semi-pom

Hi there,

What are the opportunities for Grad Nurse Programmes in Child/Paediatric nursing? Is it harder to find jobs in this specialism? The reason for my question is that I am enrolling for the next intake and really keen on child nursing but wonder if its not "better" to do Adult and then do the post grad course in Oz at a later date? If I did child nursing first, would I be able to get a Grad Nurse position in Australia? Or if I got experience here first would I be able to find work easily as a child nurse with 1-2 years experience?

Sorry if I am rambling. If I went with my heart, I would go straight for child nursing.

Last question: if you are a child nurse, what are the possibilities of becoming a practice nurse in the future? Or do you have to be an adult nurse for that?

Thanks for any advice.
S-P

mindblower

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My wife came here as apaediatric nurse, now doing mixed ie adult/children- so much for the "shortage"

cheekymoo

Hi SP,
Think about nursing as a career for life (i'm at year 29). Would you wanting to be doing adult nursing if your heart lay with paediatrics?
I work in the main childrens hospital in Perth and I beleive that the graduates are 'comprehensively' trained and can work in paeds and adults. Having said that, they are always looking for staff.

I was also a practice nurse for 10 years in the UK -unlikely that they would take you on as you deal with all of the family- not just the children. A Practice Nurse salary is quite poor in comparison to the UK as well.
Good luck in your decision
CM

semi-pom

Thanks for your replies. I see your point about seeing nursing as a career for life, appreciate that - made me realise that its probably better to do what I would enjoy. I guess doing adult over paeds just to secure a way into Oz is not the way to go. So, if I can get in...paeds is the way to go! Will worry about getting into Oz when the time comes.
S-P

geordies4life

I am a paediatric nurse qualified in september 2006. i am awaiting a 175 visa, i applied for a job in PICU in brisbane as this is the same as what i do now got a telephone interview got an email a few days later to say they would like to offer me a job. hope we get CO soon!

Bernieboy

My wife is a senior nurse on picu at the Mater,i had an interview there yesterday,very straight forward,very nice unit