5 reasons American nurses love nursing in Australia

16,000 miles – that’s more or less the distance between the US and Australia.  

We know it sounds like an insurmountable distance, but don’t let this stop you from discovering what the “Land Down Under” has to offer!

If you’re looking to take a break, get out of the States and see the world, why not get a taste of what it’s like living and working Down Under?

Australia provides unique sights to explore, a friendly culture to immerse yourself in and is the perfect place to spend a little – or a lot – of time.

In fact, Australia is home to the world’s sixth-largest population of American expats.

And if you’re an American nurse, there are plenty of opportunities for nursing work to support yourself while you’re here!

1. Language and culture

One of the most appealing draws that our American guests point out to us is Aussie culture.

Obviously, there’s no language barrier when you visit Australia since we share the same language (even if we disagree over some of the specifics – it’s spelt “colour”, not “color”!)

But on top of that, Australian culture is very similar to American culture, with only subtle differences.

If you’re the type that gets hit by homesickness very easily, Australia is the perfect choice to work and live.

2. Nurse in some of the world’s most livable cities

Most people from overseas have this picture of a wild continent, where people live in isolated outback towns, keep kangaroos for pets, and wrestle with crocodiles to pass the time.

So naturally, we impress a lot of overseas visitors with our bustling cities.

While they mightn’t be as iconic as New York, LA or San Francisco, Australia’s capital cities are colourful hubs brimming with arts, culture, food, and shopping.You can’t walk 10 steps without tripping over a cool cafe!

Australian cities lead the world in livability as well.

According to The Economist Intelligence Unit’s ranking of the most livable cities in the world, three Australian cities are in the top 10.

In fact, out of 140 cities, Melbourne made it to the top once again, making it the “most livable city” for the 7th year in the row! Other Australian cities in the top 10 are Adelaide (5th) and Perth (7th).

3. Nursing in Australia also offers a great opportunity to travel

Yes, the great American road trip road trip is a time-honoured tradition in the States and a staple of any American kid’s childhood.

But here too, there’s no no shortage of things to see and places to visit.

After all, Australia is the sixth largest country in the world. And with that comes a plethora of natural scenery, quiet country towns and interesting characters to explore.

Rent a van and chart a course through the wild outback, engross yourself in the hidden gems in our big cities, or visit one of the 19 UNESCO World Heritage listed sites that call Australia home.

4. Australia is a safe country

Based on Mercer’s 2016 Quality of Living Survey, which identifies cities with the highest personal safety ranking, Australia’s major cities have done pretty well for themselves!

Out of 450 cities included in the survey, there are 6 major Australian cities in the top 50.   And these are:

• Sydney (10th place)
• Melbourne (15th)
• Perth (21st)
• Adelaide (27th)
• Canberra (28th)
• Brisbane (36th)

With the current ranking, Australia isn’t only a safe option when it comes to avoiding language barriers and awkward cultural misunderstandings – it’s also physically safe as well.

5. Australia offers plenty of opportunities for overseas nurses

If you’re a nurse looking for another reason to fly down to Australia, then perhaps the plentiful opportunities to support yourself by practicing your beloved profession Down Under will persuade you.

Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing industries in Australia, and nurses (and medical professionals in general) are one of the most in-demand jobs in Australia.

So if you’re a qualified American nurse dreaming of nursing in Australia, there are plenty of opportunities to find work in at both public and private health service providers and earn great money to pursue other dreams.    

In addition to generalist nursing, our well-earned reputation as a nursing agency also allows us to connect US nurses with specialist training to find employment in growing specialist areas of nursing such as midwifery and mental health.

Sydney. Cityscape image of Sydney, Australia with Harbour Bridge and Sydney skyline during sunset.

Get started with Australian Nursing Agency today

If you’re wondering how to get started, Australian Nursing Agency (ANA) can help you!

We are one of the most professional and reputable nursing agencies in Australia, connecting US nurses with nursing opportunities to support them throughout their stay in our country.  

Another great thing about registering with us is the flexibility we offer.

When you arrive here for a working holiday, we will connect you with permanent, part-time and temporary nursing positions. Flexible work allows you to support yourself while still having enough time to enjoy your stay!

While Australia may be a little far from your life in the USA (an understatement, we know), the long journey Down Under is totally worth it.

If you need nursing work to support yourself during your stay here, don’t wait – register with Australian Nursing Agency today!