[lynnie]

hi,

does anyone know what shift patterns nurses tend to work, how many days in a row, weekends off, nights etc
trying to work out how much time off id have when we move to NZ

thanks in advance

[brumnurse]

Hi

Im not there yet, but i have a job offer as a registered nurse in Tauranga ICU, hopefully starting in September (NZIS willing).

I will be working long days (12 hours), i could have done short shifts if i wished, 40 hours per week, rotating onto nights as in the UK.

Not sure whether they have self rostering at Tauranga hospital, but im not too fussy tbh as long as i work long days to get the days off, wife will be working as an agency nurse in Tauranga too.

Annual leave is 20 days i seem to remember, hopefully with bank / public holidays on top otherwise it'll be a bit of a shock to go from my current 40 days.

Good luck

Laurie

[IanW99]

hi,

does anyone know what shift patterns nurses tend to work, how many days in a row, weekends off, nights etc
trying to work out how much time off id have when we move to NZ

thanks in advance

From previous postings it would appear that 8 hour shifts, 4 days on, 2 days off is the most common. But it does appear that the longer 12 hour shifts are also possible.

Holidays start at 4 weeks, rising to 5 weeks after 5 years continuous service, you also get 11 days for public holidays.

Also entitiled to 10 days sick / domestic leave per year.

These are for the NZNO MECA, not sure what the PSA offers but no doubt similar.

Ian

[nickydwuk]

At Chch Public Hospital - full time workers work 40 hrs per wk (80 per fortnight). Shifts are normally 8 hrs with half hour break on top of that. As per the MECA agreement you would work 5 days on and 2 days off and will be required to work a combination of early, late & night shifts. If you are full time you would be required to work between 2 & 4 night shifts a month. Shift times are generally morning - 6.45 - 15.15, afternoon - 14.30 - 23.00 and nights - 22.30 - 07.00. The days off are normally taken together but can be split at your request. Self rostering is in plcae so you can put down the shifts you would prefer to work each month and where possible they will accomodate this. Hope this helps.

[lynnie]

thanks for all the info
similar to what im used to then which is all good news.
nickydwuk- is it as stressful as the uk or have your working conditions improved

[nickydwuk]

I no longer work at the hospital but I must say the conditions and work load were much better than I had in the UK. The patient:staff ratio is about 4:1 - 5:1 on a 'busy' day. You are encouraged to take your morning tea break and lunch times are strictly adhered to regardless of your work load. I found myself actually sitting down during my working time as I had nothing to do!!! Unheard of in the UK. I only left as I hate shift work and hospital work is not for me. I now work as a district nurse and have found this to be better supported too.

[lynnie]

thanks for the info just added another major bonus to my list of pros