Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, NZ

[adboehnen]

Hi! I am a US nurse, and I am interested in living and working in NZ for at least one year. I was wondering if anyone out there has worked at Waikato in Hamilton on the North Island. If so, I'd be very grateful for a review of the facility. Does it have adequate resources, what is the general disposition of the staff, is it a safe community, etc?

I have just applied for my passport. When that arrives, I can start the application processes to work in NZ.

Thanks :)

[czarina]

hi there, i did my clinicals in the surgical ward at waikato dhb and have found the staff helpful and friendly. they'd always ask if there's anything you're needing help with. they have staff rooms where you can have tea and chat and the managers ask you if you're comfy with your load for the day et c

there are hostels near the area where you can stay, but you can also get your own house or go flatting with other people. the hospital's just a few blocks to downtown. and the community is pretty much safe. i wouldnt dare walk at night alone though

what i've come to love about this place is how beautiful and laidback it is

[adboehnen]

Is the pay decent? How is the cost of living? Are nurses respected?

[czarina]

the pay ranges from 40,000 to 55,000 NZD annually and yes, the nurses are respected. the docs dont have god complexes and the clients listen. the cost of living at hamilton is lower than what it is at auckland. for more info about that, you can check here:

http://www.nz-immigration.co.nz/cost-of-living/index.html

tc!