Karenjones

Hi Tanith, this site is awsome! So many helpful members. I came over in April ahead of my family ( Husband an engineer and 17 and 19 year old 'children' lol) They're arriving next July/August! So I have a year to work/explore and have some 'me time'. Don't regret it at all. Very nervous about the whole thing especially as I was coming over ahead because of nuring job opportunity. Everyone here was so positive, it was really reassuring

I came over in April to start a Grad position, so I'm relatively newly qualified. I can honestly say that it's been hard at times, due to differences in the way of nursing compared to UK, but I certainly can't see myself going back to working in UK and the NHS (my family is still in UK, but are following me next year). Reports from my husband over the last few months regarding what is happening in the NHS reinforces that decision! The hospital I'm working for is really pro-active and supportive of it's staff as far as I can see/so far experienced. Everyone has been really friendly and made me feel part of the team from day one. I loved my job in UK, although it was pretty stressful due to the working conditions/cutbacks implemented. But I was working with a great team. I did wonder at the time if I was doing the right thing, as I knew I was going ahead of my family and would be on my own for a while. I guess it says a lot about my job and the people I work with, as I don't think I would feel so settled as I do at present. Can honestly say I'm loving life here

Hi, I haven't been over to Perth on an Elective. I did try but the timing was all wrong and didn't work alongside their intakes for their students and Grads. However I have been very fortunate to secure a job on a Graduate Program. I was told that 180 newly qualified Australian nurses are presently unemployed, and that the criteria that they had to use because of the demand on Grad positions against what was available, was that the Nurses had to have Permanent Residency (I have this because my husband applied about 4-5 years ago under subclass 175). I was also told that they selected from 500 applicants that selected their hospital as first choice (this was the only fair way to process such a large number of applicants and follows the criteria outlined in the application) so the demand is very high at present. I do not know if this is the case for the other hospitals offering Graduate Programs, it might be worth contacting them to find out, but also seeing what type of visas they have accepted on their programs. Hope this helps, and good luck with your training.

Flying over 31/03/13, arriving 01/04/13 and then I think 'will any shops be open for food'? Better pack a few 'pot noodles' just in case!

You could try Airbnb https://www.airbnb.com/?af=1922719&c=A_TC%3D9t2zkttwtb%26G_MT%3Dp%26G_CR%3D17897542456%26G_N%3Dg%26G_K%3Dairbnb%26G_P%3D&gclid=CPSw67PjhbYCFXDKtAoda2oA7A You can rent just a room or some places have entire house

Thanks again everyone. Need to stop worrying about the little things now and start packing! 3 weeks and 2 days to go now....not that I'm counting lol

Thank you, that's helpful.

Hi, just a random question from my 'other half' and not sure what popped this one into his head. Do you have tv licenses in Aus, or is it all cable/satelite? Thanks

Lovely Pics. Can't wait now

Thanx for that They seem really nice and friendly. I visited last year when we went over to verify visas and as they knew about this, asked me to visit. Lots of investment going on over there which is good. The Graduate program, seemed the best way for me to integrate with support into a new system. Neurosurgery and CCU, couldn't have asked for better Sorry I love the smilies

http://www.nursing.health.wa.gov.au/graduate/grad_registered.cfm I'm coming over ahead on my husband's 175 visa (skilled independant). Whilst we were waiting for it to go through I decided to do my nurse training. I qualified last Feb. 1st job ITU (too far from home/family and a bit too much travelling). Now working nearer home in a busy surgical admissions unit. If you use the link it explains quite a lot more than I will be able to remember but it bsically works a bit like University application. You make 5 choices of hospitals (they have a list of ones taking part in the program) in order of preference (I had a good look on the websites and went for SCGH as it has a strong teaching base, although it was still a bit hit and miss). Applications are processed selectively, with Australians and permenant residents at the top. Fortunately as we have the 175 I was selected in the first round (applied July, interviewed August, offered job september/oct). The telephone interview was surreal, but my interviewers were really nice and gave me as much time as needed. I told them I was nervous! I've just been told my rotations and am nervous but excited. Looking forwards to the challenge I think the hardest bit for me has been getting all the AHPRA application started. I missed a couple of documents and it's hard relying on others to make sure it gets through to the right place/person. Luckily some very helpful people out there.

Thanx everyone for the advice. Will deffo stay away from Vodaphone....don't think thery're too helpful in UK either. Phone is already unlocked, but a good point. I've always like the idea of being able to take my custom elsewhere if they don't look after you properly, and i know ther's a few of them 'out there'

Hi, Coming over in 6 weeks to hopefully start work at SCGH as Graduate Nurse (brought my start date forwards by 1 week after I had started booking everything so it's got a bit fraught and tight for time!!!) Notice handed in on Thursday...Gonna be a few shocked faces when I go back to work next week. Excited, but scared as coming ahead of family. Got my 2 rotations and am really pleased with them.

6 weeks to go. Excited but scared! Coming ahead of Hubby. Flights booked. Just waiting for final details in job to be ironed out. They brought it forwards 1 week so some things are a bit tight for time.

Thanks everyone for taking the time to reply.