Thinking about a career in nursing? You’re in the right place. At Healthcare Australia (HCA), we connect qualified nurses to jobs all over the country, from busy city hospitals to rural and remote health services. We also support international nurses who want to make Australia their home.
Whether you’re just starting your studies or ready to enter the workforce, this guide walks you through how to become a registered nurse in Australia. We’ll cover qualifications, registration, salaries, job types and how we can help you find work across the country.
How to work as a registered nurse
Working with HCA means you can explore various environments through agency placements. You choose where and when you work, and we handle the logistics and provide ongoing support.
Step 1: Complete your nursing degree
To work as an RN, you need a Bachelor of Nursing from an accredited Australian university.
If you’ve already trained overseas, your qualifications will need to be assessed. Depending on your experience and country of origin, you may need to complete a bridging program or conversion course.
Step 2: Register with AHPRA
All RNs in Australia must register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Registration allows you to work as a nurse in any state or territory legally.
You’ll need to provide:
- Proof of your nursing degree or equivalent
- Evidence of English language proficiency (IELTS or OET)
- Criminal history and identity documents
- A current CV
Completing your registration can take several weeks, so it’s best to start early.
Step 3: Join Healthcare Australia
Once you’re registered, we help you get working. When you register with HCA, we’ll assign a dedicated consultant who will find job opportunities that match your skills, location preferences and availability. We verify your documents, help you create a work profile and connect you with healthcare providers across our national network.
Registered nurses (RNs) play a central role in Australia’s healthcare system. Working closely with doctors and allied health teams, RNs help coordinate treatment across a range of settings. They can be employed in public and private hospitals, aged care facilities, GP clinics, mental health services and remote health centres across Australia.
Your responsibilities may vary depending on where you work. Common registered nurse job responsibilities include administering medication, tracking patient progress, updating care plans, assisting in procedures and organising discharges.
The RN nurse’s salary in Australia averages around $92,603 per year, but actual pay can vary depending on your experience, location and where you work. For example, registered nurse wages in QLD are around $81,000 annually, while the registered nurse wage in NSW is a bit higher at approximately $86,000.
How to work as a registered nurse
Working with HCA means you can explore various environments through agency placements. You choose where and when you work, and we handle the logistics and provide ongoing support.
Step 1: Complete your nursing degree
To work as an RN, you need a Bachelor of Nursing from an accredited Australian university.
If you’ve already trained overseas, your qualifications will need to be assessed. Depending on your experience and country of origin, you may need to complete a bridging program or conversion course.
Step 2: Register with AHPRA
All RNs in Australia must register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Registration allows you to work as a nurse in any state or territory legally.
You’ll need to provide:
- Proof of your nursing degree or equivalent
- Evidence of English language proficiency (IELTS or OET)
- Criminal history and identity documents
- A current CV
Completing your registration can take several weeks, so it’s best to start early.
Step 3: Join Healthcare Australia
Once you’re registered, we help you get working. When you register with HCA, we’ll assign a dedicated consultant who will find job opportunities that match your skills, location preferences and availability. We verify your documents, help you create a work profile and connect you with healthcare providers across our national network.
What factors affect a registered nurse’s salary?
The average salary of a registered nurse in Australia can vary based on several factors.
- Experience — Senior nurses or those with postgraduate qualifications may earn more.
- Specialty — Skills in emergency, intensive care or mental health are in high demand.
- Sector — Pay structures vary between public and private health systems.
- Location — Remote and regional placements tend to offer higher pay.
- Shift types — Night shifts and weekend shifts tend to pay more.
Why work with us
We offer more than just shifts. HCA nurses get:
- Competitive agency pay rates
- Access to salary packaging
- Paid CPD training and education support
- Free uniforms
- Travel and accommodation support for rural contracts
- Flexible work across our national network
Support for international nurses
If you’re a qualified nurse from overseas, we can help you start work in Australia. We work with nurses from the UK, Ireland, South Africa, the Philippines, India and many other countries.
You may be eligible for one of these visa types in seeking a nursing role in Australia:
- TSS 482 Visa (Temporary Skill Shortage) — Employer-sponsored, allows up to 4 years
- Working Holiday Visa — Great for short-term work if you’re under 35 and from an eligible country
- Skilled Migration Visas (GSM, ENS) — For long-term or permanent work options
What we help with:
- AHPRA registration guidance
- Visa sponsorship (where eligible)
- Paperwork and job matching
- Relocation advice and support
- Orientation and onboarding
Build a standout application
Your resume and cover letter are often your first impression. We help you make it count.
Writing your registered nurse cover letter
Your cover letter should:
- Be short and to the point
- Introduce yourself and your career goals
- Include a real example of your nursing experience
- Mention availability and preferred locations
Building your registered nurse resume
A strong registered nurse resume includes:
- Your education and nursing degree
- Your AHPRA registration number
- Clinical placements or previous experience
- Certifications (BLS, ALS, etc.)
- Skills, languages and availability
- Locations you’re open to working in
We can help you improve your resume to suit your desired roles. Our recruiters know what employers look for and will guide you through the process.
Why choose HCA
We’ve been placing nurses for nearly 50 years, and healthcare facilities across Australia trust us. No matter your level of experience, we’ll help you find work that suits your goals, whether that’s as an RN, a travel nurse or a midwife.
You’ll get:
- One-on-one support from our recruitment team
- Exclusive access to hundreds of RN roles
- Flexible shifts or long-term contracts
- Support for travel and relocation
- Help with resumes, cover letters and onboarding
Start your journey today
Now that you know how to become a registered nurse, take the next step. Join HCA, and we’ll help you find your first (or next) role in Australia. Whether you’re chasing flexibility, higher pay or career growth, we’re here to make it happen. Sign up today, and let’s get started.
