How long will the process take? 

Following an interview it should take about 5 days to receive your employment offer. However, with some hospitals this might take a bit longer as they have their own recruitment processes.

After you are police cleared and the hospital has a copy of your Australian Nursing Registration Certificate, sponsorship takes 1 - 8 weeks depending on whether is long stay 457 visa or permanent residency visa. The long stay visa (for 1 year to 4 years) can be applied for online and it usually takes about 2 to 3 months depending on how fast your medical is cleared. Permanent residency takes 5 to 7 months on average. 

Therefore the average time from initial inquiry, registration, interview to travel will take 6 to 8 months for a 457 long stay visa and 9 to 12 months for Permanent residency visa.