I think you can tell by now – I love Australia and I’m glad I made the move, but surely you’re thinking – that’s just one person’s experience right? Well… I wanted to show that I’m not alone. You may have doubts (which are completely understandable!) but if you’re debating the move and you want more reassurance, this piece might just be the answer for you!
I’m not saying that Australia will solve all your problems, I’m just hoping to encourage those who are debating it to take the risk. You can always come back. ☺️☺️
So here’s over to James (thank you so so much for writing this!) all from his own words💓
Coming to Australia was a dream I’ve had since a young age, I feel that the American dream changed to the Australian dream, but the question was always how was I going to get there?
I always enjoyed schooled, and knew I wanted to go to university, with the ultimate goal of using my degree to get to Australia. But when it came to applying to university, I hit a wall on what to study. I went to my head of year and careers advisor with the following criteria:
- A degree and that it would get me a job at the end of it
- A career that you’re always learning – as I enjoyed learning
- Mostly importantly, a degree/job that allowed me to travel/get to aus
Their suggestion was nursing
After some research and thought, I decided to pursue a career in children’s nursing. I applied, was accepted and trained from 2018-2021, which was the best decision I made.
After qualifying, I worked for the NHS for nearly three years, building my experience and confidence. Just after the two year mark, the motivation to come to Australia begun to grow. Working with Emily back home ad hochly, we begun chatting about Australia as she’d already begun her journey into leaving and coming over. Fast forward 8 months later, and having watched Emily live her life down under and chatting to her about nursing overseas added to my decision to give it a go.
While I was doing my initial research on coming to Australia, it felt like a confusing maze. I reached out to Emily for advice, and she was incredible. She offered clear and helpful guidance that turned the maze into simple steps. Thanks to her help, I applied for my WHV, and then AHPRA registration. She’d already been through the process so already knew what I should expect.
Emily also helped me navigate through the job landscape in Australia for children’s nursing, nurses are trained as general nurses in Australia – since we are children’s nurses trained we can only work within our scope of practice. With information Emily gave me, I found a job that suited me.
Fast forward, I arrived in Australia and started my new life. Having took much needed five month break before arriving, the transition back into nursing was not as difficult as I thought.
Nursing in Australia isn’t as drastically as different compared to the NHS. I’d say one of the main differences is how you’d carry out a certain intervention/procedure. Even back home different trusts had different policies – all driven with evidence and rationale. One other would be terminology, back home we’d call a IV extension an “octopus”, while here they’re called a “chooks”, which makes more sense but took me a while to figure out.
Since moving here, my lifestyle has improved. There are ups and downs, but it’s what you make of it. Moving across the world alone, into the unknown, has forced me to grow, step outside my comfort zone and to build the life that I dreamed of. If you don’t, you’re only holding yourself back.
One last thing, I landed in Australia in the summer. Spending Christmas Day in 30 odd degree weather and on the beach was wild and surreal. I wasn’t sure at first, but being surrounded by new people who I now can call my friends made it unforgettable and I can’t wait to do it again.
If you have that itch, whether it is to come down under or even move to a different city. I highly recommend it!
And finally, a huge thank you to Emily for all advice and encouragement during my decision and transition. You were a star!
Ps. Also how amazing is that that we can wear fun scrubs…
Photos are from Esperance, WA.
UK Nurse in Aus 