing a job as a nurse in Australia is a career that many internationally educated nurses should hope to gain. A coveted opportunity, it shouldn’t be a surprise why the country continues to thrive economically. The nurse job market in Australia offers many advantages one can significantly benefit from. As a globally competitive country, you can expect that working in Australia will be highly rewarding and respected.

The growth of nurse employment in Australia in recent years has been increasing. Nursing roles comprise almost 55% of the healthcare market, making it the foremost contributor to Australia’s healthcare sector. Last year, it was recorded with 453,515 registered nurses. In addition, they expect 330,000 nursing jobs in the coming years. These figures only mean that the job outlook will be in demand now and in the coming years.  

Advantages of Working in Australia

The advantages of working in Australia are exceptional. The country is home to a world-class healthcare system, education, quality of living, and amiable people. Many nurses have already worked and migrated to Australia since it’s on par with other popular countries for job employment like the US, the UK, and the Middle East. Additionally, you’ll find that Australia has numerous benefits that will help you progress and develop your career.

Higher Salary

Nurses in Australia are certainly highly compensated. The country values its nurses as they comprise most of the healthcare force and are the foremost provider of immediate patient care. In addition, Australia has a wide range of specializations for nurses, all of which vary in salary rates. So regardless of discipline, you’ll get the pay worth your hard work, and you can even save up.  

According to talent.com, as of this writing, registered nurses in Australia average around 82,815 AUD annually. Entry-level nurse positions start at around 77,386 AUD per year, whereas experienced nurses usually earn up to 97,500 AUD per year. Aside from the pay, attractive benefits include health insurance and the chance to pursue permanent residency (PR) if desired.

Job Security

As mentioned, there is and will always be a constant need for nurses in Australia. This demand is primarily due to the perpetually aging population. For instance, retiree vacancies contribute to numerous job openings in the years to come. Additionally, with the imminent growth of the world’s population, more and more individuals will need the services the healthcare sector provides.

Moreover, understaffed areas like emergency rooms and critical care need nurses immensely. Under these circumstances, stability is likely, especially now that nations are still gradually recovering from the effects of the pandemic. 

A Chance at Career Development

Many career pathways are readily available for nurses who wish to branch out in multiple fields. Moreover, the necessary skills for the job and experiences eventually improve while you work in Australia. You can also grow as an individual in the profession. In addition, maximizing your skills in multiple fields in nursing is a lucrative feat since this allows for a much more rewarding income opportunity.

Lastly, if you decide to further your nursing career, you may also enroll in nurse programs of your choice. In addition, the country offers postgraduate education in nursing and midwifery in specific practices. With Australia’s high education quality, you guarantee competent training to leverage your skills and knowledge in the field.

Excellent Work Conditions

Australia’s healthcare system is globally known for its high standards. Australian hospitals are equipped with modern facilities and state-of-the-art equipment. This better serves nurses, other healthcare workers, and patient needs. Imagine working with cutting-edge technology, electronic health records systems that streamline paperwork, and robotic surgical equipment that assists in complex procedures. 

Additionally, Australia promotes a supportive work environment. Nurse-to-patient ratios are mandated by law. These ratios are generally favorable compared to other countries. Thus, this can help reduce stress and workload.

Hospitals often have professional development and mentorship programs, which allow for refining skills and career growth. Additionally, many healthcare facilities prioritize work-life balance, so they offer paid leave programs like sick leave and vacation time.

Flexible Working Hours

The beauty of working as a nurse in Australia is the freedom to choose a schedule that best suits your life. Hospitals typically offer a variety of shifts, including full-time, part-time, day shifts, night shifts, weekend shifts, and on-call positions. Moreover, this allows you to find a schedule that accommodates your preferences. You may be a morning person who thrives in the early hours or prefers working evenings or weekends.

Nurses can choose their preferred shifts in many facilities during designated scheduling periods. They can also swap shifts with colleagues to create a work week that best suits their needs. Furthermore, this flexibility is precious for nurses juggling work with family commitments, pursuing further education, or caring for elderly loved ones.

The Prospect of PR (Permanent Residence) Settlement

As the career belongs to Australia’s Skilled Occupations List (SOL), international nurses may get PRs relatively more straightforwardly than other professions in the country. However, remember that obtaining PR settlement depends on your skill, work experience, degree, and other criteria they consider. In addition, nurses may also be eligible for citizenship after 4-6 years as permanent residents in Australia.

Superannuation (Retirement Funds)

Like the rest of us, we would want to have enough funds before retiring. In Australia, there is what we call superannuation or “super.” It is a mandatory system that sets aside money for your retirement. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

By law, every employer must pay a minimum percentage of your before-taxes salary into your super account. This contribution rate is currently 11% and is gradually increasing to 12% by 2025.

The money in your super fund is invested in various assets like stocks, property, and bonds to grow over time. Generally, you can access your super savings once you reach your preservation age (which varies depending on your date of birth). Moreover, you can withdraw your super as a lump sum or receive regular income streams.

Superannuation is a complex but essential part of Australia’s retirement system. By understanding how it works, you can make informed decisions about your super and plan for a comfortable retirement.

Challenges of Nurse Work in Australia

Nursing in Australia offers a rewarding yet challenging career path. While nurses play a vital role in the healthcare system, the profession presents several obstacles that must be navigated. Here are some of the challenges that you can face while working in Australia:

1. Demanding Workload

Long working hours and shift work are typical, leading to potential fatigue, stress, and burnout among nurses. Although Australia continues to improve its healthcare system, a population increase can mean a higher patient-to-nurse ratio.

2. Staff Shortages

Australia’s healthcare system faces staffing deficits, resulting in higher nurse workloads. In addition, understaffing can lead to less time with patients and a more stressful work environment.

3. Rural and Remote Practice

Nurses in rural and remote areas may need more access to resources, professional development opportunities, and social support networks. Moreover, while offering a unique experience, rural nursing can present logistical challenges.

While nursing presents challenges, such as demanding workloads and staffing shortages, the rewards of making a tangible difference in patients’ lives. The diverse patient population and the opportunity to work in Australia with a world-class healthcare system can be fulfilling. Just like with every healthcare system in the world, there are challenges and rewards. Weighing the pros and cons can significantly help us adjust to the ever-evolving healthcare industry. 

Start Your Work in Australia 

Pursuing a nursing career in Australia proves to be rewarding. It is high-paying and has benefits beyond average, but the country also opens many opportunities. Moreover, working in Australia gives you desirable advantages. In addition, it allows you to maximize your skills and expertise and develop your career in the long run.

Ready to take that leap and pursue your career in Australia? Fortunately, we at IPASS have your back! IPASS Processing offers its service to nurses who wish to apply for the NCLEX in Australia. We ensure we provide and deliver you a smooth and hassle-free NCLEX application. For more inquiries, contact us now!

Disclaimer: IPASS Processing is not a recruitment agency. We do not hire or deploy medical professionals abroad. IPASS Processing is a processing agency that provides license exam application assistance in the United States, the Middle East, and Australia.