British nurse needs advice on Melbourne hospitals

[sm68]

hi new to this please help

can anyone help me thinking of applying to The Alfred in Melbourne have read it is good to work there. Does any one work there or has worked there that can give me any information.

Also if not to much on my first post is it better to try and get a job with an agency or the hospital which is quicker and easier as not sure what to do for the best as eventually want permenant residency.

please help:wink2:

[joannep]

Hi,

The Alfred is one of Melbourne's largest hospital with a complex case load. It is located on the city fringes. I worked for a couple of years in the OR there and I value the experience I gained while working there, so I would recommend working there. The only reason I left was that I was offered a more senior position elsewhere.

In terms of deciding to apply to the Alfred or work agency, I can only suggest that you look at what support each can offer you regarding relocation.

http://www.alfred.org.au/

Good luck and I hope to hear you will be moving to Marvelous Melbourne!

[talaxandra]

The Alfred manages the busiest trauma centre and the largest hyperbaric unit in the southern hemisphere, and has the only adult burns unit in Victoria/Tasmania. Other areas of specialty are HIV/AIDS, heart/lung transplantation (including pediatric even though there isn't a pediatric unit, which worries me a bit but it's not my problem!) and adult cystic fibrosis.

It has a reputation among union officials as having a very anti-union nursing management, but this applies primarily to taking inductrial action, and all agreement conditions are met and sometimes exceeded.

Joanne's right that the Alfred's on the fringe of the city proper (ie CBD), but it's located in the inner suburbs, about fifteen minutes from Finders St station by tram and well supplied with public transport access (train, tram and bus lines nearby). Parking's a little less convenient but there is car parking on campus (at a price) for permanent staff.

Hope that helps - and congratulations on your decision to move to Australia's most livable city unless you want to buy a place to live (our less official title!)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Alfred_Hospital

[joannep]

Hi,

This is the British Expat Forum, you may find posting on here helpful regarding living in Melbourne.

http://www.britishexpat.com/expatforum/australia/index.php

[ghillbert, MSN, NP]

I worked at the Alfred for about 8 years - depends what area you're interested in. I worked in CTICU, which later became SICU, as well as the general ICU.

I would recommend it - if you like sick patients, and keeping up with the latest research etc, it's a great place to work.