Internationally Qualified Nurses (IQN) “OS to OZ” Program: Recruiting overseas nurses as care workers in Australia

With 65,000 aged care workers estimated to be leaving the sector each year, and a 35,000-worker shortfall already, staffing is the major challenge for aged care operators.

The government has moved to prioritise the engagement of healthcare workers across Australia through new training initiatives and national campaigns, however the numbers coming into the sector are still low and won’t be enough to meet the unprecedented demand created Covid burnout and the incoming requirement to have a registered nurse on duty 24/7 and the new minimum mandated care minutes.

“Immigration, without any doubt, is the only solution to filling the vacancies in the sector right now, especially in regional and remote locations,” says Michael Bermejo (pictured), Director of Key 2 Care Health Solutions and Key 2 Learning College.

SOURCING NURSES

With its network of agents worldwide and offices in  Australia, India and Vietnam, Key 2 Care Health Solutions provides aged care operators with access to high-quality Internationally Qualified Nurses (IQNs) with Bachelor Degrees in nursing or Diploma of Nursing qualifications.

The nurses from Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Africa are prepared to come to Australia to work as carers in the aged care sector. They are more open to working in regional and remote locations and working overtime and night shift in order to maximise their income, making them particularly valuable members of staff. Often bringing their family with them, they seek the opportunity to work and stay in Australia.

The nurses undertake a CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support qualification and additional training in dementia care, palliative care and leadership skills prior to commencement of employment with aged care operators. The nurses can also apply for Australian registration, subject to qualifying under the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) Stream B and having successfully completed the Outcomes-Based Assessment (OBA) examination. Key 2 Learning College, the training arm of Key 2 Care Health Solutions, can assist the nurses in this undertaking.

Key 2 Care Health Solutions ‘OS to OZ’ program enables IQNs to work in Australia as carers for up to five years.

SIMPLIFIED PROGRAM

While aged care workers are not on the migration skills list, companies can apply for a ‘company specific labour agreement’, an agreement between a company and the Department of Home Affairs, to sponsor aged care workers.

“The government has simplified the process and the time it takes to approve,” Michael said. Decisions can take as little as three to six months from the date of lodgement.

To qualify for Key 2 Care Health Solutions’ “OS to OZ” program, employers must have a company specific labour agreement with the Department of Home Affairs, which allows them to sponsor staff such as personal care, aged or disability care workers. Factors such as salary, English language requirements, and permanent residency pathways can be negotiated as part of the agreement.

Key 2 Care Health Solutions employs migration specialists who can help with the preparation and lodgement of the company specific labour agreements.

100+ PLACED

The concept of the IQN Program was co-designed with award-winning aged care provider Royal Freemasons Benevolent Institution (RFBI). RFBI saw that it had to own the labour challenge rather than wait on government intervention, and implemented this program with Key 2 Care Health Solutions.

Through RFBI’s learnings, Key 2 Care Health Solutions now has a system in place that can be applied to any aged care provider. As the number of candidates going through the program has increased, RFBI has adapted and improved the process to streamline and maximise the benefit to both the staff and RFBI.

“RFBI is very supportive of the IQN program as we stand by our philosophy that we must all work together for what is best for our residents and our workforce.” Frank Price said.

Key 2 Care Health Solutions has already placed 100 overseas nurses with Australian employers, including RFBI, HammondCare and Whiddon.

Key 2 Care Health Solutions performs the initial interviews in their country and then when a suitable candidate is found, organises interviews with the prospective employers.

Key 2 Care Health Solutions meets the new employees at the airport and arranges transport to their new employer home. They help with onboarding and arrange tax file numbers.

“The overseas nurses are happy to work with residents and they have that passion and interest. They are happy to work in regional areas as well as metropolitan areas,” Michael said.

Key 2 Care Health Solutions maintains contact with the employee. “We don't just bring them in and walk away. We continue to support them and we work with the employers over the long term,” Michael said.

“The nurses, who often bring their families with them, are very appreciative of what we’ve done for them. It changes their lives.”

“It’s a win-win situation for employees and employers,” Michael said.

CERTIFICATE III TRAINING

All Key 2 Care Health Solutions IQNs have completed a Certificate III in Individual Support with Key 2 Learning College, as well as additional training in dementia care, palliative care, and leadership skills.

The training is conducted in the IQN’s home country, before they depart for Australia.

The practical component of the training is conducted when they arrive in Australia, as part of their duties with their Australian employer.

PATHWAY TO BECOME AN RN

Key 2 Care Health Solutions can help IQNs to upskill and obtain their Australian registration as Registered Nurses through Key 2 Care Health Solution’s Australian Registration Pathway Program.

Under this program, IQNs who qualify under Stream B for the NMBA Outcomes Based Assessment must pass a theory and practical examination and meet all registration standards including English proficiency.

“It’s actually very difficult,” Michael said. “Less than 40% of overseas nurses succeed in passing the examination, and the time and effort involved in applying for Australian registration cannot be underestimated by the IQNs or their Australian employers.”

Key 2 Care Health Solutions assists IQNs with coaching and training, practice tests, and a dedicated support trainer. English proficiency training can also be arranged, if required.

THE (ECONOMICAL) INVESTMENT

Key 2 Care Health Solutions charges a relatively low cost one-off, up-front placement fee of 5% on the annual salary of the IQN.

By comparison, recruitment agencies can charge 12-20% of the employee’s annual salary – up to $9,000 for a basic placement.

Key 2 Care Health Solutions also offers ongoing support and training.

If the IQN isn’t the right fit for your organisation, Key 2 Care Health Solutions will find a more suitable replacement.

Covering staff shortages through overtime or using agency staff (if you can get them) is also expensive and in the long term, unviable. The is also the opportunity cost of not having full occupancy due to staff shortages.

Under the IQN program, employers will have staff for a minimum of five years. “With turnover of around 25%, to have someone for five years is gold,” Michael said.