Currently there is a huge shortage of nurses in Australia. Becoming a Registered Nurse gives you the opportunity to work in a wide range of environments and become part of a team of people dedicated to looking after others at what may be a critical time in their lives. Not only can the work be challenging, involving as it does people who are not only physically ill but may also be mentally incapacitated, it can also be very rewarding financially. A Registered Nurse is not only welcomed in Australia but in most other countries of the world.

Become a Registered Nurse.

In order to become a Registered Nurse you will need to complete a Bachelor of Nursing course at a recognised university. A number of universities in NSW offer these courses which are three years full time or the part time equivalent.

To apply for a course you have to have completed your HSC (High School Certificate) with the required subjects which are usually

Mathematics, English and at least one science subject. You also need an appropriate Australian Tertiary Admission Rank or its equivalent.

Nursing specialties.

Nursing programs leading to registration include a wide variety of both clinical and theoretical subjects. You will work in operating theatres, paediatric wards, medical and surgical wards, emergency departments, aged care facilities, mental health units, rehabilitation, and Aboriginal and community health environments. You will encounter a wide range of clinical areas and be able to discover which particular area you like the best

Some of your nursing training will take place in high-tech simulation laboratories where you will practice your skills on simulation mannequins under the watchful eye of your tutors.

Australian Health Practitioner Regulation agency.

Once you have graduated as an RN you will need to register with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency).  In order to continue practising in Australia you need to renew your registration annually.

Nursing agency jobs.

Once you have become a Registered Nurse you will find that the world is your oyster. There are a number of nursing agencies in Sydney who always have a variety of nursing jobs available. So you could work in paediatrics, care homes or medical and surgical wards and with other professionals such as doctors, paramedics, pharmacists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and so on.

Not only is the work of a Registered Nurse rewarding in itself, but the financial rewards can be very worthwhile also.