Mar 22, 2007, 08:14 am
Hi there ! Yes,like everywhere else there are nurse shortages in Tasmania. You don't state whether you are emmigrating to Tasmania or coming on holiday but either way you will have to register with the Nursing Board of Tasmania first in order to work legally.It costs about A$120 but is tax deductable at the end of the financial year here (end of June).
I worked for the Nursecare agency in Launceston and they were great as you can specify what days you work and which shifts you prefer.I worked at many nursing homes here but the agency also supplies nurses to the local private hospitals too.In Hobart the NurseLine agency fulfils a similar role.The pay isn't bad too ! I suggest that you research them on the internet and Email them if you have any particular questions.I'm sure that they'll be happy to welcome you aboard !
By the way,the reason many nurses have left for mainland Australia is only partly to due with their pay.The state hospitals here employ the majority of nurses on short term contracts here (generally 3 months which is renewed each time),so as to save money on holiday/sick/maternity pay,etc..,Consequently there is no real job security.Additionally,many young nurses leave for the mainland in order to get experience in specialist areas of nursing which are not available in Tasmania.Maybe they leave for other reasons too !
Tasmania is a great place to live and-if you can survive the N.H.S.-nursing here should be a breeze.Hope I have helped.Good luck !
