pinknurse83

Hey guys,

Me and my husband just moved to Mackay from the UK as I secured a good job here before emigrating. My hysband is now looking for work. Just wondered if theres any people in the same area and if theres word if any work in this area.

Toni [emoji4]

Hi, In a matter of weeks my husband and I will be making the move down under. We have lived in WA before and when we came back to the UK just knew we wanted to return to Australia. We have travelled through QLD and loved it! We have been a bit unlucky with visas etc and didn't realize the expense of it all. Finally we have been granted a state sponsored visa by QLD gov. This means we can only live and work in regional areas of QLD. This is the best we could have achieved so we are taking it. We begin our new life very, very soon. If anyone can give us some guidance and help about the move to regional QLD I would be really grateful.

Hey nice to hear its going well. Me and my husband have moved to qld frim the uk 3 weeks ago. Stayed in Caloundra Sunshine Coast for 2 weeks and it was stunning. We found it hard to find jobs around there before we arrived and I could see why when we got there... its mainly tourism in the main parts and I think its a very sought after place. So I was offered a jib I Mackay so took it and were up here now. It's beautiful! As you know from when you visited. Its definitely more of a place to live then you can have the other places like Sunshine Coast for hols ( its something like an hour flight and cheap). Also loads of rentals which are cheaper than down south it seems. everything you need is on your doorstep lush! your near the great barrier reefe, whitsundays etc. Hope that helps abit. Good luck!

Oh my goodness i really feel for you. I have just moved to queensland and nursed my nan through cancer then buried her 2 days prior to flying. So i understand having a family member ill is stressful enough then moving to the other side of the world on top is one ofthe most strenuous things you will ever doin life except for you your family member is still poorly. But be proud of what you have done and im sure going throuh this phase is just a respinse to all the stress you have experienced. Ut lets face it no country is perfect just try and look at the positives.

However, where your living sounds terrible. We have stayed in the sunshine coast in qld, and now iv moved to Mackay for work. And its gorgeous, loads of beaches, hot (and humid)! More like what you may be after? And i think the cost of living may be lower than where you are as we dont find ittoo bad in comparison to the uk?

But you must discuss with your husband. Just because it was your idea to move doesnt mean you cant have times when you think "what have i done", i love it yet still feel like that at times. Maybe try another part of australia as where you are doesn't sound the best? At the end of the day its all experience and wether its good or bad you will learn from it and nothings forever.

But dont suffer in silence speak to people, even your family. It sounds like to me you are just having a bad time with some major life experiences. Dont be too hard on yourself. Most people wouldn't have the guts to do what you and your hubby have done!

Honestly, no I didn't like living in Mackay that much, however saying that it was a difficult time for me for a number of reasons. As with anywhere, it's not really about the place, but more about the people. I'm currently in Rockhampton, but in the process of selling up and moving back to the UK in the next month or so (fingers crossed!).

Thats a shame. Well hope your move back to the uk is a safe one. We never planned to go to Mackay but managed to get a really good job there so see how it goes. Can always move on, but at least il have my foot in the door with work. Il keep an open mind!! Take care.

Hey goingbacksoon. Did you like Mackay? Where are you living now?

Hi all jyst a question on what people think about what clothes etc to take in luggage from uk to australia (mackay). I've got rid of loads of my clothes and belongings already, but when I've come to pack my case for the move with allowance of 40kg i've filled it with clothes and some shoes yet still havd loads to go in!! Is it worth trying to get rid of more clothes? And buy what i need in Australia? Or do i pay for extra baggage? Would appreciate thoughts? Thanks [emoji106]

Just pm'd you lorna x

Welshsharon I was looking all over. Websites like seek, indeed, reed, signed up with healthcare Australia. And looked at government websites like queensland health. X

Hi lorna yes I got the job offer and thiught why the hell not at least il have a job and mackay sounds really nice so will give it a go!! Il be working for SilverChain hospital in the home. What about you?

Thanks guys! Iv now been offered a job in Mackay sounds fab. Wish me luck!

Hi guys, just wondering if anyone is aware of how difficult it is for a UK degree nurse to get a job as a community nurse in Queensland? I ask because I leave for Brisbane from the UK in 9 weeks and have applied for loads of community nurse posts yet am hearing nothing back. Iv never really struggled getting job interviews in the UK. I am a senior level community nurse and have emergency care experience also. I am a degree nurse witj post grad qualifications too. I jave been in touch with 2 agencies also who are looking for positions for me but no joy as yet. I applied for near 15 jobs last week even ones probably below my current capabilities. Am I doing something wrong? Or do i need to be patient? I understand there has been job cuts in Queensland but there seems to be loads of jobs advertised? Ans I literally applying for mist locations except north Queensland. Any advice would be appreciated x

What Facebook groups are they called. Sound like your having a great time which is a bit of a relief! ! Thank you x

Where you going to in Brisbane? We've been here 4 months and we love it :-)

Hey tina0101. We arrive in Brisbane on the 30th March. Firstly staying in Sunshine Coast for 8 weeks (Caloundra) for 4 weeks not working then depending on where we get our jobs will depend on where near Brisbane we will be and having seen some of the areas. So where are you and what job are you doing. Glad you have enjoyed it so far. Have you met many people?

Cheers pinknurse83, is there any good website to do a test paper online or just google IELTS. See Ive got NVQ 2 in english and maths would that count or still have to do the test. I am worried of not getting a level 8, how long is the test?

