If you are thinking of becoming a nurse in Australia, you should know how much you can expect to make as a registered nurse. These figures provide an overview on average annual salary for registered nurses with their experience level. This information will give a clear indication of the career path ahead of them as well.
Introduction
There are many careers in the nursing industry. Nurses with several years of experience or those who have undergone extra education tend to earn more than others. Completing a bachelor’s degree in nursing can allow you to earn more than an enrolled nurse or nursing assistant, for example. Furthermore, completing a Masters in Nursing can also lead to a lucrative specialisation plus a rise in earning potential.
Here are 10 of the highest-paid nursing jobs in Australia:
National average salary: $97,872
Primary duties: Clinical nurse educators develop educational programs for nursing professionals within healthcare facilities. These educators create curriculums and oversee new nurses and nursing school students in a clinical setting. It’s their job to identify the individual learning needs of each nurse. As such, a clinical nurse educator is usually versed in a variety of specialities such as neonatal, pediatric or intensive care. Clinical nurse educators often work out of an educational institution or hospital.
National average salary: $123, 501
Primary duties: Nurse practitioners are registered nurses who have the authority to function autonomously. You can only become a nurse practitioner if approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board. Nurse practitioners assist in nearly every aspect of patient care. This includes conducting and interpreting diagnostic tests, diagnosing conditions and creating treatment plans. Nurse practitioners also consult with patients and their families. They may work as part of a clinic or hospital treatment team or independently as part of private practice.
3. Neonatal intensive care unit nurse
National average salary: $84,004
Primary duties: A NICU nurse is a registered nurse who works in the neonatal intensive care unit of a hospital. They specialise in providing supportive care to newborn infants. The neonatal period usually describes the first month of a newborn’s life. Neonatal nursing involves caring for infants with a variety of health concerns such as prematurity, birth defects or surgical problems. Duties often include preparing medications, managing fluids, observation, emergency care and educating and supporting parents.
National average salary: $103,550
Primary duties: A clinical nurse specialist is an advanced practice registered nurse who holds a healthcare specialisation, such as paediatrics or oncology. They use research to improve clinical practice, educate staff and aid with complex health problems. Clinical nurse specialists typically provide recommendations to improve patient outcomes including reviewing and evaluating care plans.
5. Registered mental health nurse
National average salary: $81,224
Primary duties: Registered mental health nurses diagnose mental illnesses, assist in treatment planning and prescribe medication. They also work to educate patients and their families about their mental illness diagnosis and treatment options. Registered mental health nurses may work as part of a hospital’s mental health unit or for independent practice.
6. Certified registered nurse anaesthetist
National average salary: $104,000
Primary duties: Certified registered nurse anaesthetists are advanced practice registered nurses who deliver anaesthesia and pain care services. They administer epidural and nerve blocks to patients. Registered nurse anaesthetists may work with surgeons, anaesthesiologists, podiatrists, dentists and other healthcare professionals. They help prepare a patient for a procedure, assist in stabilisation and monitor patients during post-operation recovery.
National average salary: $86,710
Primary duties: A pediatric nurse provides care for infants, children and adolescent patients who are suffering from illnesses or need special care. These professionals execute a nursing plan, provide medications and therapies, monitor patients responses to treatments and assist in emergency situations. Paediatric nurses may choose to specialise further in areas such as oncology or mental health.
Related: How to Become a Paediatric Nurse (With Duties)
National average salary: $99,282
Primary duties: A pain management nurse is a registered nurse who has specialised in pain management. Pain management nurses often work in palliative care, hospice programs or oncology units to help provide care plans to determine the cause of a patient’s pain and treat it accordingly. They usually administer medication to help relieve severe pain and trauma. Pain management nurses also work carefully to prevent over-dependence and addiction in their patients and help them transition back into their everyday lives.
National average salary: $110,090
Primary duties: A clinical nurse manager supervises and manages a nursing team. Their managerial duties extend beyond healthcare as they also undertake reporting and financial tasks. Clinical nurse managers often develop care policies, coordinate staff rosters, recruit new staff and evaluate current nursing staff. They usually work closely with an interdisciplinary medical team including doctors and specialists.
National average salary: $132,341
Primary duties: Nursing directors provide leadership to all nursing staff in a healthcare setting ensuring they deliver safe and effective care to patients. They also undertake an administrative role involving budgeting, health service planning and workforce planning. Nursing directors oversee the planning and organisation of clinical nursing services in a hospital or other healthcare facility.
Registered nurses are the backbone of the healthcare industry. They’re responsible for ensuring that patients are safe and healthy, and they make sure that their needs are met when it comes to medical treatment.
In Australia, registered nurses have a median salary of $51,760 per year. This means that half of all registered nurses earn less than this amount, while half earn more.
The highest-paid 10% earn $71,890 or more each year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $39,990 or less each year.
Conclusion
To become a director in nursing you can begin by qualifying as a registered nurse. To begin this career trajectory you can complete a bachelor of nursing or bachelor of science (majoring in nursing). After completing your studies you can then apply to the Nursing and Midwifery Board for registration.
