I took up Physical Therapy in the Philippines way back 1993 and finished 1999. After I passed the Physical Therapy Boards in February 2000, my family decided for me to further my studies in Australia. I took a 6-month computer course at Victoria University, that was June 2000, and later on planned on taking Postgraduate Diploma in Exercise for Rehabilitation. I was so fortunate to have been blessed by parents who were so supportive sending me across to Australia to finance and support my further studies. Although I have a part time job as a Physiotherapy Assistant in a Greek Nursing Home in Fawkner, but still it wouldn't be enough to finance my day-to-day obligations considering that my student visa is only restricted to work 20 hours a week. No way I could juggle around with that! Anyway, I have finished the course December 2001. I need to hurry up and apply for permanent residency because my visa is about to expire March 2002. Every minute of the day counts. First, I have to sit for the Physiotherapy Written Examination for overseas phyiotherapists (a wacking fee of $1000!!!), undergo physical examinations, and pay relevant application fees. The verdict??? I was Denied! Why? I failed the bloody exams! Embarassing at it may seem but I don't have any choice but to consult help from a migration lawyer. The recommendation??? TAKE UP NURSING! Nursing? No way! Can't even imagine myself dealing with blood, and other bodily fluids (good grief!). Do I have a choice? Well, nada! The migration lawyer clearly explained that immigration wouldn't question really anyone applying for this course because of the huge shortage they have as long as you have the financial capability to show that you can support yourself through the entire course. So, I have to go thru again gathering enough proof and documentation to support my application to extend my student visa. I enrolled a 3-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Victoria University. Luckily, I was approved by the Dean for one spot because the enrollment had closed late the previous year and I was even given some subject exemptions from my previous health-related course. God was so good indeed! I wouldn't go thru details, but I did finish the course December 2004. My student visa expires March 2005. I have 3 months to work out my permanent residency. It didn't even take 10 days for immigration to grant me a permanent visa. There are so many nursing jobs around. I was lucky to get a graduate year rotation at St. Vincent's Hospital in Melbourne in the Orthopaedic Ward and at the Rehabilitation Ward at St. Georges Hospital (still under St. Vincent's Health). I was granted a permanent job at St. Georges Hospital in Kew in January 2006. I was so lucky because I could still (somehow) practice my physio skills in the rehabilitation ward (transfers techniques and ambulation). In November 2007, I was promoted as one of the Assistant Unit Nurse Managers of the ward. It was just so timely because that was the time when nurses took industrial action for "pay increase" especially for Nurse Unit Managers, Assistant Unit Managers and Graduate Nurses. We had a 10% increase of salary from our base rate from the result of that industrial action. We also had a back pay, which we recieved a fortnight ago from the rate changes that took effect from October 2007 onwards. Well done! Looking back, there isn't any wink of regret that I have in mind coming here and trying out my luck. It turned out successful anyway. Now, I am returning the favor that my parents gave to me unto my niece and 2 nephews.
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