Jobs & Money Detail
The NZ nurse shortage
Unofficial reports have been circulating that cash-strapped healthcare bodies in the UK have been advising their employees to look for work overseas
Student nurses are frustrated, angry and disillusioned because of the difficulties they face finding jobs in the UK as the NHS struggles with its current financial crisis, and wards are facing closure across the country.
In a survey of 20 British universities, four out of five new nursing graduates have been found to not have a job prospect available as they approach graduation at the end of this summer. Only a year ago, 70 per cent of new graduates could expect substantial employment in their field at graduation.
While there may not be enough jobs in hospitals across the UK, New Zealand is still in dire need to fulfil its shortfalls. New Zealand is recruiting healthcare professionals in nearly all categories. And for many nurses and other medical professionals the promise of better weather and quality of life will lure thousands of applicants Down Under.
The cost of living is much lower than in the UK so the average healthcare professionals disposable income is often more than it would be in the UK. Salaries vary but staff nurses usually earn between NZ$42,000 and NZ$57,000 per year plus penal rates depending on experience, hours worked and qualifications.
New Zealand has a very well developed healthcare system and is famous for having an extremely comprehensive healthcare system modelled on the UK National Health Service. Healthcare workers such as doctors and nurses hold far greater power and authority in New Zealand within the hospital system than is usually found in many other countries. The major provider of healthcare services in New Zealand is the Public Healthcare System, but there is also a significant private sector that recruits heavily.
Read other articles about New Zealand:
NZ cost of living higher
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