After completing her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing at the Far Eastern University in Manila and after getting her RN registration in the Philippines, Diane Kristine Liwag Sanchez started her career at a public hospital in Pasay. With a meagre salary, Diane persevered and carried on working as an RN in the Philippines.
To fulfil her late mother’s wish for Diane to migrate to Australia, Diane came to Geelong, Victoria. She completed a Bachelor of Nursing (1-year program) at Deakin University in 2019. While on a student visa, Diane worked as a fruit shop seller and cleaner until she found a job as a personal care assistant. With Diane’s work experience in the healthcare industry both in Australia and the Philippines, it was easy for her to find a job as an RN after she gained her RN registration in Australia. Within a year of working as an RN in Australia, Diane was promoted to a managerial role in an aged care facility in Warrnambool.
Here’s my interview with Diane:
How did you start your journey to Australia? Why did you choose to come to Australia?
My journey started when my mum encouraged me to venture out of the Philippines. I started researching different countries that offer jobs in Nursing. I ended up choosing Australia because of the work-life balance it offers. I was attracted not just to the work environment that different facilities/hospital offer but also to the Australian culture, which is almost the same as the Filipino culture of being very family-centred. After my mum died, I realised it was time for me to fulfil our dream.
How did you get your RN registration in Australia?
I had to study for almost a year at Deakin University back in February 2019, which they call a conversion course for Nursing since I am already a Registered Nurse in the Philippines. Then afterwards, I got my RN registration from AHPRA in November 2019.
What was your first job in Australia?
In Australia, I had to work out of my scope while studying. My first job was in Victoria Market, selling fruits and vegetables, but it didn’t last as I felt I was underpaid. I then got a job at a hotel as a cleaner which lasted for a couple of months. While working as a cleaner, I heard from my friends about disability jobs or PCW jobs for which I applied. I then got in after five months of stay here in Australia. My disability/ PCW job got me through until I finished university. Right after I got my licence as a nurse, I hurriedly applied to work as an RN in aged care facilities, and the rest is history.
How can you compare working in Australia as a Nurse to working in the Philippines?
As a Nurse, the first difference is the workload. In the Philippines, the ratio, as I remember, was definitely hefty compared to what we have here. In the hospital where I currently work, the ratio in the ward has a maximum of around 1:6 and 1:10 at night.
Leave privileges in the Philippines are not a privilege at all. You can apply for leave, but loads of prayer are needed before they can be granted. Here in Australia, give it a maximum of two weeks, and you’ll receive your leave grant.
Besides working in the hospital, I also work in an aged care facility. The workload might be greater in an aged care facility than in a hospital setting, but it definitely pays better. Lastly, I also see that in Australia, hard work is acknowledged by the management. If they see you are worthy of a promotion, they’ll give it to you. No red tags are needed, just your passion and hard work are more than enough for them. I can attest to that as I was offered to work as an Associate Nurse Unit Manager on application after just working for a year in an aged care facility here in Australia.
How does it feel to be an Australian PR? Is there a lot of difference from when you were on a temporary visa?
Being on a student visa in a foreign country was hard as we actually didn’t know until when we could stay. When our 190 visa came out, we felt more relieved about our status in Australia. We could already work unlimited hours, plus we had access to Medicare which was an additional perk and made us feel safe and that we belong here in Australia.
What are your tips for people or RNs intending to come to Australia?
First tip: prepare yourself. Make sure if you intend to come to Australia, you will prepare yourself holistically, which means preparing your mind, body and soul for what is to come once you arrive in Australia. It will be hard, but it will pay off in the end. Second, once you have prepared yourself, get a good migration agency that will be there to help you in your journey.
In summary, Diane’s humble beginnings did not stop her from achieving her goal of becoming a Permanent Resident in Australia. With Diane’s hard work, humility, and perseverance, her nursing career in Australia progressed very quickly.
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