Registered Nurse

What does a registered nurse do?

• Observes and records patients health and behaviours
• Administer medication
• Operate medical equipment
• Prepare patients for examination
• Assist in operations
• Give care after operations

What do I need to be good at?

• Skill in written communication
• Emotional intelligence
• Professional ethics
• Teamwork
• Time management
• Interpersonal skills
• Integrity
• Adaptability

How much does a registered nurse get paid?

Minimum starting salary: $51,022 (Source 1)

The most common salary for a registered nurse mid-career in Victoria is between $65,000 and $75,000. (Source 2)

How does a registered nurse get trained?

If you don’t already have a bachelor’s degree, an accredited bachelor’s degree in nursing and registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency will get you there.

If you do, you can complete a two-year masters of nursing and register with the AHPRA.

If you’re an enrolled nurse, or you’ve done a Diploma in Nursing, you can get credit for the whole first year toward a bachelor’s degree.

Where are the jobs for registered nurses?

The most common job titles are nurse and registered nurse, which are protected job titles for graduates of bachelor’s degrees or master’s degrees in nursing. Nurse and Registered Nurse positions are available in hospitals and clinics across Australia.

See all jobs

What does this job lead to?

After some years’ experience, you could work to specialise in aged care, acute care, paediatrics, maternal care, and many others.

1. Source: Fair Work Commission, Nurses Award 2010.
2. Source: Seek.com.au