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Hi, As you are looking at Melbourne have you considered a State Sponsored visa? I did this and it was much quicker than 186 or independent visa. Worth checking the Vic Gov immigration website as they often have fast-track for nurses on 457 (or whatever it is now) to convert to State Sponsored. School Nursing in Melbourne & Suburbs is very difficult to get in to if you are not working here already. Very much a "who you know" job and there aren't many going. I have previously applied for a couple of positions and spoken to the job contact who has basically advised me that the person covering the job is a "very strong candidate!" With school nurses they will often work part-time and do bank work elsewhere so they tend to do the job for a long time. However, it may be worth looking at the rural or country vacancies as these are easier to get, but you will be a long way from Melbourne. It would also be good to look at private schools too as they often have school nurse positions. Good luck.

Hi, I work as a mental health nurse in Melbourne, been here 4 years. Don't want to sound harsh but RNLD is not recognised here. You potentially can work as a mental health nurse as all nurses technically are general nurses when registered with AHPRA. However, you would probably have to do a post-graduate mental health course(diploma/BA etc) with in a certain time if you got a job. I do know of UK RNLD nurses who have really struggled to get work over here. I would consider getting your RMN before moving if possible. It might delay things but will make life much easier. Nurse Prescribing: I would seriously check out if it's worth it given that you plan on moving. Check AHPRA for what they recognise. You could do Nurse Practitioner once over here if you stayed. Sorry if this is negative sounding but I don't mean to be Having worked in Frankston/Melbourne for 4 years in mental health I can say that once you get your head round how it works it's worth it. More jobs, opportunities and money. Your UK experience will pay off in the long run. Once you've earned your stripes/proved yourself you can carve out a good career. Just remember to sell yourself at interview, seriously it is expected over here. Also just go with the flow as every service is different and it can seem pretty random compared to the NHS. Good luck.

Very poor in my opinion, try and get on the government expo's, much more helpful.

I'm thinking maybe buying an old banger would be the better option, but it won't get me as fit as biking. Arriving nice and sweaty for work could be the deciding issue.

Hi, I'm going to be living in Mornington soon for a few weeks and working at Frankston Hospital. Until I can get a car sorted I'm considering commuting by bicycle. Can anyone tell me if this is practical or not? I'll be working shifts so I can't rely on public transport. To be fair I don't know if bussing it is an option yet. thanks Matt

Hi i would really appreciate some wiseness regading my latest dilemma. My boyfriend has a job in Melbourne and the 457 is being processed. We think it he will go in January 2013. Me and my boys plan to join him around March 2013. Supporting the 457 documents we gave included the boys current passports. My dilemma is that the boys passports expire in July 2013. Should I get new passports now? Will it matter that the 457 visa documents have the old passports? Can I go on the old passport and get new ones out there? Any help on this would be gratefully apreciated

Hi Guys Bit confused as I sent me and my boyfriend documents to the Melbourne Office on 28/04/12 in 2 envelopes in one if you know what I mean? Money has gone out for both of us. He got a confirmation e-mail in 10 days and then just 2 further docs required - easy ones which he has sorted this week. I have had nothing not even a confirmation??? Reluctant to e-mail in case I get on there nerves. Is this radomness normal? Wondered if its done alphabetically? Would be happy just to get a confirmation at this point.

I am trying to get my papers ready for registration to APHRA. I am 40, a Registered Mental Health Nurse and qualified in 1993. I was 18 when I started my training in 1990 the University are having difficulty in finding any record of me or course details. Not sure computers exsisted then!! I have a certificate of my qualifying but that is all I have from this time?? I obtained a 2:1 degree in Health in 2011 and have been working for over 20 years in Mental Health with numerous courses to evidence my continuing professional developement. will this be a problem?? Thanks

Phew. Schoolboy trousers it is then.

Thanks Ian that's really helpful. I like the 'work is a means to an end attitude' which I guess is essential during th emigration adjustment disorder phase. This mitt sound weird but do mh nurses wear uniforms? You hear rumours...

Interesting read. Ian what's it like working for Peninsula? Any big differences to NHS? I'm a CPN with an Access Team and I'm serioulsy looking into moving to the area, had a look at Peninsula Health randomly and it looks good, although obviously I know very little else. Don't fancy being in the city, I've got friends in the area of Mornington/Frankston and that's where we want to go. Thanks.