From Cardiff to the Outback: My Journey as a UK Nurse in Australia

Before we get into Emily Brady’s inspiring story as a UK Nurse in Australia, if you’re a nursing student or nurse in Australia, you’re currently reading this on your very own free, nurse-only community that we built for you. It’s where you can join forums, connect, and share all things to do with nursing. Quickly join here in 30 seconds and then continue to read this article and all our other articles, webinars and resources.

How it started

In October 2023, I packed up my flat, said goodbye to my nearest and dearest, and boarded a one-way flight to Australia. I knew I was in for a rollercoaster, but I never expected how hot and cold I would be. I mean, how can you?

I grew up in Somerset and moved three hours away for university. I had done long distance — hadn’t I? I was used to “living in a different country.” For my Australian readers — the UK is England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales — and not one country (ask us all, we’re very patriotic about it).

I never expected that my naivety would catch me out so much. I now live two lives. I am the luckiest unlucky person. I have family and friends at two ends of the earth. Friends who feel like family, who couldn’t point to Somerset on a map, and friends who have only ever seen Australia on a television.

I am proud of the rollercoaster I have ridden, the heights I have climbed, and the depths I’ve plunged. So without further ado, this is my journey from the UK to the Outback, as a 26-year-old girl from Somerset. 

Why Did I Leave the NHS for Australia?

I have worked in NHS hospitals in both England and Wales. Gratefully, I’ve had the opportunity to work in a multitude of NHS healthcare settings.

As mentioned, I was employed in Cardiff Children’s Hospital on the paediatric oncology and haematology ward, but I also worked agency shifts in English hospitals: Hereford, Yeovil, and Bristol (to name a few). These jobs taught me resilience and strength — and I don’t mean by the hours I worked, or the job role I fulfilled. I looked after little warriors — children going through an indescribable battle, something many of us will be lucky enough never to endure.

While I loved these jobs and the patients I looked after, I was burnt out. It was hard to admit — being so newly qualified and already struggling mentally to get through shifts. Yes, the work was hard, but the real battle was being unable to afford a one-bed flat for myself. Or struggling to see the sunshine at the end of the shift (both figuratively and literally).

So when my beautiful friend suggested a holiday to Australia, naturally my next words were: “I can quit my job and move across!” I was newly single and couldn’t afford my rent — I don’t think it was a rash decision at all….

The AHPRA Process: A Test of Patience

I have to thank a Reddit writer for the title — I borrowed it from their post, but I must say, I think it explains it perfectly. My AHPRA process — well, there’s a reason I started my blog helping others with their move to Australia.

AHPRA — wow. Coming from a different healthcare system, a different registration board, and a whole different country entirely, I expected it to be difficult, but it was the Mount Everest of climbs. I think if you have a head on your shoulders it’s straightforward. However, I, unfortunately, was not given this grace, and my head is in space.

I started my application in April 2023, and I had my in-principle offer in September 2023. I had a few delays along the way, which is why I believe it took so long.

I sent my paperwork to be certified by a solicitor who claimed to be registered to certify my documents — clue: she wasn’t. A few tears and a new notary later, and I was back on board.

My tips for new applicants: start early, be patient, and do your research. Take all the advice you can get, and if you need support, ask. The AHPRA team are full of very educated and helpful people — they are always at the end of the phone.

Arriving in Australia: Hello Sydney (and Reality)

The feeling of standing in front of the Opera House, knowing that all your hard work has paid off, is something I will never forget. It may have been raining and cold (I thought Australia was hot all year round — oops), but it was indescribable.

A few days passed before I heard anything about work. Then a few days became a week, and then a few weeks. I was quickly running out of money (having booked two East Coast trips), so I needed to sort myself out.

I eventually got lucky and started working two jobs. But anyone and their dog knows — Sydney is not for the financially faint-hearted.

Paying $900 a week for a one-bed flat is not sustainable. Even being a shared debt with my boyfriend, this was quickly becoming draining. By January I onboarded with a new agency who offered me a rural contract.

I debated for a few days and then finally took the plunge, and I am so glad that I did.

Rural Nursing: Challenge, Growth, and Space to Breathe

Flying into our first outback placement I remember seeing the red dirt — everywhere, quite literally everywhere. We said, “Just three months, head down and then we’ll be on our way.” We stayed seven months total and then returned back there this year.

Working in rural Australia isn’t for everyone, but for me, it was the best decision I have ever made. The pace is different, the teams are close-knit, and you’re often working within a wider scope of practice than you would in the city or back home. There’s more autonomy, but so much opportunity to learn.

I am biased — a thousand percent — but I was put onto a ward with some of the nicest and most highly educated nurses. Patient, caring, and highly skilled. You have a question? They know the answer.

I’ve treated conditions I had never heard of, cared for patients with limited resources, and worked with some of the most brilliant minds on the job.

It’s a whole new world of nursing and one that I cannot recommend enough, especially to my international nurses and midwives. Try it — even if it’s two weeks and you hate it — at least you can tick that box and say you’ve done it.

Practical Tips for UK Nurses and Midwives Moving to Australia

• Start the paperwork early. AHPRA, police checks, and visa applications all take time.
• Expect the unexpected. Even the most thorough can be flipped on their head. Take it from me — things always come together, but usually at the last minute. Be open-minded and trust that it will work out.
• Join nurse groups. My favourite bit of advice! Join the Facebook groups, Reddit threads, or blogs — they are full of advice, housing leads, or moral support. In this age, you don’t need to pay for advice — it is readily available if you are willing to put yourself out there. Be brave, be bold, and take this new life under your wing.
• Be ready to adapt. Clinical terms are different, protocols vary, and the hardest thing for me — some medication names are different. Don’t be scared, ask for advice, and take every day at a time. Australian nurses are the kindest people (as all nurses are); they will be happy to answer questions.
• You’re not just moving jobs — you’re changing life. GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK. You are moving to a new country, and quite honestly, it couldn’t be further from the UK if you tried. You will make mistakes — whether that’s with new friends, a bad financial decision, or a horrible flat. Cry, buy chocolate, and start again. Also, if you need any help, reach out to others!

Looking Ahead

I am currently living the life of a nomad — swimming with no direction, which has its own ups and downs, I must say. Through twelve months of living well below our means and hardcore saving, I’ve just travelled Vietnam, Thailand, Egypt, and am back home in the UK for a few weeks.

My gorgeous nephew just graced us with his arrival in March, and my brother is getting married to his amazing fiancée in May. I’m home until just after their wedding and then flying back to Australia.

I have no house or job waiting for me when I get back to Australia. Both a terrifying and exciting time lies ahead for me. In the famous words of Michael John Bobak: “All progress takes place outside the comfort zone.”

If you’re a UK reader wondering if it’s all worth it — I’ll say this: you will never know until you try, and if you do try, you might just find a version of nursing (and life) that lights you up again.

You can follow more of my journey on Instagram @emilytheuknursedownunder and find my blog at www.uknurseinaus.co.uk, where I share real-time updates, honest reflections, and behind-the-scenes stories from the Aussie nurse life.