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Even before the COVID-19 outbreak, the demand for nurses was on the rise in the Western World. Australia is merely one of many English-speaking countries with a noticeable lack of qualified nurses, both registered and enrolled. The same demand has been growing in Canada and the UK. All the more reason for an up-and-coming worker like yourself to get involved and start seeking a career in nursing.
Of course, a nursing career isn’t something you should be actively pursuing just because it’s currently in high demand. That’s definitely a good reason, but it’s far from the only one, or even the best one. In this article, we go over the most important aspects of nursing and why it’s a worthwhile career to have, especially in the Land Down Under.
Flexibility and Overtime Work
Generally speaking, a nurse will work in shifts of differing lengths. More often than not, these can range from a standard 8-hour to a lengthy 12-hour shift. However, the amazing thing about nursing is the fact that you can have quite a flexible schedule, even as a new recruit. Not only can you pick shifts of different lengths, but you can also choose whether you will work day or night ones. We emphasize that because most new recruits believe that you have to clock in a certain number of night shifts before you can progress or even think about doing day ones.
In addition to flexible hours, you can also work overtime and have it reflected in your earnings. For example, if you work a few extra hours a day or during holidays and special events, your wages will be higher than usual. Of course, even regular nursing work is exceptionally hard, so working over the holidays can be insanely difficult. If you can, only work overtime sparingly to avoid burnout.
Job Security
With respect to job security, nursing in Australia has been in such high demand that you are extremely likely to get employed a few months after graduation. And while the current pandemic is definitely a horrific turn of events, it’s also, unintentionally, an excellent opportunity creator for potential employees in the healthcare sector. In other words, due to the increase of infection cases, both doctors and nurses are more in demand than ever before.
A nursing career isn’t something you should be actively pursuing just because it’s currently in high demand. That’s definitely a good reason, but it’s far from the only one, or even the best one.Click To TweetVariety of Different Experiences
The dynamic nature of nursing is almost unique. For instance, even regular nurses or nursing recruits can do routine jobs throughout one day and assist during an extreme event the very next day. What’s more, you are not likely to be doing a lot of sitting down. Oftentimes, you might even miss lunch due to the active workload. It’s the kind of job that will keep you on your toes, literally and figuratively.
And speaking of figuratively keeping you on your toes, we have to discuss the different careers that come with advancing as a nurse. You might transfer to a school or an airport and work in a completely different environment. In addition, some lucky nurses even get a chance to accompany people on cruises — once again, drastically different from working in a hospital. And in terms of career advancements, when you become an enrolled nurse, you are highly likely to lead a team of newcomers. It all comes with the territory.
Decent Salary Rates
A typical nursing salary in Australia is quite generous, to say the least. As a regular registered nurse, you can earn up to A$64,000, or somewhere around US$46,000. And keep in mind, that is just the average salary. Some of the top-earning nurses in the Land Down Under make well over A$140,000 a year!
Naturally, the sum you earn will depend on a number of factors. First and foremost, it will depend on the state or territory you’re in. Next, it will vary from city to city and from town to town. In addition, experienced nurses with years of work in the field will definitely outearn newcomers. Finally, each individual facility has its own rules and regulations when it comes to paying its employees. Nevertheless, one thing is for certain — no matter where you start, you can expect a salary increase if you do your job diligently.
Steady and Secure Career Growth
There are no hard and set rules when it comes to career growth in any career. But when it comes to nursing in Australia, a pattern does show, and it looks a little like this:
- Most people start as enrolled nurses
- With a Bachelor’s degree in nursing, those people become registered nurses
- A registered nurse will probably lead an entire team of nurses within a year of work
- Upon earning a postgraduate degree, a registered nurse can become an advanced nursing practitioner or a consultant
- With additional work, consultants and practitioners advance to executive directors of nursing, and later as directors of nursing
International Opportunities for Employment
As a non-native, before you can start work as a nurse in Australia, you will need to go over a few important things. But once you get everything in check, you will start work as soon as any native might. If you happen to have prior experience in the field back in your own home country, that can give you an advantage over the competition. And it goes even beyond that if you have experience in other fields related to nursing or general healthcare.
Personal Satisfaction
Imagine approaching a patient you’ve been checking on and tending to for a month or so only for them to tell you that they consider you one of their dearest friends. Alternatively, imagine someone coming across you on the streets and thanking you for tending to their friend, cousin or loved one. Nothing can compare to that feeling that envelops you at that moment. That level of satisfaction, the fact that you help save lives on a daily basis, is possibly the single most important reason to pursue a career in nursing.
Nursing in Australia: A Few Closing Words
As you can see, there are quite a number of takeaways to consider about working as a nurse in Australia. Obviously, it’s not a career one should take lightly, and it will require a lot of hard work and determination. But if you give it your all, you will not only progress professionally, but you’ll also grow as a person and be the pillar of your local community.
