I graduated from nursing school, as a mature student 2 years ago. After gaining firm foundation skills in an acute hospital I decided to realise my lifelong ambition and look towards working overseas. I contacted ACCENT who just happened to be in the UK in my area on 'recruitment business'. The process of moving overseas to work as a nurse was explained by Prudence on a '10 step' basis. It was as a result of this encouraging meeting that the plans came to life. The next 10 months flew by whilst filling in endless paperwork. I tended not to look at the big picture which was rather scary at times. There was an enormous amount of things to organise; finance; uprooting; and domestic issues to be considered.
When I had time to read e-mails, there was usually a Prudence Shaw one, prompting me onto the next 'to do' item. My new job in Wellington was beginning to materialise. Once my registration came through, it was all systems go.
I am now firmly installed in an acute ward in a city hospital. I found only 'subtle' differences on arrival. The transition was easier than I had envisaged. Its fast-paced with similar routines to that I had previously been used and quite stressful some days. But I enjoy the outdoor kiwi lifestyle - walking along the harbour front is stunningly beautiful - before starting an afternoon shift. There are many 'coping' mechanisms to be found in NZ to deal with a busy job. I have no regrets!!
My name is Susan Fairlamb and I came from Cornwall in the UK to work in Christchurch Hospital in NZ as a registered nurse.
I first met the ACCENT staff at an expo and, as I was already registered as a nurse in NZ, they organized an interview for me with the hospital within 3 weeks of the first meeting!! ... MORE
Susan Fairlamb, Nurse from United Kingdom
Clinical Nurse Specialist from the United Kingdom