My name is Samantha Devonport. I am a 24 year old who has recently moved to Perth, Australia from the UK.
My visa was granted in 2011 which I activated also 2011, but as I was at university studying to be a nurse, I wanted to complete the course before emigrating. I graduated university in September 2013 with a diploma in adult nursing.
My parents had emigrated to Australia and I stayed in the UK as my research stated that 'at the time' I would benefit from experience. I worked for 2 years 3 months in a medical ward in the UK before emigrating myself to Australia.
It has now been 4 months since arriving and I am still unemployed due to my registration status. I have gone through the correct procedures to ensure all of the relevant documents were provided to ensure I could gain AHPRA registration status. I have now been informed that my UK qualification (diploma in nursing) is not recognised and further studying is needed.
The AHPR agency informed me that I need to do a bridging course, however will need to endure the costs of $10,990. I cannot afford this money after not working for 4 months, and emigrating to Australia.
Having known the information earlier that the law on UK diploma qualified nurses not being recognised changing, I would have emigrated immediately post qualifying and applying for a job in Australia with no experience.
Because I am now unable to endure the costs of further education, I feel my only options are:
To return to UK to fulfil nursing which I don't want to do
or lose my career that I have already worked so hard for and stay in Australia which was difficult enough to get permanent residency for which I also don't want to do.
Please help
