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Jay, this is a bit of a tricky one as I'm a British nurse so I'm not sure the depth of your experience. However, I will try and answer a couple of your questions in relation to how I've found nursing in NZ. First of all, I'm a G Grade District Nursing Sister in the UK. My job is very varied and incurs a broad scope of practice. I visit people within their own homes and provide the following type of care: terminal care and symptom control management, management of chronic diseases, wound management, health promotion and education, some types of acute illnesses that can be managed within the home, venepuncture, IV's and PICC lines, medication, ear syringing and undertake nurse prescribing. I've got 11 years post-reg experience, 1 honours degree, 1 post-grad degree (specialist practitioner) and 1 post grad diploma. Currently I'm working as a "district nurse" in Auckland, NZ. Quite honestly, in response to the issue of your first question, I've found my autonomy has been severely stripped from me. I am not allowed to make any kind of major decisions without clearing it with my "charge nurse". These type of decisions I'd make on my own in the UK. I find the "system" itself very patronising and I've certainly not been given any credit for my clinical and academic achievements despite the fact I'm more qualified than my Kiwi counterparts. I know that sounds incredibly arrogant-I don't mean it to be but the fact of the matter is, I am more experienced and qualified than them. They are very into using a Clinical Nurse Educator to facilitate your learning. Unfortunately, my CNE was also very patronising and spoke to me like I was the village idiot. I wished I could be more positive and offer you a more appropriate US geared answer but I can't!! Best of luck-I'm going back to the UK in 3 weeks and I cannot wait!!! Give me my old job back now!!!!

Hello there folks. I was interested in hearing other UK nurses perspectives on working in NZ. I am a UK nurse and I'm currently in NZ but I am finding things quite difficult. It is a gorgeous place and the people are exceptionally friendly but I am really finding things difficult at the moment because (a) I came out here by myself (b) the transport system here in Auckland is a nightmare © I am finding I held a lot more responsibility and had a wider sphere of practice back home in the UK and therefore, feeling a bit constrained here in NZ. Did anyone else find they had problems in NZ? The last thing I want to do is criticise NZ but I suppose like anywhere, you are never going to get the ideal situation. I came out here with an open mind as to whether I would stay in NZ for a while (my visa is for 2 years but open to a longer stay). I have now decided to stay for a year then come home as I am concerned I am going to end up very deskilled. Has anyone else found this? Much obliged for any replies as I really need the support at the moment.

Hello there folks!! Help!! I am in a dire situation. I just resigned from my job as a District Nurse yesterday. I was to be working in South Auckland and after one week, well after one day, I knew this was DEFINATELY not the place for me to be. Quite honestly I don't even want to be in Auckland. It's nice but as cities go, I don't think it is outstanding. I need to get a District Nursing job here as soon as possible as my money isn't going to last much longer. Does anyone know anyone who is looking for a District Nurse (not in Auckland!!!) Many thanks, Iona

Hello there I would be really grateful if someone, anyone could help me out with this query. I have recently obtained a post as a district nurse in NZ. My starting salary will be $52000. Is this a good salary? It's difficult for me to know as I don't know the full extent of the cost of living. I can't really compare this to my own salary in the uk at present as I'm aware the cost of living is much cheaper in NZ. Also, could anyone give me a rough idea as to how much rent I could afford and or expect to pay with this kind of salary?

That's funny you should mention Arizona-as I said in my first post, I'm in the process of selling my flat. Yesterday, a viewer brought his sister along with him to see my flat and lo and behold, it was a nurse I used to work beside! Anyway, I told her about my plans and she told me one of her friends went to work in Arizona! Apparently, she is living the life of Reilly-she has a 4 bedroomed house with her own swimming pool!! The pay is supposed to be fantastic. You go for it and good luck with your wedding too!! I'm just hoping I meet Mr Right on my travels-have just spent 10 years with a complete loser which is another reason why I am leaving the UK!!!!

Hi folkies, I'm trying to get some more information on working and living in NZ. I'm a District Nursing Sister and I'm in the process of selling my flat and moving to NZ. The good old NHS here in the UK has truly hacked me off so much I want to spread my wings and find a better life for myself. I would really, really appreciate any feedback from any (particularly British and NZ) nurses who have worked/are working in NZ or know someone who has been. Could you let me know what the pros and cons were and where are the best places to go. I'm using an exchange agency who have been dead helpful but one of the things they are asking is where I would prefer to work. Quite honestly, I have no preferences as I feel I ought to be flexible but it would be useful to know where it would be better for me to work considering I know nobody out there and have never been to the country before!! Kind regards Disillusioned DNS

Thanks!! I'm also glad to see I'm not the only person who is totally cheesed off working here!! I hope your move goes well. Where are you thinking off going in the US? I have never fancied going there but as the old saying goes, what's one man's meat is another man's poison!!

Hi folkies, I'm trying to get some more information on working and living in NZ. I'm a District Nursing Sister and I'm in the process of selling my flat and moving to NZ. The good old NHS has hacked me off so much I want to spread my wings and find a better life for myself. I would really, really appreciate any feedback from any British nurses who have worked in NZ or know someone who has been. Could you let me know what the pros and cons were and where are the best places to go. Kind regards Disillusioned DNS

Thanks a million for your help!!

Hello there!! I am desperately trying to get some information/advice about the possibility of finding work in the community in New Zealand and/or Australia. Basically I would like to do the working visa thing for 1 year. I have had enough of my current job situation i.e. month to month contracts (yeah, the NHS wonders why they can't retain nurses) I have also come to a point in my life (32 years old, single and disastrous relationship situation!) whereby if I don't take this opportunity of travelling, I am going to stagnate and regret it for the rest of my life. I suspect you folkies have a similar nursing structure to our system here in the UK. I am a District Nursing Sister delivering nursing care to those at home and who are unable to visit their doctor. This is includes a whole host of things such as care of the terminally ill, chronic disease management, wound management, health education and so forth. I'd really appreciate any kind ofadvice and guidance on looking for this kind of work i.e are there any opportunities for me in this line of work, who should I contact, etc Many many kind regards.