Any UK nurses out there already?

sjc · Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 9:38 am Post subject: Any UK nurses out there already?

We are moving out to ChCh later this year all being well and we're just trying to get the inside line on nursing over there. I'm an ICU nurse and my wife works mainly with longstay elderly mentally ill. We already know a bit from friends etc but would like to hear from any nurses who can tell us anything more we may need to know. Is the wage really 'livable' on? What's the work like? Is the grading fair? And also what's the childcare like - we have an 8yr old son and struggle over here if we're both working till 10 or starting at 7.
Any help would be great, as my wife is already tiring of my adopted NZ attitude of answering any questions she has with either no worries or it'll be sweet

Robert · Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 9:16 pm Post subject:

I have every sympathy with your wife!

That having been said, it probably will go ok as the locals are very helpful and so little can be fully organised from overseas. Remember that being out of control is one of the greatest fears anyone can have and if prolonged can lead to severe marital dysharmony whip

On a reassuring note, although not a nurse myself, I work with loads and they all seem very happy, feel valued (if overworked) and highly professional. I am sure that you will find others who say otherwise though!

Why not consider just one of you getting a job at first? this will give you time to settle in and nursing jobs here are not hard to come by. If you are prepared to consider other regions you will be treated like gods (or lunch depending on whether you meet a sandfly first....)