Australia is experiencing a nationwide shortage of registered nurses (RNs) across aged care, hospitals, mental health, community health, and surgical settings. This high demand has led to strong job opportunities, competitive salaries, and visa sponsorship pathways for Australian-trained and internationally qualified nurses.
This guide explores the different types of registered nurses in Australia, the highest-demand nursing specialisations, and how RNs can secure jobs, employer sponsorship, and permanent residency (PR) pathways.
1. Why Australia Needs More Registered Nurses
The Australian Government has identified registered nurses as a priority profession due to workforce shortages in hospitals, aged care, and regional healthcare facilities. This has led to:
✅ Higher salaries & job security for nurses in various specialties.
✅ More employer-sponsored visas for international nurses.
✅ Faster permanent residency (PR) pathways for nurses in regional areas.
✅ Government-funded incentives for RNs willing to work outside major cities.
📌 According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australia will need 100,000+ additional nurses by 2030.
2. Types of Registered Nurse Roles in Australia
Registered Nurses work in diverse healthcare settings, from hospitals to aged care and community health services. Below are the most in-demand nursing specialties in Australia.
1️⃣ Aged Care Registered Nurse
🏥 Works in nursing homes, residential aged care, and community services.
🔹 Skills: Dementia care, chronic disease management, palliative care.
💰 Salary: $85,000 – $110,000 per year
📌 High-demand locations: Regional Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia.
2️⃣ Critical Care & Emergency Registered Nurse
🏥 Works in intensive care units (ICU), emergency departments (ED), and trauma centers.
🔹 Skills: Emergency triage, life-saving procedures, ventilator management.
💰 Salary: $90,000 – $120,000 per year
📌 High-demand locations: Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, regional NSW.
3️⃣ Mental Health Registered Nurse
🏥 Provides care for patients with psychiatric conditions in hospitals and community settings.
🔹 Skills: Crisis intervention, psychological therapies, medication administration.
💰 Salary: $85,000 – $115,000 per year
📌 High-demand locations: Melbourne, Hobart, Perth, regional WA.
4️⃣ Paediatric Registered Nurse
🏥 Works in children’s hospitals, maternity wards, and pediatric ICUs.
🔹 Skills: Neonatal care, pediatric assessments, family-centered care.
💰 Salary: $85,000 – $115,000 per year
📌 High-demand locations: Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney.
5️⃣ Perioperative Registered Nurse (Theatre Nurse)
🏥 Works in operating rooms, assisting during surgeries.
🔹 Skills: Surgical prep, infection control, anesthesia assistance.
💰 Salary: $90,000 – $120,000 per year
📌 High-demand locations: Perth, Melbourne, Adelaide.
6️⃣ Surgical Registered Nurse
🏥 Provides preoperative and postoperative care in hospital wards.
🔹 Skills: Wound management, post-surgical recovery, pain management.
💰 Salary: $85,000 – $110,000 per year
📌 High-demand locations: Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, rural hospitals.
7️⃣ Medical Registered Nurse
🏥 Works in general medical wards, assisting with acute and chronic conditions.
🔹 Skills: Patient monitoring, IV therapy, infection control.
💰 Salary: $80,000 – $105,000 per year
📌 High-demand locations: Public hospitals across Australia.
8️⃣ Community Health Registered Nurse
🏥 Works in public health programs, clinics, and home healthcare.
🔹 Skills: Preventative healthcare, chronic disease education, vaccinations.
💰 Salary: $80,000 – $110,000 per year
📌 High-demand locations: Regional towns, Indigenous health programs.
9️⃣ Disability & Rehabilitation Registered Nurse
🏥 Works with patients recovering from injuries, disabilities, or chronic conditions.
🔹 Skills: Physical rehabilitation, mobility training, pain management.
💰 Salary: $80,000 – $110,000 per year
📌 High-demand locations: Regional NSW, Victoria, Queensland.
📌 Tip: Regional areas often provide higher salaries and government incentives for nurses willing to relocate.
3. Visa Sponsorship & PR Pathways for Registered Nurses
Due to the high demand for RNs, nurses have multiple visa options for employer sponsorship and PR.
Visa Options for Nurses
🔹 Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa) – Employer-sponsored work visa (up to 4 years).
🔹 Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme Visa) – PR pathway for sponsored nurses.
🔹 Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa) – For nurses working in regional Australia.
🔹 Subclass 189/190 (Skilled Independent Visa) – Direct PR option for nurses on the skilled occupation list.
📌 Check eligibility here: Home Affairs – Skilled Migration
4. Regional Nursing Opportunities: Where Are the Highest Demands?
Nurses willing to work outside major cities can access faster PR pathways, relocation incentives, and higher salaries.
Top Regional Locations for Registered Nurses
New South Wales (NSW) – High-Demand Nursing Areas
📍 Regional Areas: Wagga Wagga, Dubbo, Tamworth
📌 High demand for: Aged Care Nurses, Mental Health Nurses
🔹 Find jobs: I Work For NSW
Victoria (VIC) – High-Demand Nursing Areas
📍 Regional Areas: Shepparton, Geelong, Ballarat
📌 High demand for: ICU Nurses, Midwives, Theatre Nurses
🔹 Find jobs: Skilled Nursing
Queensland (QLD) – High-Demand Nursing Areas
📍 Regional Areas: Cairns, Rockhampton, Mackay
📌 High demand for: Community Health Nurses, Emergency Nurses
🔹 Find jobs: Medical Jobs Australia
📌 Tip: Rural hospitals often provide relocation grants, rental subsidies, and bonuses for nurses moving to regional areas!
5. How to Secure a Nursing Job & Sponsorship in Australia
Step 1: Check Your Nursing Registration Requirements
✔ International nurses must apply for AHPRA registration.
📌 Apply Here
Step 2: Search for Employer-Sponsored Nursing Jobs
✔ Look for visa-sponsored nursing roles on:
Step 3: Apply for a Skilled Work Visa
✔ Once hired, your employer will sponsor your visa (Subclass 482, 186, or 491).
📌 Need visa assistance? Contact MedMigration for expert support! MedMigration
Final Thoughts: Is Nursing a Good Career Path in Australia?
✅ High salaries & strong job demand
✅ Employer-sponsored visa & PR pathways
✅ Opportunities in hospitals, aged care, and community health
✅ More financial incentives for nurses working in regional areas
If you’re a registered nurse looking for sponsorship and career growth, now is the best time to start your journey in Australia!
🚀 Ready to Secure Your Nursing Job?
✅ Get expert migration assistance at MedMigration
📌 Start your journey today and secure your future in Australia!
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