Nursing Careers AustraliaNursing Australia Careers, we recruit, place and support Indian nurses in nursing positions throughout Australia.

Daughter follows in mother’s nursing footsteps

Inspired by her mother Anita Jordan Sunil who first graduated from The NSW College of Nursing in 2005, and now works in Mental Health at Monash Medical Centre Melbourne, Anita joined four other nurses and travelled to Australia with guidance from Allan and Maria.

Thanks to Nursing Careers Australia, they now all work in Melbourne and have been with the same hospital for five years. Ashima works as an assistant nurse at Sydney’s prestigious Royal North Shore Hospital while also studying the University of Ballarat’s preregistration course for overseas nurses.

Pictured left to right is Ashima’s husband Hersh Vhir, Ashima Janet, brother Sarbhak Joy, mother Anita Sunil, NCA’s Maria Pitman, and Ashima’s father Jordan Sunil.

Find out more about the migration service offered by Nursing Careers Australia.

Guaranteed job placement after graduation

Here is Maria Pitman from Nursing Careers Australia explaining the program to Shiny Kalan Varghese (left) and Sheni Joy (right) during our July visit to Cochin, India.

Sheni was forced to return to India after graduation as her previous agent would not help find her a job. Two short months after this meeting, Nursing Careers Australia found Sheni a position with Bupa Care, one of the world’s largest healthcare groups. Sheni is in the process of relocating to Adelaide to start her exciting new position.

Fill out an application with Nursing Careers Australia today!

Abhijeet from Nursing Careers Australia becomes an Australian citizen!

Nursing Careers is proud to announce that our very own Operations Manager, Abhijjet Singh, recently became an Australian citizen!

Originally from Delhi and fluent in English and Hindi, Abhijeet has been living in Australia for the past five years where he obtained a Masters Degree in IT from Queensland University

“I joined Careers International Group, the parent company for Nursing Careers Australia, two years ago and it has been a wonderful experience,” Abhijjet says from his home near world-famous Bondi Beach. “Now that I am an Australian citizen, I not only have the chance of a better life but also a more secure career.”

Meet the rest of the Nursing Careers Australia team here.

Join Nursing Careers Australia and change your life today

Allan and Maria Pitman (pictured above) will be in India from September 21 to October 30 to recruit nurses for some of Australia’s biggest healthcare employers. “We guarantee a job for accredited nurses, with salaries starting from $AUD60,000-80,000 p/a.,” Allan says.

Register below for one of the following life-changing information seminars:

NEW DELHI
DATE: 21st & 22nd September 2010
TIME: 1pm on the 21st; 10am on the 22nd
LOCATION: IITR (behind Sanjeevan Hospital) 4868/24 Ansari Road
Darya Ganj.

COCHIN
DATE: 25th & 26th September 10:00AM
TIME: 10AM
LOCATION: Travancore Court Hotel, Warriam Road, Ernakulam

BANGALORE
DATE: 27th September 2010
TIME & LOCATION: To be advised

Where Are They Now? Anu Thomas from Kerala

NAME: ANU ANN THOMAS (pictured left)
AGE: 24
FROM: KERALA, INDIA
POSITION: RN, AGED CARE
LIVES: SYDNEY, NSW

“I really love Australian people – they are so warm and friendly – and the weather here is very comfortable. It already feels like home!” says Anu Anne, who is looking forward to finishing her post-graduate studies once she gets settled in her new job.

Anu says that the healthcare facilities in Australia are “much better than in India” and that the support system leaves her feeling safe and secure.

“Not only are nurses in Australia insured but also assigned a General Practitioner, which means a fast remedy if any problems arise” she says, adding that her goal is to be in an administrative post within the next few years. “The support is very, very good here.”

Describing Allan and Maria as feeling “just like foster parents”, Anu says that the team at Nursing Careers Australia has been with her “every step of the way”. “From the time I met Allan in India to taking care of all my documents when I arrived to finding me a great job in aged care, they have been true to their word – everything they have said they would do, has been done with genuine care and compassion.”

