Are you after a career that allows you to make a positive mark on someone’s life? Nursing could be a great fit for you. Here are some reasons why you should consider pursuing nursing and start your journey towards a successful career.

Exploring a pathway to permanent residency after nursing

You'll be happy to know that the following occupations are in Australia's skilled occupation list, and thus provides an avenue you could explore to gain permanent residency in Australia. 

The Government is encouraging skilled workers to move to regional areas to fill the skill shortage gap. It's advantageous to study in a regional area, for a couple of reasons

• On the points-based system, you would benefit from an additional 5 points by studying in a regional area
• Regional visas have priority processing
• If you gain work in a specified DAMA regional area, you would be exempt from the minimum salary required ($53,900) on the new 494 and 491 visas

What is DAMA? It’s a formal agreement between the government and the regional authority to boost skilled workers in specified regional areas. The benefit of working in a DAMA region is that you don’t need to comply with the minimum annual salary of $53,900 (known as the TSMIT - Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold), which makes it slightly easier to apply for the pathway to permanent residency. Under DAMA, you need to be sponsored by the regional area.

Why study nursing?

Contribute and make a difference

It’s a great feeling to make a difference to someone’s life. Nurses help people improve lives, give comfort and provide better disease outcomes.

Flexible

Nursing skills are transferable. You can move anywhere in the world and work in a variety of sectors. From the front lines in trauma care to working in public health or in a community health setting, you can choose from many specialty areas.

Nursing Job Working Hours 

Nursing offers you flexible working arrangements. Days, evenings, nights, weekends, full-time or part-time, your hours are adaptable and can vary from 4 – 12 hours.  

Stimulating work

There’s really no such thing as a typical day in the eventful life of a nurse. You’ll have numerous opportunities to learn something new every day, keeping you on your toes and motivated. Good news is you’ll not be sitting down all day, staring at a computer.

Nursing demand In Australia

Nurses will always be in demand. As the world’s population continues to grow, the shortage of skills in nursing are likely to increase even further over the next 10-15 years. The elderly population is also living longer than ever before which in turn increases the need for skilled nurses to improve patient satisfaction, enhance the quality of life and provide higher standards of care, especially in rural and remote areas.

Age is nothing but a number

It’s never too late to become a nurse. It can be a second career and many employers appreciate previous work experience in nurses who are new to the job. There are many fast track courses that allow you to accelerate your way into the workforce as an Enrolled Nurse.

Leadership and collaborative partnership opportunities in nursing

Nurses are offered many chances to team up and work with other healthcare professionals. They also get the opportunity to lead teams and organise patient’s care - planning, evaluating and implementing programs. It’s an ideal career option for those who prefer a job that provides a lot of independence, collaborative and leadership opportunities.

Countless specialties in nursing

Nurses can rotate through fields that interest them or specialize in one area. From paediatric to maternity, you’ll have a variety of specialties to choose from. If you’re seeking new experiences, you can also consider becoming a travel nurse, school nurse, camp nurse, military nurse, public health nurse and pursue unique job opportunities. If you’re not sure what area is a right fit for you, making a switch is simple once you get your nursing degree.

Why study nursing in Australia?

Australian universities are globally recognized for their courses in teaching nursing. Did you know that Australia has been identified as having 11 of the world’s top 50 institutions that teach nursing for 2019 by the QS World University Rankings. Healthcare is one of Australia's fastest growing employment sectors and the demand for healthcare services will continue to increase, given Australia's aging population. It's no surprise that nursing is highly sought after because it offers a stable and rewarding profession. Nurses experience a strong job satisfaction from the help they provide patients.

The fields of study in nursing are diverse with nurses helping patients through the more difficult times of their lives. Skills needed are compassion, good communication, as well as the theoretical and medical practical knowledge. The benefit of studying nursing is that you can work in Australia and other parts of the world easily.

Upon completing your degree in nursing, you can join the AHPRA, the professional body for nursing in Australia. The benefits of joining such an organization are the opportunity to network with other professionals and job opportunities. Furthermore, you receive the recognition of the qualification in your field and can continuously develop your skills and knowledge.