What is an Assistant in Nursing (AIN)?

An Assistant in Nursing, or AIN, supports the care of patients under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Enrolled Nurse (EN). AINs provide hands-on assistance to people in hospitals, aged care homes, community settings or disability support environments.

Key responsibilities include:

• Helping with bathing, dressing and hygiene
• Assisting with mobility, transfers and exercise
• Serving meals and supporting dietary needs
• Supporting toileting and continence care
• Monitoring general well-being and reporting changes

HCA has consistent demand for AINs through our staffing networks. Whether you’re looking for full-time work or flexible shifts to fit around study or family life, we can help you get started quickly.

How to become an Assistant in Nursing in Australia

Starting a career as an Assistant in Nursing is a practical and accessible way to enter the healthcare sector. With the right training, you can begin supporting patients across aged care, hospitals or home care settings in a matter of months.

Step 1: Complete relevant training

Most AINs start by completing a Certificate III in Individual Support, specialising in Aged Care, Disability or Home and Community Care. This course includes a mix of classroom learning and supervised placement in a care setting. It usually takes 6 to 12 months.

An alternative pathway is through partial completion of a Diploma or Bachelor of Nursing. First-year nursing students are often eligible for AIN roles, especially if they have completed core clinical subjects and placement.

Step 2: Meet employment requirements

To work as an AIN, you’ll also need to meet several compliance requirements. These may include:

• A current National Police Check
• A valid Working With Children Check (WWCC) if you support younger clients
• Immunisation records as per the workplace or health department policy
• A First Aid Certificate and CPR accreditation

Training providers and recruiters like HCA will often guide you through gathering the right documents.

Step 3: Register with Healthcare Australia

Once you’re qualified and compliant, registering with HCA is fast and simple. We help AINs find both casual and permanent roles, including:

• Aged care shifts in residential facilities
• Acute care shifts in public/private hospitals
• Disability support work in home or community settings

HCA’s onboarding team helps with document collection, shift setup and availability preferences. You choose when and where you work.

International applicants and visa info

Australia welcomes international workers in many healthcare support roles, including AIN positions. If you’re a student or visa holder looking to gain experience while living in Australia, here’s what you need to know about eligibility and how HCA can help.

Working as an AIN on a visa

International students or Working Holiday Visa holders may be eligible to work in AIN roles, depending on their visa conditions and training.

However, keep in mind that AIN roles are not typically included on Australia’s skilled migration lists. If you are planning a long-term relocation or permanent residency, a career path into Registered Nursing or Midwifery may be more suitable.

What you need

If you’re an international applicant, you’ll need:

• Valid visa with work rights
• Completion of a Certificate III equivalent qualification in Australia or partial nursing studies
• Police checks and immunisation records

How HCA supports international AINs

Our team regularly supports visa holders with:

• Job placements while studying or travelling
• Document guidance and onboarding support
• Access to roles that suit your location and availability

We understand the unique needs of international staff and help you make the most of your experience in Australia.

Resume and cover letter tips

A clear, confident application can help you land your first AIN job faster. Here’s what to include:

AIN cover letter

Keep it friendly, professional and simple. Show that you are reliable, care about helping others and are comfortable working in a team. Mention:

• Your training or course progress
• Any placement or volunteer experience
• Your availability and flexibility

AIN resume structure

• Contact details
• Qualifications and current study (if applicable)
• Placement or work history
• Skills (e.g. communication, infection control, patient care)
• Referees

Make sure your resume is up-to-date, error-free and easy to read. If you’re unsure how to format it, our HCA recruiters can assist.

Start your AIN career with HCA

Now that you know how to become an AIN, the next step is getting matched with the right role. HCA has opportunities for Assistant in Nursing positions across hospitals, aged care, home care and disability support. Whether you’re new to healthcare or already studying nursing, we make it easy to gain experience, earn a reliable income and build a meaningful career. Start your job search with Healthcare Australia today and explore flexible AIN roles that work for you.

Personal Care & Assistant in Nursing Jobs (AIN Jobs)

As an Assistant in Nursing (AIN) or Personal Care Assistant (PCA), you have a range of agencies and full-time and part-time opportunities.

When you join Australia’s leading healthcare recruitment provider, we offer you the best opportunities across Australia’s top Public and Private facilities. No matter what your level of experience or capacity to work is, we have shifts available right now in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and all metropolitan areas, satellite cities and regional hubs.

Search our latest roles for AINs and PCAs and register your interest below, and we’ll deliver you a broader range of opportunities, even jobs that aren’t advertised.