nickfitz01

Hi, Would anyone know if there are currently RPN shortages in Manitoba, as I am interested in working in Winnipeg. I am an IEN and just wondered if there was a recruitment freeze in Manitoba like the rest of Canada. Thanks, Nick.

Hi, I lived and worked in Hamilton a few years ago. Tauranga is a very nice town and obviously right on the coast. The weather is great and the beach is fantastic. There is a fantastic beach just down the road at Mt Maunganui with the best views in the world. The Bay of Plenty and Coromandel areas are also fantastic empty beaches and fine golden sand. The health system in NZ is pretty average. I work in MH and the unit in Tauranga had quite a bad reputation a couple of years ago. I don't know what the medical areas are like. Live in NZ is pretty laid back: or backwards in some respects (think UK 20-30 years ago). There isn't too much choice of shopping even in Auckland! If you want the lifestyle and earn not a great deal of money, then NZ is for you. I now work in Brisbane, Australia and employment benefits are a whole lot better than NZ. Good Luck, Nick.

Hi, I work at the Mater Hospital. They are a good employer in Brisbane. Queensland Health, not so good. The organisation is massive, as is the turn-over. I would try joining some of the nursing agencies (Oxley, Drake) and have a good look around the hospitals before jumping in. There are a few hospitals, both public and private and there is plenty of scope to find what works for you. There appears to be plenty of agency work, so finding work isn't a problem. Hope this helps. Nick.

Hi, I work and live in Brisbane. I am in the same boat as you (a couple of kids and a wife who does not currently work). We find things affordable. We have only one car, the kids are in state school and have a reasonably big mortgage. Food can be expensive but that is dependent on what fruit/ vegies are in season. Petrol is relatively cheap. You can eat out reasonably cheaply. Most public parks have free bbq's you can use to cook your food. The lifestyle is relaxed, but the work is a bit backward in Brisbane. If you like medical model and not too much input into patient care, then this is for you. I would imagine every workplace is different. Just to say, I would not work in private, as I have had crap experiences of them, especially in Brisbane. Hope your move goes well! Cheer, Nick.