In October 2023, I did something I never imagined I’d do in my twenties—I gave up my flat, hugged my loved ones goodbye, and jumped on a one-way flight to Australia. I knew I was in for a wild ride, but nothing prepared me for how disorienting, thrilling, exhausting, and beautiful it would all be.
I’m a 26-year-old paediatric nurse from Somerset, England. I studied a few hours from home and thought I understood long distance. I’d lived away from my hometown, hadn’t I? I had friends all over the UK—what’s another 10,000 miles?
Turns out, it’s a lot.
Australia might technically speak the same language, but culturally and geographically, it’s a world apart. Suddenly I had two lives: one in the UK, with friends who’d never even seen Australia outside of a David Attenborough documentary, and one in this sunburnt country, with mates who don’t know where Somerset is on a map but feel like family.
This is the story of how I got here—from NHS wards in Cardiff to treating patients on red-dirt runways in remote Australia. I’ve cried, I’ve laughed, I’ve panicked, and I’ve felt completely at home. If you’re a UK nurse considering the move, I hope this helps you feel a little less alone.
Why I Swapped the NHS for Life Down Under
Before Australia, I’d worked across both the English and Welsh healthcare systems. My full-time job was in Cardiff, on the paediatric oncology and haematology ward, but I also took on agency shifts in places like Hereford, Bristol and Yeovil.
The experience was incredible, but also incredibly draining. I was fresh out of university, caring for the bravest kids you can imagine—tiny warriors going through battles far bigger than them. I gave everything I had to that job, but slowly, I found myself burning out.
And not because I didn’t love the work—I did—but because I couldn’t afford to live. I was working full-time and still couldn’t pay for a one-bed flat on my own. The emotional toll of the job, combined with financial stress, made every shift heavier.
Then, a close friend suggested we visit Australia. I was newly single, my rent was choking me, and my mental health was crumbling. I said the words half-jokingly at the time: “What if I just moved there?” But the seed was planted.
Spoiler alert—I did it.
The AHPRA Gauntlet: Slow, Stressful, But Doable
If you’ve done even the lightest research into nursing in Australia, you’ve probably heard of AHPRA—the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. It’s the governing body for registration, and let me just say this: it is not for the faint-hearted.
I started my AHPRA journey in April 2023 and didn’t get my in-principle approval until September. Five months might not seem long, but when you’re jobless, houseless, and stuck in limbo—it drags. And in my case, it was made worse by a hiccup with document certification. A solicitor I trusted turned out not to be authorised to certify international documents. Cue a meltdown, followed by a more expensive notary, and a lot of emailing.
Would I do it again? Yes. But I’d start earlier, double-check every name on every piece of paper, and join as many support forums as I could. Reddit, Facebook groups, blogs—they’re full of advice if you know where to look. And AHPRA themselves? Actually really kind and helpful, once you get through the queue.
First Stop: Sydney Shock (Yes, It Gets Cold Here)
I landed in Sydney and did what every tourist does—I raced to the Opera House. It was raining. And freezing. I thought I’d made a huge mistake. I honestly believed Australia was hot 24/7. (It’s not.)
I gave myself a few days to settle in and expected job offers to roll in straight away. Instead, I waited. And waited. I had planned two east coast trips, but I was burning through my savings and the anxiety crept in. Eventually, I picked up two jobs, but the cost of living in Sydney was beyond what I’d prepared for.
My boyfriend and I split rent, but we were still paying $900 a week for a one-bed flat. Not sustainable. By January, I found a new agency and was offered a contract in rural Australia.
I hesitated. But I knew I needed a reset—and this was it.
Rural Nursing: Where Everything Changed
Our flight to the outback was surreal. I looked out the window and saw nothing but endless red dirt. It felt like another planet. My boyfriend and I told ourselves we’d stick it out for three months, save money, and move on.
We stayed for seven.
And then we went back again.
Rural nursing isn’t easy. The resources are limited. The shifts are long. The isolation can be intense. But the work? The people? The experience? Unmatched.
I learned more in those seven months than I had in my entire first year of nursing. You get more responsibility, a broader scope of practice, and a deeper connection with your team. I worked alongside some of the most educated, compassionate nurses I’ve ever met. They answered every question, supported every wobble, and welcomed me like family.
I treated conditions I’d never seen before, helped patients with minimal supplies, and grew in ways I didn’t know I needed to.
To every international nurse reading this: rural placements might feel intimidating, but they are worth their weight in gold. Even if it’s just for a few weeks—try it. You might surprise yourself.
For UK Nurses and Midwives Thinking About the Move
Here’s the part I wish someone had handed to me at the start. Let’s call them survival tips:
1. Start paperwork early
The AHPRA application, police checks, visa paperwork—all of it takes longer than you think. Start yesterday.
2. Be ready for curveballs
Even if you do everything right, things might go wrong. Be flexible and patient. It will come together. Eventually.
3. Join communities online
There are loads of free Facebook groups, Reddit forums, and blogs (like mine!) offering advice, housing tips, job leads, and moral support. Get involved.
4. Learn the lingo
Australian clinical terms differ from the UK. Even medication names change. Don’t be afraid to ask questions—Aussie nurses are some of the kindest people I’ve met.
5. Give yourself grace
You’re not just changing jobs. You’re changing your whole life. You’ll make mistakes. That’s okay. Cry if you need to. Eat chocolate. Then get back up and keep going.
What’s Next? Honestly, Who Knows?
Right now, I’m back in the UK. I’ve just met my beautiful newborn nephew, and my brother is getting married in May. After that, I’m heading back to Australia.
I don’t have a house lined up. Or a job. Or even a solid plan. And weirdly—that excites me.
Over the past year, my partner and I saved hard and lived simply. That allowed us to spend time exploring Egypt, Thailand, Vietnam, and now the UK. I’ve never felt freer.
I’m still floating, figuring things out. And I’m okay with that. As Michael John Bobak said: “All progress takes place outside the comfort zone.”
To the UK nurse sitting at home wondering, “Could I do this?” I say: Yes. You can. And if you try, you might find a new version of nursing—and a new version of yourself—that makes it all worth it.
We’re out here rooting for you. You’ve got this.
As always,
Thank you so much for reading,
All the best,
Emily the UK Nurse Down Under
xxx
Contact details:
@emilytheuknursedownunder (📸Instagram)
@emilytheuknursedownunder (🎥TikTok)
emilytheuknursedownunder@gmail.com (✉️Mail)
UK Nurse in Aus 