I’m employed as a registered nurse at a private dialysis provider, but my contract says I’m ‘Award Free’. Is that correct?

It is not correct. If you are working as a registered nurse in the private sector, you are covered by the Nurses Modern Award 2010, or by an enterprise agreement made with your employer. The Nurses Award contains the minimum pay and conditions for your role.

If an employer says you are ‘Award Free’, you should let the Association know, as they are potentially breaching the Fair Work Act by misrepresenting your workplace rights.