Nursing in Wellington, especially LTC

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Hello.

I'm interested in hearing from RNs working in Wellington, particularly in LTC facilities as this is where I am looking for a job. Can anyone tell what it is really like? Any kind of information would be great, as I am just trying to build up a picture of working conditions generally. For instance: are there official nurse to patient ratios and do facilities adhere to them? How do salaries for RNs in LTC compare with salaries for hospital-based RNs? Are there facilities that you would recommend or avoid? What type of shift rosters do the LTC facilities use?

I have about six years experience in LTC, and over 25 years in nursing altogether. I really like the field but was wondering whether to stick with it, or whether it would be better to look for a job in another area - I also have hospice and ICU (a long, long time ago!) experience.

Thanks for any and all input!

Elleann

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I haven't worked in Wellington at all, but I know that in general RNs working in Private Hospitals (we don't call them LTC), get paid a lot less than a hospital based RN.

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Maybe I should clarify! :) By LTC (long term care) I mean eldercare or geriatric care within residential retirement facilities - patients would be in either the frail care or dementia units, or even in assisted living units. Would that be the same thing as what you mention?

I haven't worked in Wellington at all, but I know that in general RNs working in Private Hospitals (we don't call them LTC), get paid a lot less than a hospital based RN.
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I don't need clarification, I know what LTC is. In NZ care of those patients is provided by private hospitals in general.

Just out of curiosity, why NZ? Have you looked into the pay rates and cost of living in Australia? By far superior to anything NZ has to offer.

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Sorry, didn't mean to offend. So, are you saying that within retirement communities, there is no specific facility where a resident would be admitted on a permanent basis for frail care, that such a person would have to live in a private hospital?!? Or is Private Hospital just the name given to what I am talking about? (sorry if I am the one being dense here .)

NZ instead of Australia - well, NZ has always seemed immensely attractive to me in terms of physical beauty and lifestyle. As long as my basic needs are met in terms of income, and as long as I am enjoying my work and making good friendships and relationships, the money thing isn't a huge issue. I also prefer the idea of a smaller community to a large sprawling land (have lived in SA all my life!).

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We are meaning the same thing, just giving it a different title. Private Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Retirement Villages, Rest Homes...you will see all of these names.

They all provide long term care for the elderly and/or younger people with disabilities who cannot be cared for in their own home.

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Great, thanks! :)

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