Registered Nurse Jobs in Australia
Sign Up In 60 Seconds
Registered Nurses (RNs) are at the heart of Australia’s healthcare and aged care systems — providing expert, compassionate care across hospitals, community centres, and aged care facilities.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to take your next step, a nursing career offers incredible opportunities for growth, flexibility, and meaningful impact.
Why Work as a Registered Nurse in Australia?
Diverse Career Options: Choose from a variety of settings like aged care, hospitals, or community healthcare, allowing you to find the environment that suits you best.
Meaningful Work: Make a direct impact on people’s lives through patient care, medication management, and providing specialized treatments.
preferred location, all in real-time. Get notified the moment a
Job Stability and Demand: Nursing is a highly respected and in-demand profession in Australia, ensuring long-term job security.
Career Advancement: Opportunities to specialize in areas like pediatrics, emergency care, or mental health, plus pathways to leadership roles, can help you grow and advance your career.
What Does a Registered Nurse Do?
A registered nurse (RN) is an important part of the healthcare system, directly providing patient care, coordinating treatment plans, and delivering high-quality medical assistance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Monitoring and evaluating patient conditions
- Delivering medications and treatments
- Working with doctors and other healthcare professionals
- Informing patients and families about healthcare plans
- Organizing medical records and maintaining patient safety
Aged Care vs. Hospital Nursing: Choosing Your Path
Feature
Aged Care Nursing
Hospital & Clinic Nursing
Registered nurses can practice in various environments, such as aged care homes and hospitals. Here’s a comparison to assist you in making a decision:
Registered Nurse Salary in Australia
Average Salary Ranges:
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): $65,000 – $75,000 per year
- Mid-Level (3-7 years): $75,000 – $90,000 per year
- Experienced (8+ years): $90,000 – $110,000+ per year
Salary by Work Setting:
- Aged Care RN: $70,000 – $85,000 per year
- Hospital/Acute Care RN: $80,000 – $100,000 per year
- Specialized Roles (ICU, ER, Surgery): $100,000+ per year
Find Your Perfect Nursing Job Today!
Take charge of your nursing career with Hopstep — the ultimate app designed to simplify your job search. Whether you’re looking for full-time, part-time, or casual work, Hopstep makes it easy to find the perfect RN role in Australia. With a swipe-to-apply feature and a user-friendly platform, you can quickly match with positions that suit your expertise, preferences, and location.
Tailored job recommendations
Explore local opportunities
Easy, secure, and hassle-free experience
Set up your profile in under a minute
“I landed a job near home in just two days. Hopstep made everything so simple!”
— Jessica, RN in Melbourne
Career Insights & Nursing Blog
Some jobs will go… this one stays
Health care will always need real people. Everywhere you look right now, there’s a headline about AI changing the way we work or taking jobs....
Physiotherapist Jobs in Aged Care
The population of Australia is aging. In the next couple of years, more than 22% of Australians will be older than 65. Faced with this demographic...
Registered Nurse Aged Care: Role, Salary & Career Opportunities in Australia
A Registered Nurse (RN) is a healthcare professional who provides and coordinates patient care, administers treatments, and offers education and...
FAQs
Eligibility & Requirements:
How do I become a registered nurse in Australia?
To work as an RN in Australia, you need a Bachelor of Nursing and registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Can I work as a nurse in Australia with overseas qualifications?
Yes. International nurses must apply for AHPRA registration and may need to complete a bridging program, such as the Outcome-Based Assessment (OBA) or the IRON Program.
Do I need additional certifications for aged care or hospital nursing?
A general RN qualification is sufficient, but specializing in aged care registered nurse jobs or hospital-based roles like ICU or surgery can improve career prospects.
Do I need an English proficiency test to work as an RN in Australia?
International applicants may need to take an IELTS, OET, PTE, or TOEFL as part of AHPRA’s registration process.
Visa & Sponsorship:
Can overseas nurses apply for aged care RN jobs through Hopstep?
What visa options are available for international nurses?
Common visa pathways include:
- Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482) – Employer-sponsored, valid for up to four years
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – Permanent residency for skilled workers
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) – Requires nomination by an Australian state/territory
Can I get employer sponsorship for RN jobs in aged care?
How long does it take to get a visa for RN agejobsd care ?
Work & Salary:
What is the average salary for aged care registered nurse jobs in Australia?
Salaries depend on experience and location:
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): $65,000 – $75,000 per year
- Mid-Level (3-7 years): $75,000 – $90,000 per year
- Experienced (8+ years): $90,000 – $110,000+ per year
- Aged Care RN Jobs: $70,000 – $85,000 per year
- RN Jobs in Aged Care Melbourne: $75,000 – $90,000 per year
Are aged care registered nurses paid overtime or shift penalties?
What are the working hours for RN jobs in aged care?
Do aged care nurses in Australia get annual leave and benefits?
Career Growth & Opportunities:
What career paths are available in aged care nursing jobs?
Nurses in aged care registered nurse jobs can specialize in:
- Geriatric Nursing – Managing chronic conditions and elderly care
- Aged Care Management – Supervising aged care teams
- Palliative Care Nursing – Providing end-of-life care and support