Hi all, Just trying to gather some advice on a wee plan I have in mind. I am a uk registered children's nurse working almost a year in neonates, which I love. I secured a permanent job which is fantastic but I have itchy feet! I travelled before my degree but it seems I haven't got rid of the travel bug. My partner and I would like to live/work abroad before we properly settle down and new zealand is at the top of our list. I'm concerned about giving up a permanent job but I am also unsure as to whether I want to return to the uk to live or if I would like to move abroad for good.At the moment I think we would just like to take a year out on a working holiday visa. I don't think we would do this for a year or two so I can gain some more experience.I'm not sure whether to work as a nurse whilst in NZ (I understand I would need to get registration) or if I could just find some random temp work or au pair work and just take time out from nursing too. I don't know whether this would be a good idea for my career and how difficult it would be to return to nursing after a year out! Or perhaps do a healthcare internship?Does anyone have some advice or thoughts on this?many thanks for reading
Editorial Team / Admin Silverdragon102, BSN 1 Article; 39,477 Posts Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC. Has 35 years experience. Sep 27, 2013 Used to be able to take an unpaid leave of absence from your job and work abroad. I knew someone that did that a few years ago from the NHS and worked in Australia for 12 months. Her job as safe. May be an option to think about.Personally I think taking time out of nursing may not be good for you
ANnot4me 442 Posts Specializes in Psych. Has 5 years experience. Sep 27, 2013 I live in NZ and I am also an immigrant. If you have itchy feet and wish to travel, I would suggest you do just that from the UK. If you want to live down here, I would suggest you look into Australia. The market is larger, the opportunities better and the pay to expenses ratio is larger. NZ is beautiful but we are a small country with a low-wage economy. The cost of housing (to own or rent) is among the highest in the world. However, our wages are some of the lowest in the OECD. As I said before, our government espouses a low-wage economy. Think US:Mexico or UK:Eastern Europe.
Hezbell 11 Posts Sep 28, 2013 I took time out last year spent 6 months travelling New Zealand, my biggest regret was not sorting y registration out before hand as I have had to come home and do tht, save some cash and I'm about to leave again! Feel I've done my career no good!I took a sebatical from my work, was great because I just came home straight to a job! I know other ppl that have then struggled to get a job after leaving!Good luck with it! I'm off to australia to work, didn't enjoy New Zealand! x
Capricorn90 3 Posts May 16, 2016 Hi just wondering what you decided to do? I'm currently in the same predicament as you!
