Help fix the nursing shortage!
We all know that there is a shortage of nurses – not only in New Zealand but worldwide, we see stories about it everyday in the newspapers and on the news.
Talking to my friends, who like me were nursing before we had children or were semi-retired and finding that also like me they wanted to work part time but can only work some days and these days change weekly because of family or other commitments or they are just too busy some weeks. All of this makes it almost impossible to take on a part-time job in the usual way. All of these fantastic nurses are very, very experienced often having been in positions of management. A lot have worked in critical care units and specialise in critical care nursing and of course these areas have the biggest shortage of nursing staff.
With the current shortage of nurses we decided this was such a waste but what could we do about it?
We took action and set up a Wellington based nursing agency offering experienced nurses work in hospitals all over the Wellington region, when they want it and for as many or as few days as they can fit into their busy lives. This agency is run by nurses for nurses, by people passionate about not only healthcare but also Wellington and its communities.
Nurses who work for us let us know when they are available and we find them work that best fits their skills and experience at that point in time. Some can only work weekends, some do not like to work nights etc but all want some part time work. We all want to be valued so we provide the work people want, give them support to do it, and pay them well – and everyone benefits!
We would love others looking for more flexible work to join us.
If you are interested in finding out more please get in touch – we are looking forward to working with you to help reduce the nursing shortage.
Trish Stevens.
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Dear Trish
If there is such a thing as a nurses shortage in New Zealand, why is it nearly impossible for a qualified nurse to get a work permit! I have a friend that has been trying for months now and she will be going back to South Africa in December. Another skilled person lost! Getting registration was an absolute nightmare and the incompetence staggering. We should not complain, we are responsible for the situation we find ourselves in!
Le Bey Mc Callaghan
Hi Le Bey McCallaghan,
Please refer your friend to us so we may be able to provide support and more information.
Yes- gaining New Zealand Nursing Council Registration is an expensive and long process as New Zealand has adopted a similar standard to the UK and Australian registrations. We understand the hardships, which include:-
- passing the required English test either OET or Ielts to even submit your Registration application to the Nursing Council (this can cost between $250 and $5000.00 depending on your current English level and the amount of times required to sit it.)
- Then attending a Competency Based Assessment Programme, average cost $5000.00 for Overseas RN, if you can gain a spot in a course.
- Moving to a New Country and the numerous costs involved.
I still do recommend however that People sort and are informed before arriving in NZ, and that if you are offered any contract saying its easy you seek advice and more advice. Too many nurses are being taken advantage of before and after they arrive in New Zealand and are getting forced to work as Health Care Assistants on minimum wage. It is also worth noting for those who are thinking of moving to New Zealand that they can start the registration process from their country of origin which can dramatically reduce the time spent on registration in New Zealand.
For the international nurses reading this please make sure you read the New Zealand Nursing Council and New Zealand Nurses organisation websites:
http://www.nursingcouncil.org.nz
http://www.nzno.org.nz/
Trish Stevens