Find out how easy it has been for fellow Indian nurses to relocate to Australia here.

Where Are They Now? RN Souya Scaria from Kerala

NAME: SOUYA SCARIA
AGE: 26
FROM: KERALA, INDIA
POSITION: RN, AGED CARE
LIVES: SYDNEY, NSW

Originally from Kerala, Souya says that Australia offers considerably more career opportunities for Indian nurses than her home country. “In India, once you start working in an area, it’s very difficult to move forward,” she says.

“However, in Australia, you can develop your skills and further your nursing career with different courses. I really feel that there are excellent facilities here and your career potential is unlimited.”

Apart from the “very friendly people” she has met in Australia, Souya is also appreciative of the ongoing support shown by Maria and Allan. “They have been with me each and every step of the way and I will never forget that,” she says with a smile.

Read the personal experiences of our nurses here.

Where Are They Now? RN Pompy Bose from New Delhi

NAME: POMPY BOSE
AGE: 26
FROM: NEW DELHI, INDIA
POSITION: RN, AGED CARE
LIVES: SYDNEY, NSW

“The reason why I came to Australia is because there is more scope for nurses than there is in India and, in only a few short months, I have already secured a job with a big healthcare company,” says Pomby Bose from New Delhi.

“The course I recently completed was really organised and helpful and we learned so many valuable things, particularly time management skills,” Pomby says. “To be an effective nurse in Australia, it’s really important to have these types of courses.

“I am really very happy to be a part of this country and the people here are so friendly, especially Maria and Allan who are just wonderful people,” Pomby continues. “Allan is a man of his word and everything he says, he makes happen. In fact, all of us nurses were amazed that he found all these places for us to work in!”

While Pompy was initially nervous about moving to a new country so far away from home, the ongoing support from Nursing Careers Australia quickly turned apprehension into excitement. “For all those nurses back in India – don’t think, just get on that plane because there are so many great opportunities here that you will never regret it,” she says excitedly.

Read more successful nursing stories here.

Where Are They Now: RN Saju Varghese from Delhi

NAME: SAJU P VARGHESE
AGE: 25
FROM: DELHI, INDIA
POSITION: RN, AGED CARE
LIVES: SYDNEY, NSW

Initially introduced to Nursing Careers Australia by Titus George of Eben-Ezer Educational Institutions and processed by IITR in India, Saju (standing next to fellow nurse Lojin Urumese) says it has always been his dream to live and work in Australia.

“From the beginning when I started studying to become a nurse, I had a strong desire to come to Australia because I felt it was the best place to develop my professional skills,” says Saju.

“In India, nurses do not have the same amount of respect or responsibility as they do here,” Saju continues. “My ultimate goal is to reach my full potential, which is more likely to happen in the Australian healthcare system.”

RN Vipul Mirajkar from Mumbai

NAME: VIPUL MIRAJKAR
FROM: MUMBAI, INDIA
POSITION: RN, AGED CARE
LIVES: KEMPSEY, NSW

Registered Nurse Vipul Mirajkar described his work in aged care as a “great experience”. Based in Kempsey, NSW, Vipul works at Bupa Kempsey where his duties include ??? While recognising it as a change from India’s acute care industry, 26-year old Vipul says that he is adapting well to the aged care environment.

Vipul says that his colleagues are incredibly supportive and caring, with many offering to drive him home from work after a late shift and offering advice when needed. “Nurses are very respected in Australia, which is not always the case back in India,” he says.

Based in a country town means that Vipul also has easy access to the town’s facilities, including cafes, restaurants, the movie theatre, supermarket and shopping areas.

Learn about the exciting career opportunities available for registered nurses in Australia.

