Returning to nursing in Canberra

I work in Melbourne, and know nothing about Canberra hospitals, but I wanted to welcome you to allnurses, and back to nursing!

:balloons:

Could anyone give me advice on hospitals and/or agencies who might treat me well on my return to the workforce after 4yrs raising children. Are there any places with a particularly good reputation or not? I have considered a refresher course at Calvary, but they wanted full-time attendance and that is impossible. Any input would be so welcome.

I have been working at the largest private hospital in Deakin,Canberra and find the work varied and interesting and the staff very friendly. They are trying to encourage nurses back into the workforce and were trying to set up a 'back to work' orientation programme. I don't know what the response rate was like though. The nurse/patient ratio and nurse skill mixes can sometimes be poor - the exuse being there are not enough nurses in the ACT. They were also experimenting with odd timed shifts to help out nurses with children. Of course the other plan is to start with an agency and work around Canberra doing shifts to suit you then decide which place you like the best! Hope this helps. :balloons:

Thankyou for your good wishes Talaxandra. I have been worried about the reception I may receive from co-workers after returning from such an abscence. I am sure this site will become a great resource for me.

Lysbeth, I think I will look at the agency option. I asked about medical work at that hopital and was told it was mostly surgical, but to send in my CV and they will keep it for a few months. A little keener when I said I might be interested in ND. Thanks for that info.