Registered Nurse jobs in Australia

There are no open registered nurse roles listed with CrossNation right now. New roles are added as employers brief us, so create a profile to be matched when one opens.

Every registered nurse must hold current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), which works with Ahpra to run the national register. Registration lets you practise in any state or territory, and employers check the public register before you start. Nurses who complete an approved Australian program apply to the NMBA once they graduate. Internationally qualified nurses apply through the Board's process for internationally qualified nurses and midwives, where qualifications are assessed and some applicants are asked to complete further steps such as the outcomes-based assessment. Registration standards cover English language skills, criminal history, recency of practice, continuing professional development and professional indemnity insurance. Nurses registered in New Zealand may be able to apply under trans-Tasman mutual recognition. Renew your registration every year, because a lapse means you cannot work as an RN until it is restored.

RN roles listed with CrossNation may be in residential aged care, private and public hospitals, community and home nursing, or clinics. In aged care, RNs often lead a shift, oversee care plans, manage medications, assess residents after a fall or change in condition, and supervise enrolled nurses and care workers. Hospital roles depend on the ward, and many employers ask for recent experience in an area such as medical, surgical, emergency or theatre. Community roles involve more independent practice and usually driving between clients. In ANZSCO, Registered Nurse (Aged Care) is code 254412, and other RN specialties have their own six-digit codes in the same group, which matters when you read skilled occupation lists or Jobs and Skills Australia data. When you apply, list your clinical areas, years of experience and any postgraduate study, so the recruiter matches you on skills rather than the job title alone.

The Nurses Award [MA000034] sets minimum pay and conditions for many nurses employed in the private sector, including in aged care, with classifications that reflect your level and years of experience. It covers penalty rates, overtime, shift allowances, leave and rostering rules. Public hospital nurses are usually employed under state or territory enterprise agreements instead, and many private hospitals and larger aged care providers also have their own agreements. An agreement must leave employees better off overall than the award. Because rates depend on the instrument, classification and pay point, we do not publish figures here. Before you accept an offer, ask which award or agreement applies and what classification and pay point you will start on. Then check it against the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay Calculator, or read the agreement text published by the Fair Work Commission, so you know your minimum entitlements.

Registration: Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (via Ahpra). General registration as a registered nurse is required before practising. Internationally qualified nurses are assessed by the NMBA before registration is granted.

Pay and conditions: usually the Nurses Award [MA000034] or an enterprise agreement. Check current minimum rates with the Fair Work Pay Calculator.

Award rates: Nurse salary in Australia: what the award sets.

ANZSCO: 254412 Registered Nurse (Aged Care)