Hey! Yes google ielts and go on the official website and when you book on theres test papers on there. The tests last a whole day really so go prepared. If your appplying for a skilled visa im sure you have to do the test even with qualifications in English! ( bizarre I know!!) I found the questions ok its just the layout of the papers and time constraints so at least if you practice you will be prepared and less likely to have to repeat. Iv heard of people with english degrees fail because they were unprepared. Hope this helps x

Hey they do the ielts test in most cities if you go on the website and id highly recommend doing the test papers as I did a level English and still found it hard due ro layout and Time x

Yes im sure its nit for everyone and for you lakaal see it as a positive! Now at least you know whats important to you as moving has obviously given you perspective on your life of whats important. I hope the rest of your time in Australia and make it back to the uk safely if thats what you want.

I on the other hand do have the jitters as my nan is in the last few months of her life and she was like a mum to me however I know if shes still here before we leave the uk she understands its something we have been planning for years. As has been said before in this thread theres never ever a perfect time to emigrate is there! But in 2-10 years time we may want to move back to the uk but at least we tried it and we have no children yet so thats a plus. And imnot lucky enough to have alot of close family except my innlaws who are retiring so they can spend a couple of months a year with us so in that way im not too concerned about missing family. Iv always been a lone wolf ha!

Hi, i have not yet moved to australia but am about to in 11 weeks. However reading you post sazm2k12 my initially thought is that you need to deal with your anxiety and depression first and i really feel for you as i havw suffered with it myself in the past. Maybe you need treatment and counselling to deal with the issues that are causing your self esteem and other issues before you make any big decisions as anxiety and depression will cloud your judgment. i hope you see your doctor soon if you are staying in bed all the time or go back again if you already have as you need help with this. Lifes too short to suffer like you are. And also consider that you could have had bad work experiences in the UK and felt the same? but the main thing is you have been strong enough to move on and get a new job AND study which is amazing in itself so you should be proud of yourself (and you have been through emigration in the last 5 years which is also very brave and most people never have the guts to do it!). In my opinion take baby steps in whatever you do, look after yourself and get your health and mental health in a better position, maybe take a little holiday and look after yourself and try to get yourself out going for walks and enjoy the place your living in, as any place will seem rubbish if your always in bed with your own thoughts, and then make your decisions as you may see things clearer when your feeling better. In my experience if your depressed in australia it wont necassarily go away just because your in a different place, you need to deal with those demonds first or they will just follow you. Good luck with it all x

I think most people have a 'omg what have I done' moment before they leave!! We certainly did :-)

 

Do you know people out here? Where are you looking to move to? We came out knowing nobody and have met lots of people through PIO and Facebook groups. We have older relatives and saying goodbye was very hard, but they are all supportive of our move and would hate it if we hadn't gone because of them.

 

Enjoy the next 12 weeks; it'll fly by and you'll be here before you know it!!

Hey tina0101 thanks for your reassurance! Its good to hear from people in the same boat we are very similar to yourself. Were heading to brisbane staying in the sunshine coast while we find work and a long term rental maybe nearer brisbane just depends on work and I have an interview set over the phone early jan for a community nurse job in brisbane which is exciting! How long have you been in Australia? And which part? Oh yes and we do have an uncle and cousins in Sydney and queensland (bundaberg) and some old acquaintances in gold coast plus an auntie and cousins in Melbourne aswell as nursing colleagues who have moved so were lucky in that way!

I agree - but as an emigrant, I would agree. I think it is important to recognise that emigrating is selfish, but it is still OK.

Quinkla how long have you been in Australia and which part? Are you glad you did it?

Which bit are you moving to? You may find people on here in the same area.

 

Nerves are normal. Focus on your last 12 weeks as it will be a while before you are back there. Top up while you can. :-)

 

It is bound to be tough at times but so far I love it here. Half of tr move. Early days but a promising start :-)

Hey were moving to queensland north brisbane were going to look at suburbs when we get there and also depends grwatly on work and where we can get it but we are flexible really!! Glad to hear your enjoying it! Where are you at present? Its good to hear how other people are finding the migration etc! X

Thank you soooo much for these replies thete really reassuring! I like to think me and my husband are pretty open minded and realistic about the negatives of migration and the things like missing family etc but all of a sudden I had a feeling of dread and panic!! Its great to have this forum and see others feel or have felt these emotions! So thank you! All our family have been so supportive so thats good. Your right also it is a selfish thing in away, but we both had always wanted to do it then one day ee thought if we dont just make the move we will be sitting here in 20-30 years and think, why didn't we try it!!! And I dont want regrets. Now thinkong about it you hsve to be selfish in life at times to be happy and live your dreama? do you guys agree?? Thank you for responding its made me feel much better and seeing it in perspective again x

Glad I have read this. We are set to move from UK to Brisbane in 12 weeks and im thinking what have we done???? How are you getting on now?

Hey! Moving with my husband to brisbane in 12 weeks. Everything is in place and I have a job interview etc. Been so excited but now its getting closer im dreading it! ! I keep wondering why im putting myself through this!! Has anyone else felt like this? Im just hoping its nerves and it doesn't help that my nan has recently been diagnosed with cancer and its possible I wont see her again after we leave, and due to visa expiry unable to delay the move! other people's experiences may help! Thanks

From what I can remember there was a link on AHPRA's webpage, the one on meeting the criteria & what the criteria are. The link was to a form that the NMC signed to say your course was accredited. Don't know if that's changed though.

Yes your right. I have done that but whenever I call or email to chase up my application they just reply "we may be in touch regarding additional information"? But nothing specific!! Im sure iv sent everything maybe thats just a bog standard reply!! All I can do is wait!! Frustrating isnt it x

Sounds good! Were hoping queensland near brisbane. We started the whole process I.e anmac etc in November 2013 and niw awaiting 189 visa and ahpra. So we had planned to go this year. Just hoping before xmas!! Hope yours goes to plan!