SNK05

Hi Donna Back at work after 10 days off...ish! Total bedlum! And OH was home for a couple of days (Works away 2weeks at a time at the mo). I was going to PM you but I think you have to have so many posts before you can do that so will carry on in the open forum for the time being. I was away, visiting family when the Billy Connolly thing was on, gutted that I missed it....he's fab! Will have to see if they repeat it, seem to repeat everything else on Sky...lol We've not had a reccy of NZ either....Google Earth is the closest we've got to putting our feet on the ground so to speak. I do check out the ENZ forum quite a lot, loads of input about people's experiences etc. They have a great pictures thread on there at the moment....wow. I caught a couple of the 'Wanted Down Under' programmes but still, you can't get a proper feel for the place unless you go....I too am very sceptical about promo sites. Like I said, I just search, search, search and see what comes up! Usually District Health Boards and companies for job prospects etc. Also, lots of threads on forums point you in the right direction. Gotta get ready for work....catch up soon Sue

Thanx Donna :cheers: I've heard of the book and contemplated buying it but will have a looksee at the website tomorrow. I've read a couple of blogs and thought maybe I'd start one but the story so far isn't really anything to talk about...lol Where in the UK are you from? Would be good to keep in touch. Moral support along the way n all that. Most of the people that I speak to or get advice from are much further along in the process i.e. have submitted EOI and/or ITA, have had medicals or have PR and flights. Sue

You're :wlcmblks: Can I ask...what's the 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

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

Hi everyone I've said a brief HELLO on the introductions but thought I'd say Hi here too. I'm a UK Nurse, registered and practising in the field of Learning Disability. OH and I are looking at relocating to NZ, currently in the process of applying for registration. I'm currently registered with an agency but they have suggested that contacts are limited. I intend to be more proactive in contacting the DHB's 'when' I have confirmation of registration. She says with optimism! I've had minimal contact with NZ Nurses working in LD but so far, most of the work spoken of seems to be within the area of dual diagnosis. I currently work with adults with multiple complex needs, physical disabilities, epilepsy and PEG feeding etc and I love it. Ideally, I'd like to continue in that area. I'm also the manager of the unit so would be looking at the same sort of role? I have previous experience working with adults whose behaviour challenges and have studied areas such as behaviour and mental health but it's been several years since I practiced this. I'd be grateful for any feedback, experience, possible contacts etc. Thanx Sue