For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Emily and I am the creator of “the UK Nurse in Aus.” A website which helps international nurses and midwives move to Australia. I give tips and tricks, with things I’ve learnt across the way. Free AHPRA and ANMAC guides, and try my best to answer any burning questions you may have (or point you in the right direction of the person who will know!) This is the link to this article on my site:
You can use the “blog directory” to see other articles I have written! Or follow me - @emilytheuknursedownunder on TikTok or Instagram where I discuss the posts (so you don’t have to read them!)
As some of you may have guessed… I moved to Australia. Yep – I made the move you’re thinking about, and let me tell you – what a ride it’s been.
I’ve had some incredible highs and a few (painful) lows. I’m currently on a temporary visa, and in the process of applying for my permanent residency. I’ve made some mistakes – including a few costly ones – and I want to share what I’ve learned so you can (hopefully) avoid doing the same.
1. Finances: It Cost Way More Than I Thought
Let’s talk money.
Here’s a basic breakdown of my startup costs in Sydney:
Flights: £800 (one-way- if you get cheaper flights, please let me know. I seem to get ripped off- or I’m just unorganised oops)
Rent: $700-$1000 week for a one-bed flat (Sydney prices – variable)
Food: £100/week per person
Transport: Roughly £40/week
So far, so manageable, right? I thought the same. I came over with £7,000 – and I ran out. Not in a “tight for cash” kind of way, but in a “$375 left and $350 rent due” kind of way.
Australia is expensive, and moving to Australia is very expensive – especially if you expect to be working right away.
I thought I’d hit the ground running with nursing shifts. That I’d walk into hospitals, with an abundance of work….
Spoiler: that didn’t happen.
Yes:
Agencies are easy to find
You get paid weekly
The pay can be amazing – I made $1,800 for just two night shifts
But here’s what caught me off guard:
Shifts in the big cities are super competitive
Some agencies are unreliable (they promise the world… then ghost you)
I budgeted based on shifts I didn’t end up getting (plus I booked two east coast trips thinking I’d be rolling in it… I was not)
My Advice: Onboard with 2–3 agencies minimum. More if you’re in a city. (Yes, onboarding is painful. No, you can’t skip it.) Actually budget. Assume you won’t work for a few weeks or even months. Book your travel in advance. Our campervan cost £6,000 for 3 weeks because we booked last minute. (Yep… still crying.) Use RatPack or even Greyhound buses for cheaper options. Work remote! The outback contracts pay crazy money and I’ve been able to travel to Thailand, Vietnam, Egypt, AND go home to the UK – all booked in the last few months. Worth it!
Tips: Scan all your documents before you leave (use the Notes app on your iPhone – the camera icon is your friend). Keep them in one place. Future You will thank you.
Bonus Tip: Need a reliable agency? DM me on Instagram and I’ll send over some contacts. If your CV’s ready – even better!
2. Australian English Is a Whole New Language
First shift: brand new scrubs, new ward, solo… but I was feeling chill. “It’s fine. At least we speak the same language.”
Ah, how naive I was!
Australian English is like a remix of British English… with subtitles needed.
Examples:
Panadol = Paracetamol
“Do you have any Melolin?” (I do… but I don’t know it by that name)
I’ve spent far too long staring blankly at supply cupboards, only to find out I do know the dressing – just not what they call it here.
Tips for Surviving Aussie Nursing:
Ask questions. Aussies are some of the friendliest people ever.
Be patient. Even if you were a Band 7 superstar in the UK, this is a new system. You’ll need to relearn a few things. That’s okay!
Ask for support. You’re entitled to a supernumerary period – ask for it! I got 5 days of in-person training before I even touched the floor in Sydney.
Meet people in the same boat. Join Facebook groups, grab a coffee, vent with someone who gets it. It helps. So much.
3. Homesickness: It Hits Differently
It’s not just missing home. It’s hearing an accent that sounds like your mum. Or smelling Sunday roast on a Tuesday and nearly crying in public.
It’s seeing your nephew’s face for the first time… through a screen. I missed his birth. I’ve missed cuddles, milestones, and that beautiful new baby smell.
And the guilt? It’s real.
The guilt of missing moments. The guilt of saying goodbye over and over again. The guilt of not being able to “just come home” whenever you want. I’ve been lucky enough to visit home 3 times in 18 months – but it’s been expensive, and not sustainable long-term.
You might drift from friends. You might miss weddings. But despite all of it – I’m genuinely happy.
Because I know what I’m working toward:
A future where my kids can grow up by the sea. Surf before school. Go fishing with their dad. (He’s already promised the boat – I will hold him to that!)
4. You Won’t See Snakes & Spiders Every Day (Promise)
I had actual nightmares before moving – convinced my shoes, car, and bed would be overrun by eight-legged death machines.
But in 18 months? I’ve seen 3 big spiders:
One in a bush toilet
One on a remote farm
One while out walking
Reasonable places to see creepy crawlies, in my opinion.
Snakes? I didn’t see one until I worked deep in the outback. Like, “the school had six kids” level remote. I saw three. My partner saw a few more. Were they venomous? Yep. Did they chase me down the street? Nope.
Watch out for:
Redback or white-tailed spiders (especially in outdoor toys if you’ve got kids) Bushland or super remote areas – that’s where snakes tend to hang.
So yes – they exist. But no – they’re not hanging out in your Ugg boots.
Final Thoughts
Moving to Australia is no walk in the park. You’ll cry. You’ll panic. You’ll stare longingly at your family’s Sunday roast over FaceTime (I feel like you can smell it through the phone).
But you’ll also grow. You’ll find your independence. You’ll meet incredible people. And if you want this life – it’s absolutely worth fighting for.
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I’m always sharing real talk, honest advice, and a little bit of chaos from my nursing journey Down Under.
You can also find me on TikTok and Instagram @
Got a question? Send me a message – I’m happy to help if I can.
As always,
Thank you so much for reading,
All the best,
Emily – The UK Nurse Down Under
xxx
@emilytheuknursedownunder
@emilytheuknursedownunder
