Why Autumn is the Best Time for Australian Nurses to Change Jobs in 2025

If you’re a registered nurse or nurse unit manager in Australia, autumn (April–June) may be the most strategic time of year to explore new career opportunities. Whether you’re aiming to step into a leadership role, return to a specialty you love, or relocate for a better work-life balance, autumn offers advantages that other seasons don’t.

Here’s why it’s smart to make your nursing career move now—and how we at IHR Group can help you make it happen.

Seasonal Hiring Cycles in Healthcare: Why Timing Matters

Healthcare recruitment follows predictable seasonal cycles. Autumn hits a sweet spot between two high-activity periods:

Post-summer stabilisation (February–March)

• Hospitals re-evaluate staffing levels after summer holidays.

• Restructuring opens up new roles.

Pre-winter recruitment (April–June)

• Facilities begin strengthening their nursing teams before flu season.

• This is a key period for onboarding full-time, permanent staff in areas like critical care, theatres, and general medicine.

Applying early in autumn gives you more control over location, roster preferences, and career progression pathways.

Hospitals Are Actively Hiring in Autumn

Hospitals across Australia—especially in regions with growing demand—are recruiting permanent staff ahead of winter. We’re currently seeing high activity in:

• Theatres (scrub, scout, recovery)

• ICU and High Dependency Units

• Medical/Surgical Wards

• Aged Care Facilities

With a reduced volume of job seekers compared to peak periods like January, your application will receive more attention and your chances of securing interviews increase significantly.

Ideal for nurses looking to progress into senior or leadership roles, or to transition into a new region.

A Great Time to Refresh Your Nursing Portfolio

Whether you’re actively applying or just exploring your options, this is the season to update your:

Pro Tip: We’re happy to review your CV and offer feedback tailored to the role you’re applying for.  Just get in touch with us!

Easier Time to Relocate or Change Environments

Relocating to a new city or regional area? Autumn makes it easier to plan:

• Milder weather for travel and settling in

• Better rental availability

• Less congestion and lower relocation stress

We’re currently working with hospitals in Victoria, Tasmania, and other regional areas that are welcoming new permanent staff across various specialties.

Autumn Is Ideal for Reflection and Clarity

The slower pace of autumn encourages many nurses to reflect on their career goals. If you’ve been feeling stuck, now’s the time to ask yourself:

• Am I still learning and growing where I am?

• Is my current job meeting my professional and personal needs?

• Is there a role that better supports my long-term goals?

Many of our candidates take action in April or May and secure new positions before winter hits—giving them a fresh start, better support, and new motivation.

What to Look For in Your Next Nursing Role

Not all nursing jobs are created equal. Here’s what we recommend focusing on when evaluating offers:

✔️ Salary & Benefits

• Competitive rates + shift penalties

• Overtime, superannuation, study leave

✔️ Roster Flexibility

• 8 or 12-hour shift options

• Family-friendly patterns or rotating rosters

✔️ Career Progression

• Step-up roles in leadership

• Mentoring or professional development included

✔️ Supportive Culture

• Strong nurse-to-patient ratios

• Respectful, well-resourced teams

• Positive leadership from Nurse Unit Managers

We work with hospitals that value and invest in their nursing teams—and we’ll only recommend roles that are a good fit for your skills and preferences.

How IHR Group Can Help You This Autumn

We specialise in placing experienced nurses and nurse managers into permanent hospital roles across Australia. Whether you’re after more flexibility, professional growth, or just a better team culture—we’re here to help.

Here’s what you get with us:

• Exclusive job openings not listed on public boards

• Tailored advice and guidance to help you navigate your career options

• Assistance with interview preparation and negotiating your employment contract

Take the Next Step Now

Start your autumn career journey with IHR Group:

✔️  Register with us to receive job alerts and career advice

✔️  Search current roles across Australia

✔️  Contact our team for tailored support

Let’s make autumn the start of something great.

FAQs

Q: Is now a good time to move if I’m from interstate?

A: Yes! Autumn is a great time to relocate, especially to regional hospitals in Victoria or Tasmania, where opportunities are plentiful and competition is lower.

Q: I’ve been in the same role for years. Is it too late to switch specialties?

A: Not at all! Many nurses switch specialties mid-career. We can help you identify the best roles to transition into based on your experience.

Q: What’s the typical timeline from applying to starting a new role?

A: Generally, 3–6 weeks from application to start date, depending on your notice period and any required credentialing.