nursekelly

Hi there I'll apologise in advance for what I think might be a long post ..........:blink: I've been doing some research into the process of trying to get to Australia for a while (initially in 2009 before qualifying) and think its time to stop the lurking around forums and ask for some advice and guidance! I'm a child branch nurse with a first class BSc (Hons) and have worked in neonates since qualifying over 5 years ago. I've attained my neonatal qualification in speciality for special care, high dependency and intensive care and after my initial location research in 2009, I'm keen to try and get to Brisbane or the surrounding area with my husband and nearly-4-year-old son. But, after trying to contact various organisations (including Queensland Health, Immigration, ANMAC etc) and recently reading some negative experiences about the opportunities in Oz (together with the costs of migration reaching £30,000), I'm feeling really disheartened and wondering if I should give up on my Australian dream .........  Does anyone know if there are any realistic opportunities for UK-qualified NICU nurses in Queensland or is the demand for skills being met internally? Obviously, before I take any steps in the migration process (and part with any cash) I need to know whether there's likely to be a job at the end of it. I'd love to hear from anyone who's made the move and can comment about whether there's any real chances for nurses with my skills and experiences.  According to the QLD Health website, they prefer to employ migrants on a 457 visa, which I was initially quite happy to do, but after reading around and contacting a friend-of-a-friend who migrated 6 years ago, I know that these visas come with risks. So, I've been reading about the 189 for PR but wondered if QLDH would not offer employment if it wasn't with a 457?  Will my husband need to apply for a 189 visa in his own name or do spouses and dependants go on my application? He's not on the SOL and works (currently on a self-employed basis) as a Materials Handling (ie forklift truck etc) Instructor and Examiner.  "Registered Nurse (Paediatric)" (ANZSCO 254425) is on the SOL but NOT on a list of nurses that can migrate according to a page on the Go Matilda website. Is this correct??? If so, and with my neonatal intensive care experience, could I apply under ANZSCO code 254415 which covers "critical care and emergency" nursing?  On the NBMA website it states that sole-qualified nurses (which I'm guessing also means child-branch nurses) must have "supervised practice". Does anyone know much about what this means and if it impacts on how employable you are?  I'm aware that if applying for 189 PR I will need to do an English assessment and that there is the IELT or OET. Is IELT the preferred type by ANMAC? If so, does it need to be the "Academic" version? Can anyone advise how long they took to prepare for the exams so that I can get a date booked?  Does it really cost £30,000 to get out to Oz? I doubt I'd use an MA as I've been offered help by someone who is out there so that would save some money. I've no pets to ship out which I also believe bumps up the costs. I think that's it for now but hope you don't mind me posting again if I need more expertise help!:unsure::unsure: I really appreciate you reading my post and look forward to you sharing your experiences and sharing your knowledge. Thanks, Kelly x