How to Prepare for a New Nursing Role: Resume, Registration & Referees in 2025

As the end of the financial year approaches, May is a fantastic time for nurses across Australia to start fresh. Whether you’re actively exploring nursing jobs in Australia or simply updating your resume and registration details, this guide will help you prepare everything you need to confidently apply for your next hospital-based role.

From tightening up your resume to refreshing your AHPRA registration and choosing the right referees, here’s your step-by-step checklist to be job-ready mid-year.

1. Update Your Resume – Less Is More, But Clarity Matters

Your nursing resume is your first impression—make it count.

What to focus on in 2025:

• Structure: Use clear sections—Summary, Clinical Experience, Education, Registrations, and Skills.

• Keywords: Match your skills to the role (e.g. “scrub nurse,” “acute care,” “patient flow coordination”).

• Keep it short: 2–3 pages max, tailored to each application.

• List relevant achievements: Don’t just describe duties—mention your impact (e.g. reduced patient wait times, led audits).

• Formatting: Use clean fonts, consistent spacing, and avoid unnecessary graphics.

Pro tip: Make sure your resume matches Australian standards—if unsure, our team can guide you through it.

2. AHPRA Registration – Time to Check the Details

Whether you’re already working or planning to apply soon, don’t leave your AHPRA renewal until the last minute. Mid-year job applicants often miss out due to small delays in registration.

Checklist:

• Log in to the AHPRA portal and ensure your details are up to date.

• AHPRA registration renewal for Registered Nurses is due by 31 May each year. It’s important to review your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours (minimum 20 annually) and ensure you’ve met recency of practice requirements well before the deadline.

• If you’re an international nurse, confirm your qualification has been assessed or that you’re eligible for registration via a relevant pathway.

Read more: AHPRA Registration for Nurses – What You Need in 2025

3. Choose the Right Referees

Referees can make or break your application—especially for permanent hospital roles.

What hiring managers expect:

• At least two clinical referees, ideally from your most recent roles.

• Referees must be supervisors or team leaders (not peers).

• Include full name, position, work email, and hospital name.

• Always notify your referees in advance—they may be contacted quickly!

Pro tip: Many hospitals use reference checks to fast-track decisions—be ready from day one.

Why May is a Smart Time to Apply

May is a strategic time for nurses to apply for permanent hospital roles across Australia. Many healthcare employers begin preparing their staffing budgets for the new financial year, which starts in July. That means May is when hospitals forecast their workforce needs, plan for long-service leave coverage, and open recruitment for upcoming vacancies— especially in high-demand areas like theatres, medical-surgical wards, and critical care units.

By applying now, you get ahead of the mid-year rush and increase your chances of being shortlisted before teams become stretched during end-of-financial-year workloads.

At IHR Group, we partner directly with hospitals to recruit for permanent, hospital-based nursing roles across Australia. We know what our clients are looking for and can guide you through a smooth, well-timed application process.

Ready to Apply?

If your resume, registration, and referees are ready, you’re ahead of the curve. Whether you’re actively job-seeking or just exploring your options, we’re here to help.

Browse our current roles for Registered Nurses and Nurse Unit Managers

Not sure where to start? Register your details and our team will get in touch.

Quick Recap: 3 Steps to Prep for a Nursing Career Move This May

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