What types of nursing jobs are available?
You can find registered nurse, enrolled nurse, ICU, ED, theatre, aged care, and mental health nursing roles across Australia.
Whether you’re searching for flexible locum shifts, permanent nursing roles, or travel opportunities, there is strong demand for nurses across Australia. From metro hospitals to regional healthcare settings, nurses are essential across every level of care.
With access to a wide network of healthcare employers, Medacs Healthcare connects nurses with roles that align with their experience, preferences, and career goals.
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Latest Nursing Jobs
Explore a wide range of nursing jobs across Australia, including roles in hospitals, aged care facilities, community health, and specialist units.
Current opportunities include:
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Registered Nurse jobs (RN roles across all specialties)
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Enrolled Nurse jobs (EN roles in clinical and community settings)
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ICU, ED and Theatre nursing roles
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Aged care and community nursing jobs
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Mental health and psychiatric nursing positions
Whether you are looking for locum nursing jobs, contract roles, or permanent placements, new opportunities are available weekly across both public and private healthcare systems.
Why Midwives Choose Medacs Healthcare
Medacs Healthcare has been placing nurses across Australia for decades, supporting both local and international candidates.
What sets Medacs apart:
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Extensive employer network: Access roles across hospitals, clinics, aged care and community healthcare
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Flexible job options: Choose locum, contract or permanent nursing jobs
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First access to roles: Many positions are not publicly advertised
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Dedicated consultant support: Personalised job matching based on your experience and preferences
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Nationwide opportunities: Placements available across metro, regional and remote locations
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24/7 support: Ongoing assistance throughout placements
This approach allows nurses to secure roles faster while maintaining flexibility and control over their work schedule.
Types of Nursing Jobs Available
Nursing roles across Australia vary widely in structure, location, and flexibility, allowing you to choose opportunities that align with your career goals, lifestyle, and preferred work environment. Whether you are seeking stability, higher earning potential, or greater flexibility, understanding the different types of nursing jobs can help you make a more informed decision.
Permanent Nursing Jobs
Permanent roles provide long-term stability, consistent income, and access to benefits such as leave entitlements and professional development.
Locum Nursing Jobs
Locum roles offer flexibility, allowing nurses to take on short-term assignments across different locations while earning competitive hourly rates.
Contract Nursing Roles
Contract roles sit between locum and permanent positions, typically lasting several weeks to months, often with accommodation and travel support included.
Metro vs Regional Nursing Jobs
Metro roles:
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Large hospitals and specialist units
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Access to advanced facilities and equipment
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Structured career progression
Regional and rural roles:
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Higher demand and competitive pay rates
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Broader clinical exposure
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Incentives such as accommodation and travel support
Regional roles are particularly attractive for nurses seeking higher earnings and diverse clinical experience.
Nursing Salary & Demand in Australia
Nursing continues to be one of the most in-demand healthcare professions across Australia, driven by workforce shortages, ageing populations, and increased healthcare needs. Salaries are competitive and vary depending on your experience, specialty, and location, with regional and locum roles often offering higher earning potential.
Average Nursing Salaries
Salaries vary based on experience, location and specialisation:
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Registered Nurse (RN):
AU$70,000 – AU$110,000 per year
AU$45 – AU$70 per hour (locum) -
Enrolled Nurse (EN):
AU$60,000 – AU$85,000 per year -
Specialist Nurses (ICU, ED, Theatre):
AU$90,000 – AU$130,000+ -
Locum/Agency Nurses:
Higher hourly rates depending on urgency and location
High-Demand Nursing Locations
Demand remains strong across:
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Regional Australia: NSW, QLD, WA rural hospitals
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Metro hubs: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth
Healthcare systems continue to face workforce shortages, making nursing one of the most in-demand professions across both countries.
Requirements to Work as a Nurse
Before starting a nursing role in Australia, there are key qualification, registration, and compliance requirements you need to meet. While these may vary slightly depending on your experience and where you trained, understanding the basics will help you prepare for a smoother application and onboarding process.
Qualifications
To work as a nurse in Australia, you typically need:
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A recognised nursing qualification (Diploma or Bachelor of Nursing)
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Relevant clinical experience (varies by role)
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Up-to-date certifications (e.g. CPR, Basic Life Support)
Registration Requirements
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Australia: Registration with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency)
Registration ensures you meet national standards for clinical practice.
Visa Requirements (International Nurses)
International candidates may require:
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Appropriate work visa or sponsorship
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Qualification assessment and registration approval
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English language requirements (IELTS/OET if applicable)
Medacs Healthcare provides support throughout this process, helping streamline relocation and compliance requirements.
Where You Can Work as a Nurse
Nursing opportunities across Australia span a wide range of healthcare settings, giving you the flexibility to choose roles that match your clinical interests, lifestyle preferences, and career goals. From fast-paced metro hospitals to regional facilities offering broader hands-on experience, there are options to suit every stage of your nursing career.
Australia
Australia offers diverse nursing opportunities across:
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Major hospitals in metro areas
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Regional and rural healthcare facilities
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Private hospitals and specialist clinics
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Aged care and community health services
Australia offers competitive salaries, career progression, and high quality of life.
Explore Related Healthcare Jobs
Nurses often explore multiple healthcare roles depending on their experience and career goals. You can also browse related opportunities:
Exploring related roles can help identify new career pathways, expand your options, and find positions that align with your long-term goals.
FAQs
How much do nurses earn in Australia?
Registered nurses typically earn between AU$70,000 and AU$110,000 annually, with higher rates for specialised or locum roles.
Do I need AHPRA registration to work as a nurse?
Yes, all nurses must be registered with AHPRA in Australia.
Are locum nursing jobs worth it?
Locum roles offer higher hourly rates, flexibility, and opportunities to work in different locations, making them popular among experienced nurses.
Can international nurses apply for jobs?
Yes, international nurses can apply, but must meet registration, visa, and qualification requirements before starting work.
Where are nurses most in demand?
Regional and rural areas across Australia currently have the highest demand, often offering incentives and higher pay.
