is it too late!!

blu38 · Testing The Water Joined: 22 Dec 2003 Posts: 3

hello! fairly new to this forum but have a few questions to ask!
asked this question before, so this is sort of in the same vein!

i am 38 now and starting a 3 year midwifery advanced diploma at my local uni in london. i know midwives are in short supply at the moment ,but for me to work in nz in the future, i am looking at my early/middle 40's before i have the work experience needed to find a job in nz, never mind the money as well.

have i left it too late! the older you are obviously the less points you get. the immigration dept also ask for a degree and i do not really fancy doing a midwifery degree unless i have to!

i need at least 12 months post-reg experience before i can even look for work in nz.

i know kiwi nurses and midwives have no probs getting jobs in the nhs over here, but it doesn't seem to be tit for tat, ie us getting jobs easily over there is a different kettle of fish!

nz seems very fussy as far as qualifications go and i'm just wondering if it's worth me even trying in the future to look for work over there!

i'd be grateful for any advice i can get.

many thanks all

irene fingers crossed

karltsmith · Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 1:28 am Post subject:

Hi Blu,

Welcome to the forum!

Having thought about your case I believe you are best getting as much information as you can from the NZQA and the relevant NZ nurses registration board before you commit yourself in terms of course content.

I don't know much about your profession but if for arguments sake you could specialise in say 'SCBU' or some other speciality along the way that might make you more attractive (technically of course) to a potential employer.

One thought I had was is, since NZ is your goal can you not train over there on a student visa and get an NZ qualification? This would get you more points than you would know what to do with!

In terms of age...when you qualify you will still have a good 20 years to contribute to the profession so I don't think that should count too much against you...nothwithstanding the points versus age problem!

Regarding the degree issue I think as long as you meet the registratio requirements for NZ you standard of education should satisfy NZIS. It all hinges on the acceptance of your course against NZ Requirements!

Hope this helps!