Have a Criminal Record: but are now training to be a Nurse.

[Guest NicNic85]

Hello Everybody........Hope everyone is well

My name is Nicola and I am 26 years old from Surrey (originally from Hertfordshire), and I am currently in my 2nd year of studying to become a Nurse.

 

When I was 18 (June 2003, 8 years ago): I was arrested and convicted of Theft and subslequently have a criminal record. When I was 24 I decided to sort my life out and train to be a Nurse, which I am thoroughly enjoying, with the hope of emigrating Down Under and am looking at Perth as it seems to be a good place for jobs and popular with Brits. I hope to qualify as a Nurse in July 2012 (27 years of age).

 

My question is that: even though I will be a qualified Nurse (fingerscrossed) will my criminal record discount that out and I will I be granted entrance to Australia? Also, what do people know about Graduate Nursing Programmes, as I would like to go to Oz as soon after qualifying as possible.

Thanks for reading and I look forward to receiving any advice given.

Kind Regards

Nicola (Nic)

[ali]

Hi Nic, do declare your criminal record, but they would generally only refuse you a visa if you are continuing to offend and/or have had a custodial sentence of 12 months or more.

 

Congratulations on your nursing career. It's difficult to predict with the graduate programme because it depends on how many places there are available and how many aussie trained nurses are going for them. I'm not sure how you go about it - but some people do their elective placements overseas - may be worth asking at Uni

 

Ali

[Guest NicNic85]

Hello Ali

 

Thank you very much for you kind advice I really appreciate it. If you do not mind me asking: What do you do out in Perth and when did you start the whole process and the eventually make the move?

 

I apologise for all the question: I am just very early beginner in researching and know nothing, haha.

 

Kind Regards

Nic

 

x

[ali]

Hi Nic,

 

We've been in Perth for 4 years now, and I'm a clinical nurse specialist in community mental health, which basically means I manage a community mental health team. The Visa's have changed a little since I first embarked upon the process. When you submit your application for your visa you can also send a couple of character references, and a letter from yourself explaining the charges and how you've managed to put the offence behind you and are doing something very worthwhile.

 

Here's a link to the graduate nurse programme http://www.nursing.health.wa.gov.au/graduate/