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Registered Nurse Jobs in Australia

Discover Your Purpose as a Registered Nurse

 

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.

 

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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

 

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:

Feature Aged Care Nursing Hospital & Clinic Nursing
Work Environment Residential care homes Hospitals, clinics, acute care units
Responsibilities Care of elderly patients, management of medication, care of chronic conditions Emergency treatment, surgery support, ICU, specialized therapies
Pace of Work Consistent, long-term care emphasis High-speed, diverse patient needs
Career Growth Specialize in geriatric care, aged care management ICU, ER, surgical, or specialized nursing positions

Registered Nurse Salary in Australia

The salary of a registered nurse in Australia varies by experience, location, and healthcare setting.

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!

nursing career with Hopstep

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.
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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?

Yes. Hopstep connects international nurses with registered nurse aged care jobs and hospital positions in Australia. Meeting AHPRA registration requirements is essential.

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?

Yes. Many aged care facilities sponsor registered nurse jobs in Melbourne aged care under the TSS visa program. Hopstep helps connect nurses with these opportunities.

How long does it take to get a visa for RN aged care jobs?

Processing times vary. Employer-sponsored aged care RN jobs (Subclass 482 visa) typically take 1-4 months, while permanent residency visas may take 6-12 months.

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?

Yes. Nurses working weekends, night shifts, and public holidays receive penalty rates and overtime pay.

What are the working hours for RN jobs in aged care?

Full-time aged care nurse jobs typically involve morning, evening, and night shifts, with part-time and casual options available.

Do aged care nurses in Australia get annual leave and benefits?

Yes. Full-time nurses receive four weeks of paid annual leave, superannuation contributions, and sick leave 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
Are RN jobs in aged care in Melbourne in demand?

Yes. RN jobs in aged care Melbourne are highly sought after due to Australia’s aging population. Hopstep connects nurses with RN aged care jobs in Melbourne in top healthcare facilities.

Is there a high demand for aged care registered nurse jobs in Australia?

Yes. The demand for registered nurse aged care jobs continues to grow, with aged care listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List.

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