In Australia, completing a bachelor’s degree in nursing opens up a lot of job options. Despite having a robust healthcare system, Australia has a severe nursing shortage. Nursing is predicted to increase by more than 13% by 2026, generating thousands of new employment annually, according to Australian Government Labour Market Insights.
This implies that nursing graduates have a good probability of landing a job shortly after graduation. The top positions, actual income ranges, and post-graduation career options are all covered in this article
Registered Nurse (RN)
The most popular career after completing a bachelor’s degree in nursing is that of a registered nurse (RN). Before becoming an RN in Australia, you are required to register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, or AHPRA. Within a few weeks of submitting an application, the majority of graduates obtain their registration.
Direct patient care, medicine administration, recovery monitoring, and support for physicians and other healthcare teams are all duties performed by registered nurses. They are required in every clinic and hospital in the nation.
Through Graduate Nurse Programs, which assist new nurses in gaining experience in various departments, hospitals employ registered nurses.
Where you can work as an RN:
- Public and private hospitals
- Aged care homes
- Community health centers
- GP clinics
- Rehabilitation centers
Real Salary Range:$72,000 – $90,000 per year (entry level)
Aged Care Nurse
One of Australia’s largest nursing specialties is aged care. Aged care nurses are always in demand because the number of people over 65 is growing quickly. Because aged care facilities provide simple employment entry, on-the-job training, and visa sponsorship for overseas graduates, many recent graduates begin their careers here.
Aged care nurses assist senior citizens with personal care, mobility, medicine, and long-term health management.
Why this job is good for new graduates:
- Lower stress than emergency or surgical units
- More one-on-one patient care
- Good for building confidence and communication skills
Real Salary Range:$60,000 – $80,000 per year
Mental Health Nurse
Due to rising awareness of and demand for mental health care, mental health nursing is expanding rapidly in Australia. Government data indicates that employment in mental health nursing is predicted to expand more quickly than in the majority of other nursing specialties.
Patients with schizophrenia, addiction, depression, anxiety, and other disorders are cared for by mental health nurses. They offer emotional support, assist in managing treatment regimens, and assist physicians.
Workplaces include:
- Mental health hospitals
- Community mental health services
- Drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers
- Crisis support units
Real Salary Range: $75,000 – $100,000 per year
Emergency Nurse
In the Emergency Department (ED), emergency nurses manage critical cases, accidents, injuries, and unexpected illnesses. Quick thinking, self-assurance, and effective communication are necessary for this position. It can be difficult for recent graduates, but it’s also the quickest method to develop skills.
Why choose emergency nursing?
- High learning speed
- Exposure to all types of medical cases
- Great path to specialize later (ICU, critical care, trauma)
Real Salary Range: $80,000 – $105,000 per year
Community Health Nurse
The goal of community health nurses is to enhance local communities’ and families’ health. They operate in homes, schools, or community clinics rather than hospitals.
Basic medical care, health education, chronic illness support, and assisting patients in leading healthy lives are all part of their role.
Because community nursing offers a more flexible schedule and is less stressful, many graduates choose it.
Real Salary Range: $70,000 – $95,000 per year
Surgical Nurse
Surgical nurses support patients both prior to and following surgery. Because safety is crucial in the operating room, this job demands a high level of attention to detail.
Before entering specialized fields like these, recent graduates frequently begin their careers in general surgical wards.
- Orthopedics
- Neurosurgery
- Cardiac surgery
- Plastic surgery
Real Salary Range: $80,000 – $110,000 per year
Pediatric Nurse
Babies, kids, and teenagers are cared for by pediatric nurses. For nurses who love working with kids and helping families, this position is fantastic.
You can work in:
- Children’s hospitals
- Pediatric wards
- Neonatal units (with extra training)
- Community child health clinics
This field is emotionally rewarding but requires patience and gentle communication.
Real Salary Range:$75,000 – $100,000 per year
Nurse Educator
Nurse educators train nurses in hospitals or instruct nursing students in colleges. Although some hospitals permit early training positions for recent graduates, this position typically requires two to three years of experience.
Nurse educators create educational resources, impart clinical knowledge, and assist junior nurses.
Real Salary Range: $95,000 – $120,000 per year
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
An expert in a particular specialty, such as cardiology, oncology, intensive care unit, or midwifery, is known as a clinical nurse specialist. This is one of the highest-paying nursing careers, but it does require experience and occasionally more education.
CNS nurses collaborate closely with physicians, manage complicated cases, and mentor other nurses.
Real Salary Range:$110,000 – $130,000 per year
Nurse Manager / Supervisor
Nurse managers create staff schedules, oversee nursing teams, enhance patient care guidelines, and support hospital administration.
For nurses who like taking on leadership positions, this position is perfect. Nurse managers can advance to senior hospital management with experience.
Real Salary Range: $120,000 – $150,000 per year
Are Nursing Jobs in Demand in Australia? (Real Facts)
Yes — nursing is one of the most in-demand careers in Australia.
Here are real facts:
- Registered Nurse is on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
- Over 330,000 nurses work in Australia, but the system still needs thousands more
- By 2035, Australia may face a shortage of 100,000 nurses (Health Workforce Australia Report)
- Graduates have high employment rates
- Rural and aged care sectors offer bonuses and visa sponsorship
This high demand means more job security, better salaries, and opportunities for permanent residency.
FAQs: Jobs After Bachelor of Nursing Australia
1. How long does it take to get AHPRA registration after graduation?
Usually 4–6 weeks, depending on documents and application completeness.
2. What is the best first job for a new nursing graduate?
Aged care, medical-surgical wards, and community nursing are great starting points because they provide good training and support.
3. Can international students work as nurses in Australia after graduation?
Yes. Once you receive AHPRA registration, you can apply for nursing jobs anywhere in Australia.
4. Do hospitals hire new graduates without experience?
Yes. Most hospitals offer Graduate Nurse Programs (GNPs) especially for students with zero experience.
5. Is nursing a good pathway to Australian PR?
Yes. Nursing is one of the strongest and most successful pathways for permanent residency.
6. How much can a new graduate nurse earn per hour?
Most new nurses earn $32–$40 per hour, depending on the state and shift.
Conclusion
A Bachelor of Nursing in Australia opens many career opportunities. Whether you want to work in hospitals, aged care, emergency departments, mental health, or community services, the options are wide and growing. With strong demand and high job security, nursing is one of the best careers for both local and international students.
Disclaimer: “I researched this information on the internet; please use it as a guide and also reach out to a professional for assistance and advice.This information is not medical advice, so seek your medical professional’s assistance.”
