Learning disability nursing in NZ

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Help needed!!

Can anyone tell me how prevelent learning disability nursing is in NZ and whether jobs are mostly in the private or public sector? I am currently deputy manager of an NHS acute in-patient ward but would really love to be a regular staff nurse again once we get to NZ.

I've just received my NZ registration and am registered under Section 24 and therefore only able to work with people with intellectual disabilities. At present in the Uk l am working in a dual diagnosis ward for folks with a mental health problem and a learning disability.

We really want to relocate to Tauranga (Bay of Plenty) but although l've searched the DHB websites, can't seem to find any mention of intellectual disability nursing, does anyone know if similar wards are about in NZ?

Any help would be appreciated as the agency l am using appear less than forthcoming in giving me any responce to the above questions!!

Thanks

Karen

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Specializes in ICU.

Welcome to the forum. Unfortunately our New Zealand colleagues are only here occasionally but when they do pop in they usually do thier best to try and answer any New Zealand questions. Be patient - it might take a while but you will get an answer.

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Cheers gwenith, we're not planning to move until June 06 so have a few months to wait for a reply!!!!!!!!!

Karen

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Hi Wendy,

Im researching the same as you, Ive found some info about forensic services in Wellington and Auckland as Im looking to find forensic LD work when I go to NZ in 2007. Wakato health auth seem to cater for LD (near Auck) but most seem to be private orgs.

Can I ask if you have any tips in applying for reg in NZ just started process off myself.

Goodluck

Jason

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q

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Hi Karen

I qualify as a learning disability nurse and social worker in the uk this August and was planning on starting my application for residency/work to residency on qualifying. As you seem to be doing a similar thing, I would be very grateful for any information you could give me. I'm getting a bit worried that I won't be able to move there for some reason, as the immigration people told me that they are only accepting applications if you already have a job offer. New zealand is the place I call home as I used to live there (working visa and holiday visas) and I don't know what i'd do if I can't settle there permanently!

Thank you for your help

Jo

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Karen (or indeed anyone!)

I qualify as a learning disability nurse and social worker in August and was planning on starting the application for residency/work to residency at that time. I was wondering what information you think I may need to know? I am getting a bit concerned for some reason that I won't be able to get in - I can't imagine living anywhere else though! If anyone can help me to get started - what do I need to do? Who do I need to speak to? Do I need to get a job offer before applying? Is it best to go through agencies and if so what are the best ones? HELP!!!

Thank you all fo ryour time

Jo

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hi, i'm a qualified nurse for people with learning disabilities with experience of nursing in acute settings (ld + mental health) and community. i'm trying to find out if ld nursing is recognised in NZ as a profession? I've visited a few sites re immigration, NZ nursing council etc but i'm still not clear about it? does anyone have a good link i could use to get some more info? i am really keen to learn more about moving to New Zealand but i don't want to start the ball rolling if i'm not sure how/ if i can work there???

thanks

donna

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Specializes in Learning/physical Disabilities.

Hi mrsyeti400

Learning Disability Nursing is definately recognised in NZ. I'm currently in the process of applying for registration via the Nursing Council. This link should take you straight to the Guide to Applying.

http://www.nursingcouncil.org.nz/oseas%20nurse%20guide%20to%20reg%20in%20nz%20Aug%2006.pdf

And this is the application form...

http://www.nursingcouncil.org.nz/overseas%20forms%20Mar%2007.pdf

I was advised to get this application underway first as it can take up to 6 months to process and there's lots of evidence that needs to be forwarded. Once you've registered, you'll need to apply for an annual practising certificate. You can find out more about that in the Nursing Council website.

You need to have NZ Registration and a Practice Cert before you can work in New Zealand and you will have to go through immigration also. As I'm sure you will have noted from the immigration site, there are different visa's that you can apply for and they have a strict points system in situ. You can do a free online 'Points Check' to see if you would be eligible to submit an 'Expression of Interest' (EOI).

I'm currently registered with an agent in NZ but it's not necessary to go through an agency. I've been advised to contact the DHB's (District Health Boards) regarding employment and sent my CV's off to some service providers, testing the water.

I've also found forums very useful.....lots of knowledgable people who are more than willing to offer advice and direction.

This is another good one...

http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/index.php

I am only in the very early stages of hopefully relocating so not exactly a wealth of knowledge but would be more than happy to help where I can.

I think I've probably waffled on enough, hope this helps. The only other thing I can suggest is 'googling' anything vaguely related to NZ, you'd be surprised at what you can find!

Sue

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great! thanks sue, i really appreciate your advice! I need to seriously get my head into this and you have helped me a lot!

i am currently 'discovering New Zealand' via google oh and paul goddard's 5 day e-mails NZ guide! There is soooo much 'stuff' out there that i'm cross eyed at times!

i hope your life changing move happens as you hope it will, Good Luck!

thanks again, wasn't sure if i would get a reply as other posts were not recent so much appreciated!

donna

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Specializes in Learning/physical Disabilities.

You're :wlcmblks:

Can I ask...what's the

paul goddard's 5 day e-mails NZ guide

Sounds interesting. I know what you mean about feeling cross-eyed! I regularly feel frazzled as I seem to have done nothing but eat, breathe, sleep NZ. So many things to look at, explore and I constantly find I'm whizzing from one link to the next...mayhem!

Anyway, good luck

Sue

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http://www.newlifenewzealand.com

this bloke, paul headed off for New Zealand followed by a crew from the BBC and he writes an account of how life really is down under (and a bit east ha ha ).I think its quite good because he does weigh up the pro's and cons. You get an e-mail each day with some useful info and its pretty much basic stuff that you need to know; lifestyles, cost of living, weather etc etc.he is now involved in an immigration service so think its good promotion but interesting all the same! i don't know anyone who has emigrated so its nice to hear about how us Brits cope with it all (one day i will write my own blog or something er whatever it is???)

donna

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