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The first thing to organise before you start your journey to becoming a nurse in Oz is your nursing REGISTRATION. This is a nightmare for most nurses and I’m sure you will read about the horror stories on the internet...but here is my quick and easy guide to getting your registration in Australia ASAP!
First things first is the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) website! All the information you will need on registering in Australia is on here: https://www.ahpra.gov.au/
My blog is purely a guide from my experience but it should contain some helpful tips!
My first step in the whole process was registering with the nursing agency Healthcare Australia. I simply gave them a ring, told them I wanted to nurse in Oz and they guided me through the whole process right to the point that I was working with them in Sydney. They are always happy to give any kind of advice on visas, work and most importantly your AHPRA registration. See their website here: https://www.healthcareaustralia.com.au/
Go the AHPRA website.
Download the application form for overseas nurses applying for registration in Australia.
Take time to ensure your application is 100% complete as the time frame for processing once it has reached their office is three months (that’s assuming they don’t require any extra information).
Once processed you will receive your ‘AHPRA Eligibility/ In Principle’ letter, you then have one year to reach an Oz AHPRA office with your required documents.
Certifying documents: AHPRA will need copies NOT ORIGINALS of documents, for example; identification documents, qualification certificates. (All listed in the application). These will need to be certified properly and according to the AHPRA guidelines. I used the Australian Embassy in London for certification. However there are many other forms of certification, all listed on the website.
You need to attach a full Curriculum Vitae to your application, here is a suggested template !note the strict CV guidelines!: https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Registration-Process/Standard-Format-for-Curriculum-Vitae.aspx. Tip: You must sign and date each page and include the declaration stated on the website...without this they will send you application back!
Statements of service from ALL your employers for last 5 years. Just to confirm how long and when you worked for them. Suggested template: http://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/Registration-and-Endorsement/Audit.aspx
Statement of Good Standing: This is a document provided by your registering body. For us UK nurses, the NMC provide a verification certificate reporting that you are registered with them and this is sent directly to AHPRA. You can find it here: https://www.nmc.org.uk/registration/working-outside-the-uk/working-outside-the-eu/
Before you submit your AHPRA application, you need to FIRST apply for an International Criminal Record Check. You must used the approved link, once you have the result (hopefully clear), you will need to provide the reference number within the application. Apply here: https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Registration-Process/Criminal-history-checks/International-Criminal-History.aspx
Professional Indemnity: You will need to declare that you will not practice in Oz unless you have obtained indemnity insurance. Fortunately the Healthcare Australia nursing agency provides cover for professional indemnity for their employees!
Good luck! Feel free to email me with any further questions!
Healthcare Australia Team Party