Hi my name is Anna, I am a Theatre Nurse from Southampton in the United Kingdom. I came to NZ in April 2017 and I am now based in Christchurch, NZ. The process to come to NZ took me a relaxed 10 months, I wasn't rushing at all!
I found the whole process fairly straightforward, Prudence was always on hand via email or a skype session to help with anything. Having her experience and knowledge was invaluable!
The most challenging part of the process was getting all the different documents together for the different applications. The paper work feels never ending!
My first impressions of NZ were how welcoming and friendly everyone is, it felt great to be here. NZ has such beautiful scenery, friendly people and Kiwiana.
What I miss the most is the gas central heating and of course my family and friends (but FaceTime definitely helps with that).
My advice if you are planning to come to NZ is to be well organised with all your documents and even if English is your first language, revise for the IELTS test (if you have to take one).
Be mindful as to when you want to come. We came to Christchurch in April from the UK and therefore had a 'double winter'. If I were to do it again, I'd time it differently. 'Double summer' would have been better! p.s. Christchurch is great!
Questions about your new workplace:
Are there any major differences between your current role in NZ and your previous role in United Kingdom? I went from a position in the NHS to a small private hospital and that does have quite big differences. The turnover of patients is quicker and more efficient.
Are there any similarities that have helped you orientate/transition easily? All hospitals are different, but luckily providing good patient care and 'scrubbing' is the same.
