Now that you’ve finished that nursing degree, have you asked yourself what happens next? First, ponder on the hard work you’ve poured into graduating with your degree. You deserve a tap on your back for that job very well done.
As finishing any degree, a nursing degree is also a taxing yet rewarding process especially if you have a heart to it. After finally conquering that huge step, take another leap as we share with you some guidelines on what to do to finally become the nurse you have always wanted to be – starting with the application for registration to practice nursing. For your reference, the context in this guideline would mainly circulate in Australia.
Before you Apply for Registration to Practice Nursing
The following critical information about immigration to Australia, as well as registration and employment as a nurse or midwife in Australia, is crucial to examine if you are an internationally qualified nurse or midwife (IQNM) and are interested in working in Australia.
You must apply to and be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) to work as a nurse or midwife in Australia. Additionally, you might have to apply for a visa from the Australian Department of Home Affairs. These two application processes are distinct from one another, and success in one does not imply success in the other.
You must do the Self-check before applying for registration if you are an internationally qualified nurse or midwife (IQNM) who intends to practice in Australia. Each IQNM applicant will be assigned to a ‘Stream’ after completing the Self-check, depending on which qualification evaluation criteria the IQNM’s qualifications meet.
All internationally qualified nurses and midwives (IQNMs) must complete an orientation to the Australian healthcare system to register and work as registered nurses, enrolled nurses, or midwives in Australia. The orientation is divided into two halves. Orientation Before registering, Part 1 must be finished, and Part 2 must be finished after registering.
Ahpra verifies the information supplied by candidates during the Self-check at the Portfolio stage. Candidates must now submit extra personal and contact data, as well as proof of identification and certification.
Apply for Registration to Practice Nursing
All nurses must submit an application for registration to practice through the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia after receiving their nursing degrees.
To succeed, all nurses must fulfill the NMBA’s mandated registration requirements. Every year, registration is updated.
Foreign nurses with the necessary qualifications and a current working visa may also apply to the NMBA for registration. Before receiving a job offer, you need to register. It is best to have at least two years of nursing experience in your own country before applying for sponsorship.
Choose your Desired Nursing Career
There are various nursing career opportunities that you can land after finishing your nursing degree. Here are the seven nursing career opportunities according to an article in International Education Specialist:
- Nurse Researcher
Nurse researchers carry out nursing-related research at clinics, hospitals, and research facilities. They gather and analyze data, as well as design and plan their investigations. After that, these findings are documented and published. The information gathered is highly sought after and is utilized to both save lives and facilitate the work of other medical specialists.
- Registered Nurses (Mental Health)
Registered nurses with extensive training in mental health disorders are capable of working both independently and collaboratively to identify and treat mental health conditions. Additionally, they are capable of making diagnoses, directing and interpreting diagnostic testing, initiating referrals to other medical professionals, prescribing the proper drugs, and offering counseling and psychotherapy. Registered nurses in the field of mental health can operate in a variety of settings, including public, private, community, and primary healthcare.
- Registered Midwives
Registered Midwives are licensed healthcare practitioners with the necessary training to practice midwifery. They assist women by providing essential care, support, and guidance throughout pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the immediate postpartum period. They are skilled in giving delivery and can handle any challenging situation, including obtaining medical help when necessary. In the absence of medical assistance, they can also start emergency operations and take care of a newborn child. Registered midwives give health advice and educate women, their families, and the community.
- Registered Nurses (Anaesthetic)
Registered Nurses (Anaesthetic) are mainly responsible for administering anesthesia before a surgical procedure. They also take care of a patient’s healthcare needs before they receive the anesthesia. This includes discussing the possible effects of anesthesia on the patient, observing the patient’s vital signs during the operation, and managing the patient’s recovery from the anesthesia.
Registered Nurses (Anaesthetic) work alongside surgeons, dentists, doctors, and other healthcare professionals to ensure the safe administration of anesthesia to a patient.
- Registered Nurses (Paediatrics)
The technical knowledge and specialized skills required to care for newborns, babies, and children in a variety of clinical settings, such as intensive care units and special care nurseries, are provided by Registered Nurses (Pediatrics). Additionally, they administer interventions, treatments, and therapies including drugs, as well as keep track of patients’ responses to such therapies and care plans.
- Registered Nurses (Surgical)
Registered Nurses (Surgical) offer nursing care to patients who have illnesses and injuries that need surgery.
- Registered Nurses (Disability and Rehabilitation)
In addition to helping and facilitating patients with impairments to live more independently, registered nurses (disability and rehabilitation) also give nursing care to patients recuperating from disease and injury.
Those who wish to practice nursing can choose through these various nursing opportunities that suit their preferences in helping others. Unlock your full potential as you choose your passion.
On smoothly becoming an AuRN through AuRNPathway!
These rigid processes may entail pressure on the aspirant who just finished the nursing degree. Even with these guidelines, IQMN or aspiring nurses may still get lost along the way. That is why, AuRNPathway is founded to help you in this long and winding journey.
AuRNPathway will be with you in your journey from start to finish – from enrolment to employment. Enroll with us. Pass the NCLEX and OSCE. Be work-ready with our work sponsorships! Nothing can get any complicated when you take your journey to your AuRN dream through AuRNPathway. We can’t wait to see you here!