Nursing Careers Australia in India, July 12-18 2010

Nursing Careers Australia’s student house in Sydney

Here is Joicy, Joyal, Bijoy, Vipul and Rosemary relaxing at an apartment NCA uses to house students while they’re studying in Sydney. Conveniently located in the heart of Strathfield, which has a strong Indian and Asian community, this modern home includes the following features:

• Air conditioning and central heating
• Fully furnished 2-3 bedroom home
• Spacious kitchen
• Heated pool and hot tub
• Lock up garage
• Security with lift key and intercom on front gate
• Proximity to public transport
• Easy access to supermarkets
• Location to Indian grocery stores and Indian video store
• Close proximity to nearby restaurants
• Modern amenities such as dishwasher, fridge, microwave and gas oven
• Computer with Wi-Fi, Internet, printer, scanner and phone

“We also go furniture shopping with the nurses to help negotiate the best deals when they’re purchashing furniture and white goods like washing machines for their new home.

Find out about the extensive personal and professional services offered by Nursing Careers Australia here.

Safe and secure accommodation for Indian nurses

Support from Nursing Careers Australia

Kick-start your nursing career in Australia

With the help of Nursing Careers Australia, Indian nurses building their careers and changing their lives in one of the world’s most affluent countries.

“A few days after the nurses arrive, they start the four-week theory component of the competency assessment program,” Allan explains. “This is where they learn about Australia’s healthcare system, how our drugs and equipment differ from what they’re used to India, and the different legal requirements that are designed to protect both patients and medical staff.

“Students are given research-based assignments that focus on various medical conditions,” Allan explains. “This forms the theory component of the course.”

“The theory stage also addresses the nursing culture and philosophy that exists in Australia,” Allan continues. “Australian nurses are highly respected and are given a level of responsibility not seen in India’s health system. And to ensure they have access to the latest information and expertise, Indian nurses are taught by Australian tutors and specialists from all over the world.

A week after the nurses graduate, NCA founders Allan and Maria Pitman travel from Sydney to Melbourne to talk through any individual concerns or questions the nurses may have.

“Some of the nurses want to know more about the cultural differences between India and Australia while others are more interested in simply exploring the city of Melbourne,” Allan explains. “This is a great opportunity for us to get to know the nurses so we take them out for dinner and celebrate what is the beginning of their new career in Australia.

Kick-start your nursing career by filling out an application here.

Where Are They Now? RN Sreeranjini Prabhakaran

NAME: SREERANJINI PRABHAKARAN
FROM: ELEMPILAD, KERALA
POSITION: RN, AGED CARE
LIVES: SYDNEY, NSW

“I really like working in Australia’s aged care community because, as a nurse, you are given so much more responsibility than if you were in India,” says Sreeranjini Prabhakaran, who lives in the outer Sydney suburb of Greystanes with her husband Manoj. “Nurses are very supportive of each other, especially the management who are always ready to share their advice and experience – without getting angry or frustrated.”

When Manoj, who works as a chef in one of the areas top restaurants, and Sreeranjini have time off from work, they enjoy driving to one of the many scenic destinations near Sydney. “We often drive down the coast to Wollongong, or across to the Blue Mountains, which is only
a short distance away,” Sreeranjini says.

Where Are They Now? RN Teena Thomas

NAME: TEENA THOMAS
FROM: ERNALUMAN, KERALA INDIA
POSITION: RN, AGED CARE
LIVES: TOOWOOMBA, QUEENSLAND

Teena was recently asked to be a Care Manager, a position that holds more responsibility and administration duties. “My job involves organising family conferences, creating Care Plans, and conducting audits,” Teena explains. “I will also be helping train a new nurse who is arriving soon from the Philippines.”

“Working in aged care is certainly challenging but there is so much job satisfaction and you really feel as though you are doing something important,” Teena says. “Nurses are the ones who are responsible for everything and they make most of the day-to-day decisions. Also, as an RN in aged care, you are required to do a fair bit of management that involves giving duties to the assistant nurses, and working in close contact with the families of the residents.

Teena Thomas, who lives in southern Queensland with her husband Sam, says she has fallen in love with Australia and “never wants to leave”. “I have so many friends here – Indian and Australian – and we often organise social functions through work on weekends,” Teena says. “Sam was recently granted an Australian Visa thanks to Allan and Maria’s help so he will be arriving here soon and I cannot wait!”

