How many shifts will I actually get?
More than you might expect. Aged care homes across the East Coast — from Melbourne and Sydney to regional Queensland, coastal NSW and beyond — rely on agency RNs to meet their 24-hour rostering requirements. When you register with E4 People, your dedicated consultant builds your roster in advance so you know exactly what you are working before you land. Most working holiday nurses are offered a minimum of four shifts or 30 hours per week, and many work considerably more than that.
Do I need AHPRA registration before I arrive?
Yes — AHPRA registration is required before you can practise as a registered nurse in Australia. The good news is that UK and Ireland nurses are eligible to apply through the international pathway, and E4 People will walk you through every step. Getting started early is the best thing you can do. Most nurses complete the process in 8 to 12 weeks, so we recommend applying well before your planned arrival date. Get in touch with us and we will guide you from the beginning.
Can I work in Australia on a Working Holiday Visa as a UK or Irish RN?
Yes. UK and Irish citizens aged 18 to 35 are eligible for an Australian Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 for UK; subclass 462 for Ireland). This visa allows you to live and work in Australia for up to 12 months, with options to extend to a second or third year under certain conditions. You apply directly through the Australian Department of Home Affairs website. E4 People does not process visas, but your consultant can point you in the right direction.
How is Australian aged care different from back home?
Australian residential aged care is different from the UK and Irish systems, and it is worth knowing what to expect before your first shift. Facilities here operate under the Aged Care Act and follow the Aged Care Quality Standards. As an RN, you will hold clinical responsibility for the floor, often overseeing personal care workers and enrolled nurses. The documentation systems, medication management processes and care planning frameworks will feel familiar in principle but different in practice. Your E4 People consultant will brief you before your first placement so you are not walking in cold.
What are the pay rates for agency RNs in Australia?
Rates vary by state, facility and shift type. Your consultant confirms your exact hourly rate in writing before you accept any shift. You are paid weekly for the hours you work — no monthly pay cycles, no chasing invoices. Australian RN agency rates are competitive and many nurses find they earn more here than they were earning at home.
Where will I live while I am in Australia?
E4 People supports you in sorting accommodation before you arrive. Depending on where you are placed, that might be a short-term rental, shared accommodation with other agency nurses, or facility-supported housing in regional areas. You will know where you are staying before you book your flights. We work across major cities like Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane as well as coastal and regional towns, so there is plenty of variety in where your adventure takes you.
Will I have support once I am over there?
Not at all. You get one dedicated consultant who knows your name, books your shifts and answers the phone when you need them. You also get access to our Employee Assistance Program at no cost. Whether you are in Melbourne or a coastal town in regional Queensland, the support does not change.
How does shift booking work?
Shifts are managed through the E4 People app. You can view available shifts, accept bookings and submit timesheets directly from your phone. It is straightforward to use and means you are in control of your schedule. Your consultant is also available to help build your roster and make sure you have consistent work throughout your stay.
Can I move around Australia and still have work lined up?
That is entirely up to you. Your WHV gives you the flexibility to move around, and E4 People has facilities across the East Coast — from major cities to regional and coastal towns. You can stay in one location, move between regions, or mix both. Your consultant will work with your plans and help you find shifts wherever you decide to go next.
What kind of aged care facilities will I work in?
Everything from small residential homes to larger aged care campuses, often across multiple sites. Every residential aged care facility in Australia is legally required to have a registered nurse on site 24 hours a day, which is why the demand for agency RNs is so consistent. Working across different facilities is also one of the fastest ways to build your Australian aged care experience and clinical confidence.
What will I actually earn?
Rates for RNs vary from State to State, and depending on experience and shift timing. Ranges typically are between $40-$70ph+.
Do I need AHPRA registration before I arrive?
It's strongly encouraged that you apply for this as soon as possible, you won't be able to start picking up shifts until you have a valid AHPRA registration.