Temp nursing in NZ

[Toria]

I'm planning to travel to NZ from the UK in Jan 2002 with a friend. We are experienced nurses and will need to work full-time when we get there but we want to see as much of the country as possible. We figure that working short term contracts in different areas is the best way to do this. Yes we have looked on the web at NZ nursing agencies and we are drowning in information!!! Is there any one out there who has done this before and/or knows of a reliable company to talk to? Help us out if you can.

[ktnwrn]

I am an ER RN currently living in Seattle, WA, USA and am interested in traveling to NZ on a short term assignment (13-20wks). I'd be interested to hear if you had any response from traveling agencies that were willing to pay for your travel to/from NZ and your living accomadations while working. Look forward to hearing from you. Thanks!

[Toria]

Hi 'ktnwrn'
I'm not really sure that you will get anyone to pay for your flights for a such a short visit. As far as i have been told the agency will find work for you but will then negotiate your wages, accomodation and the possibilty of flights with the hospital/employer. The agencies I have spoken with have said that you have more luck if you have a 12 month> contract with one employer. Not much use if you want to move around the country.

Agencies I have been intouch with (min 12 month contract - http://www.edenbrown.co.nz) (deal with any thing from day to day work and contract - http://www.geneavahealth.com) (bit of every thing - enquiries@pulse.net.nz)

We have decided on 3 x 3months contracts around NZ over the 12 months.When things are being finalised before christmas we are going to try our luck and ask for flights too. I think it's down to how well you sell yourself.

If you find an agency that can offer more will you let me know? good luck.

[ktnwrn]

Thanks for your help. I'll keep you posted on any info I come across. Please keep me in mind. Good luck and have fun!!

[Miss-Money-penny]

Hi Toria
I am also going to work as a nurse in NZ in August 2003. I travelling Asia from Jan to August. Iwould be grateful if you could give me some info on 1. appling for a working visa, 2.agencies in NZ and 3. letting me know how you get on doing 3mnth contracts.
Thank you

[Toria]

hi miss-money-penny,
if you visit http://www.immigration.govt.nz/ you'll get every thing you need about work visas.

Nursing agencies have been a bit hit and miss, they don't always return your calls which has been annoying. the agency we have settled on is Pulse (chris@pulse.net.nz). they are based in new zealand as well as the UK and so far have been very helpful indeed. They are going to try and get us the 3 month contracts we want but it's not definate. seemingly the hospitals want you to sign up for a minimum of 6 months.

hope that was helpful and good luck.