Congratulations on taking the exciting step of applying for a nursing or healthcare role with Healthcare Australia (HCA)! Whether you’ve applied for an agency position, a rural and remote adventure, or another opportunity within our network, you’re closer than ever to starting your new professional journey.
Once you hit “submit” on your application, you may begin to wonder, “What happens next?” Don’t worry—we’re here to guide you through the process, ensure you’re set up for success, and help you stay prepared while waiting to hear from us.
What Happens to Your Application?
Once your CV is submitted, it is sent to the relevant state or division, such as rural and remote or a specific specialty. From there, our team of consultants carefully reviews your application.
This stage typically takes three to five business days, during which our consultants assess your qualifications, experience, and preferences to ensure the best possible match. Once your application is reviewed, you’ll receive a call to discuss next steps and finalise your onboarding process.
While waiting, there are a few important steps you can take to make sure everything moves smoothly. These steps not only help us process your application faster but also prepare you for an exciting start with HCA.
Steps to Prepare While You Wait
1. Collect Your Statement of Service
A Statement of Service is a crucial document that outlines your previous nursing or healthcare work history. This information helps us determine your classification and increment level, which can influence your pay rate.
Here’s what to do:
- Contact your previous employers’ Human Resources departments to request your statement.
- Include details such as the number of hours worked. Keep in mind that full-time workers tend to advance to higher increments more quickly than part-time or casual staff.
Getting this document early can save time when discussing your pay rate and placement options with our consultants.
2. Apply for a National Police Check (NPC)
A National Police Check is a mandatory requirement for employment with HCA. The check must have been completed within six months of your application date.
- You can apply online via services like Fit2Work.
- Keep your receipt and, remember, it’s tax deductible!
3. Prepare Your Vaccination and Serology Records
Up-to-date vaccination records are essential for healthcare roles, and the exact requirements depend on the specialty and location. Some of the nationally required vaccinations include:
- COVID-19: At least two doses are needed, with some states requiring a third dose, especially for aged care roles.
- Flu Vaccine: Proof of annual influenza vaccination is mandatory for certain positions.
- Hepatitis B: Serology showing immunity or documentation of two doses per Australian guidelines.
- Other Core Vaccinations: Evidence of vaccination or immunity for DTPa (tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis), MMR (measles/mumps/rubella), and Varicella (chickenpox).
Some additional location-specific vaccines or tests may apply, such as Hepatitis A in Western Australia or tuberculosis screening in Queensland. Gathering these records early will help avoid any delays during the onboarding process.
4. Update Your Competency Certifications
Healthcare workers often need to complete basic competencies such as:
- Basic Life Support (valid for one year).
- Manual Handling training.
- Hand Hygiene eLearning.
- If applicable to your role, completing Advanced Life Support (ALS) Levels 1 or 2 courses could also give you a head start.
5. Gather Your 100-Point ID Documentation
To meet national identity verification standards, HCA requires four forms of identification, including one document from Category A (e.g., an Australian Passport or Birth Certificate) and three from Category B (e.g., Driver’s License, Medicare Card, or Proof of Age Card). Ensure at least one document includes a photo.
6. Submit a Clear Photo for Your ID Badge
Take a professional photo of yourself to be used on your HCA ID badge.
Here are some tips:
- Ensure good lighting.
- Use a plain background.
- Avoid filters or heavy editing.
7. Apply for a Working with Children Check (If Required)
Depending on the Australian state you plan to work in, a Working with Children Check (WWCC) may be necessary, especially for roles involving younger or vulnerable patients. While not all roles require this, it’s a good idea to start the application process early if you plan to work in states like New South Wales, Victoria, or South Australia.
Each state or territory has its own application process and associated fees:
- New South Wales (valid for 5 years)
- Victoria (required for paediatrics, NICU, and related specialties)
- Western Australia (must be submitted in person)
Check the appropriate state-specific WWCC website for details, and don’t forget to keep any receipts for tax purposes.
Be Patient During the Process
You’re almost there! Once you’ve completed the recommended steps and gathered all necessary documentation, it’s just a matter of waiting for your consultant to contact you. While we understand the excitement, it’s important to remain patient as we finalise your placement details.
Your consultant will work to understand your preferences, such as location and schedule, while ensuring all compliance requirements are met. This attention to detail ensures a seamless and rewarding start to your new role.
A Journey Worth Starting
At HCA, we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way. From the moment you apply, our goal is to make the onboarding process as straightforward and transparent as possible.
By taking the steps outlined above, you’ll not only speed up the process but also feel confident and ready to start your new adventure in healthcare. Whether you’re embarking on a career in an aged care facility, hospital, or rural and remote community, the opportunities with HCA are as diverse as they are rewarding.
Are you ready for this exciting new chapter? Complete your application steps today, and we’ll be in touch soon to guide you through the next phase of your Healthcare Australia Journey!