Where Are They Now? RN Vaishali Sharma

NAME: VAISHALI SHARMA
FROM: DELHI, INDIA
POSITION: RN, AGED CARE
LIVES: NEWCASTLE, NSW

Registered Nurse Vaishali Sharma has been living in Australia for nearly two years with her husband Lokesh near Newcastle, just north of Sydney. “I really like the people here – they are so friendly and easygoing,” she says. Currently working at Bupa Cardiff, Vaishali and Lokesh are excited to be having their first child, which is due in May. “I don’t have any family living in Australia but have lots of friends, so we are looking forward to raising our family here,” she adds.

While Vaishali enjoys working in aged care, she is really looking forward to one-day working in the fast paced area of intensive care.

Where Are They Now? RN Jijo Thomas

NAME: JIJO THOMAS
FROM: KAVUMKANDAM, KERALA INDIA
POSITION: RN, AGED CARE
LIVES: GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND

“The Gold Coast is such a beautiful place – I love living here!” says Jijo Thomas, who works as an RN at Bupa Merrimac. “I have been here for nearly a year and a half and enjoy the fact that in 15 mins you can be on the beach, or you can drive 30 mins in the other direction and you are in the mountains. Either way is just amazing.”

Jijo recently purchased a Honda Civic, which means he can explore his hometown, which is only a short drive to the New South Wales border. “Everyone is so welcoming and friendly so it is a really nice atmosphere to live and work in. On the weekends, I usually go out fishing with a friend who has a boat and another who has a jet ski. So we spend a lot of time on the water enjoying the sunshine and the sights,” Jijo says. “I also have a few friends from India here so we go out to various places – we recently went camping, which was a lot of fun.”

In addition to soaking up the exciting lifestyle the Gold Coast offers, Jijo also likes the responsibility and independence that comes with working in aged care. “Basically, you are left on your own to take care of the residents – which in my case is around 98 – so you are the person who is responsible for everyone’s health. It’s a huge responsibility but once you get used to it, you really start enjoying it.”

“The resident’s are always so happy to see you and when you come back to work after a couple of days off, they really miss you!”

Where Are They Now? Care Manager Rosamma Thayil John

NAME: ROSAMMA THAYIL JOHN
FROM: ALEPPY, KERALA INDIA
POSITION: CARE MANAGER, AGED CARE
LIVES: WOLLONGONG, NSW

Registered Nurse Rosamma “Rosie” Thayil John was recently promoted to the position of Care Manager at Kennedy Health Care, which is one of Australia’s leading providers of aged care.

“At Kennedy Health, we take a holistic approach to caring for the residents and my responsibility is to make the Care Plan for each of the five nurses who work alongside me during each shift,” Rosie explains. “Unlike India’s doctor dominated system, Australian procedures allow nurses to take a more independent approach to their work. Here we have the clearance to plan the resident’s care and I think nurses take more responsibility because of this.

“Because of the nature of the care provided at Kennedy Health, I am able to further my education every single day,” Rosie continues. This ensures that I am constantly progressing and not stagnant in my job.”

Along with husband Thayil, an Ordained Minister, and sons Timothy and Sam, Rosie lives south of Sydney in the bustling coastal town of Wollongong.

“The quality of life is much higher here than compared to my country,” Rosie responds when asked what she most likes about living in Australia. “I really like the people in Wollongong – they are very open and friendly – and so we have made many friends. In fact, our family has become very involved with the local community through our involvement with the Ministry.”

VAISHALI WITH SREERANJINI & HER HUSBAND MANOJ

“I really like working in Australia’s aged care community because, as a nurse, you are given so much more responsibility than if you were in India,” says Sreeranjini Prabhakaran     , who lives in the outer Sydney suburb of Greystanes with her husband Manoj.”Nurses are very supportive of each other, especially the management who are always ready to share their advice and experience – without getting angry or frustrated.”

