A Brisbane nurse has disclosed her transition to the corporate sector, where she now earns a base salary of approximately $150,000, a significant increase compared to traditional nursing roles. In recent times, discussions around salary have become more commonplace in Australia, with many individuals sharing their earnings openly.
In an interview conducted by job application platform Getahead, the nurse explained that she had shifted away from her role as an intensive care nurse following the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “I’m a nurse, but I’m now in the corporate world, so it’s a bit different from what I used to do,” she noted.
Her remarks highlighted the variability in earnings, stating that her salary might fluctuate depending on different factors each year. She emphasised, “It could be anything from a $150,000 base and up, or less or more.”
According to SEEK, the average salary for registered nurses in Australia typically falls between $85,000 and $95,000. Becoming a registered nurse requires a three-year full-time study programme, followed by registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
Post-pandemic, she made the decision to step away from direct patient care in favour of a role that steered her away from hospital environment stresses. She found a position as an education consultant for a dialysis company, managing clinical applications across Queensland and South Australia. Following her promotion, she now balances responsibilities in both sales and education, utilising her nursing expertise.
“I absolutely phenomenally love it… I also loved nursing as well, but I needed a break,” she expressed about her new career fulfilment.
Many Australians have expressed admiration for her career progression, with comments praising the mobility afforded by a nursing degree. While there were acknowledgments of her impressive salary, some pointed out that her earnings far surpass the average for nurses in the country.
Addressing fellow nurses feeling burnt out or disengaged with their current roles, she encouraged them to explore alternative career paths. “If you’re passionate about something and you’re not passionate about nursing anymore, I think it’s best to look for something different that excites you to go to work every day,” she advised.
This narrative not only showcases the potential career shifts for healthcare professionals but also highlights the evolving dialogue surrounding salary transparency in the workplace.
