New Zealand - Have several skills, wondering about jobs... need ideas

bananamuffin

25th June 2009, 08:31 AM

So I'm in a bit of an interesting situation and need some advice. I'm a second career nurse but I'm anticipating having some trouble/delay with my registration in NZ since I graduated from an associates program in the US. Prior to becoming a nurse I taught Physics and have a masters degree in that. I'm also self taught in a lot of computer/web dev stuff. Now I'm wondering how easy will it be to get a job in another area (not nursing) while sorting out my nursing stuff. Any ideas, recommendations, etc. My physics degree is not from the US but I can get it evaluated if necessary. I got it evaluated when i came to the US and have the documents from World Education Services showing equivalency to a US Masters degree.

Any ideas, thoughts, are welcome. I plan to eventually become self employed and register my own business but in the meantime it would be good to have a job when we do eventually make our way there.

tristan

25th June 2009, 09:09 AM

Hello and welcome to the forum!

We are a bit in the same situation - but as we advanced a little bit in the process we reached the conclusion that making up our mind is safer and probably knowing exactly what we want to do will keep us focused.
I suggest you choose a skilled occupation and look at ANZCO for assuring that NZ vision over that position is closer with what you know.

You have to choose something on their LTSSL or ASS to have more chances in finding a job in NZ at this times.

Good luck!

carahafner

25th June 2009, 09:15 AM

"University Lecturer" is on the LTSS I believe and could get you points for your EOI as you sort out the nursing registration.

My understanding is that you will not be flat out denied nursing registration in NZ with an Associates but you may run into trouble with the number of clinical hours that they require for registration. Having a previous bachelor's and master's degree should help buffer the fact that you do not have a bachelor's in nursing. Worst case scenario is that you will have to do a competency programme of some kind to get your registration. Try searching the archives here on the forum to see if any other nurses have been in a similar situation.

Have you tried e-mailing the Nursing Council of NZ to ask them some questions and get a feel for the process?

Good luck!

Janey

25th June 2009, 09:29 AM

Where is your heart? our DHB help canidates through the Nursing registration and we are desparate for nurses pm me if you want a contact

bananamuffin

25th June 2009, 09:33 AM

Tristan and Cara, thanks for the replies.

Cara, I will definitely look into the University lecturer option and check the requirements. I did email the Nursing Council and they were very non-committal (understandably so), they said it's decided on a case-by-case basis so I should send in my application for consideration. I'm getting all the paperwork together now and hoping for the best :)

In the meantime just kind of trying to see. It's not so much for the EOI (although it would help immensely) but more for just having a job secured when i get there.

eassae

25th June 2009, 09:38 AM

It is not uncommon for people here to apply for jobs in a field unrelated to their previous job. You should probably have a few different cv's tailored to what you are applying for.

The job situation is pretty rough here in general, also what Immigration says they need and what businesses are actually hiring for in my opinion are two different things. You might have an easier time finding contract work as companies don't have to make a long term commitment.

bananamuffin

25th June 2009, 09:51 AM

janey, PM sent.

eassae, thanks for the excellent suggestions! How does one go about finding contract work? The usual websites I'm used to searching here in the US don't seem to have much on NZ.

eassae

25th June 2009, 09:57 AM

Look up recruitment agency's in the area you are planning to live. They place for both contract and permanent positions. I actually haven't had much luck with recruitment companies and they make you feel like a commodity. The contract work I have had is from contacting companies directly, but in rough times it is best to have as many options as possible.

I am in a similar situation as you, having a multidisciplinary background.

BkyMonster

25th June 2009, 10:03 AM

For looking for jobs in NZ I'd reccomend www.seek.co.nz, www.trademe.co.nz and whatever http://www.careers.govt.nz/default.aspx?id0=202 shows you for company websites if you take their skills quiz. There are also the direct websites if you find a company.

For your nursing issue you may see if any of the universities or other technical institutions have a course that can help you out if the nursing council path does not. For instance CPIT has a competency assessment course http://www.cpit.ac.nz/subjects/competency_assessment_programme

bananamuffin

25th June 2009, 10:42 AM

eassae, thanks! Will look into that

Becky, thanks for the links! That's mighty useful. For the nursing courses I'd probably have to take the classes when I get there, right? And ofcourse after hearing from the Council.

BkyMonster

25th June 2009, 10:56 AM

I have no idea how the nursing thing would work,RE: nursing council, etc, but as I've been looking for ways to make my (non-nursing) skill-set relevant in Canterbury I thought I'd pass on information I encounter. I would imagine you'd have to take the classes when you arrive though as it looks like practical/clinic hours type work. No idea sorry.

bananamuffin

25th June 2009, 11:01 AM

Gran

25th June 2009, 09:11 PM

There are 5 pages of jobs here at Auckland Health, maybe there is something to suit you https://adhbrac.taleo.net/careersection/all_list/joblist.ftl?lang=en&portal=160140168
Gran

bananamuffin

26th June 2009, 11:08 AM

There are 5 pages of jobs here at Auckland Health, maybe there is something to suit you https://adhbrac.taleo.net/careersection/all_list/joblist.ftl?lang=en&portal=160140168
Gran

Many thanks, will check it out! :nice1