When Manoj, who works as a chef in one of the areas top restaurants, and Sreeranjini have time off from work, they enjoy driving to one of the many scenic destinations near Sydney.”We often drive down the coast to Wollongong, or across to the Blue Mountains, which is only
a short distance away,”

ABHISHEK SHARMA

JESSY SIMON

“The process of moving to Australia was much quicker than I expected – I approached Maria and Allan in late February and found myself in Australia three months later,” says JESSY SIMON from Bangalore. Allan and Maria treat me like family and I can call them anytime if I need advice. I am very happy living in Australia and love how everything is so organised; you don’t have to wait days and days if you want to get something done!”

SONIKA JAGDE

“Australia is a beautiful country and I really like the multicultural community, the climate, and the educational opportunities for nurses,” says SONIKA JAGDEV, who is originally from Tamil. “Thanks to Allan and Maria Pittman, I am about to start working at Bupa, which I am really looking forward to.

They have been so helpful, right from the very beginning. They picked us up from the airport and provided us with very good accommodation. Allan takes us to see the hospitals while Maria show us different places, so they are very supportive. I am hoping to specialise in Neurology and look forward to my future in healthcare.”

PRIYA KURIAN

“I have had so many wonderful experiences in Australia and have had great feedback about my work,” says PRIYA KURIAN who was born in Terala. “There are quite a few Indians here and I don’t even miss my home. After one year of work with Bupa, I am going to apply for a Master in Psychiatry. I am grateful to Allan and Maria for always being there for me when I need them.”

TEENA THOMAS

After seeing an advertisement in the paper about working in Australia, Delhi based nurse TEENA THOMAS went to a seminar hosted by Careers International in February 2008.

“They showed a video of all these nurses and their positive feedback of their experiences was quite convincing,” Teena recalls from her new home in Toowoomba, Queensland, home of the spectacular Great Barrier Reef. “The fact that these nurses had come from Rajkumari Amrit Kaur (RAK) College of Nursing meant that they were reputable testimonials.”

Already equipped with two years nursing experience and the necessary prerequisites, Teena filled out the paperwork and soon found herself on a plane to Australia.

“When you’re going to another country you wonder how you are going to cope but Allan and Maria really take care of you,” she says. “There are so many agencies in India that just desert you once you arrive in Australia but Nursing Careers Australia is like a family.”

One of the first things Teena noticed while working in the Australian medical system is how much nurses are respected. “Unlike in India, nursing is a highly reputable job – here you earn respect and good money,” says Teena, who now works as a Level 2 RN at Bupa aged care facility.

Teena is so happy with her decision to move to Australia that she is planning to get married here next year. “My fiance is currently in the UK but is hoping to come here so we can settle down,” she says, clearly besotted. “I really love this place.”

ANUPRIYA MASILAMANI DURAISWAMY

Originally from Bangalore, ANUPRIYA MASILAMANI DURAISWAMY has created a new life for herself and her family thanks to the support from Careers International.

Since graduating in April 2009, Anupriya is working as an RN in Melbourne with Bupa, and settling into a new home with her husband and young son. “The facilities are beautiful and it’s a nice place to work – I am very happy,” she says with great satisfaction.

“What I love about Australia is that it is so multicultural,” Anupriya continues, “and there are so many people from India who live here.”

Job satisfaction rates high for Anupriya, who says that nurses in Australia enjoy greater responsibility and respect than in India. “At first I wasn’t used to making my own choices as doctors in India make all the decisions, even for simple situations.”

As an RN, Anupriya is in charge of the floor and is responsible for delegating jobs to numerous staff underneath her. “That would not be possible if I was working in India,” she says.

Anupriya and her family live in quiet, leafy suburb just a ten-minute walk from work. “We were able to enrol my son in the local school after ten days of arriving in Australia, and find a job for my husband where I work so everything has worked out beautifully.”

According to Anupriya, this has all been made possible because of the support from Allan and Maria, who not only helped her family find a home but also furnish it with everything they needed. “Allan is like our father,” she says.

“When we first arrived they would call almost every day to help us settle, and they even came to help us buy furniture. I don’t believe that you would get that kind of support from other agencies.”