Newly qualified UK nurses in New Zealand

[darla]

Hey,

I am due to qualify as a nurse (adult branch) September 2013. My fiance is a fully qualified fitness instructor. We are due to marry next year and then we are both really keen to go work in New Zealand. However, I was wondering if there is any realistic chance of me, as a new graduate, being offered a nursing post in New Zealand or would I need to stay in the UK and gain experience first?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you
Darla

[JandM]

Hello and welcome.

[Rob&Don]

I landed a job here just after I qualified (2008), although we didn't actually arrive until August 2009.
We came over here and I was offered the chance to go on the Year long New Grad Programme.
Not sure if that's still possible now as I think now the rules may have changed and you have to have 3 years experience.
See this link:
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/templ...=Guest&level=1

[kingacat]

Hi,
You might want to check with the DHB of your choice. I work on a ward where there are new graduates doing the year programme. They are only given a year contact and then have to hope a post becomes available. I know that some nurses who graduated last year were unsuccessful in finding a job. Each DHB have limited posts available each year. I would ring the hr department. Good luck.

[TJH]

My wife is about the enter the new grad program here as she is graduating from a NZ university. Competition is extremely tight for NZ educated nurses to get into this program now and they have just gone to a national centralised intake for the new grad program so you no longer apply to individual DHBs. I had a look at the online application forms my wife is working on and you have to have the right to work in NZ already established (ie already be a citizen or resident) to even apply. She had to scan and upload copies of her residency visa to prove this fact.

[Hagabel]

I am working in a busy ED in NZ and currently precepting an end of 3rd yr student nurse. She is applying for the NET-P (1 yr post grad) program at 4 different DHB's and is really worried about not getting a job as there are so many more applicants than positions apparently.
I would maybe try and get some experience even if it is 1-2 years.
Good luck.

[idubee]

Try Gisborne Hospital. Great place to live with fab beaches, great weather and friendly locals.

Good luck!

[Auburn]

Hi Darla,

As of March 1, the requirements for registration of foreign trained nurses are changing. You will now have to have 2 years experience with at least 2500 clocked hours as an RN to qualify. Here's the link to the New Zealand Nursing Council. http://www.nursingcouncil.org.nz/ind...l-Registration