“I left my wife and two young children behind and I miss them so much, but I’m excited about the future here in Tairāwhiti.
“I intend to apply for a permanent role here and if successful, I hope to bring them over at the end of the year.”
Nurse manager Simmy Taitapanui has been influential in getting the programme under way here in Tairāwhiti.
“We’ve had three international nurses complete the programme so far,” she said.
“There’s a good support network of international families who have settled here and are willing to help others make the move.
“It’s a great way of attracting experienced nurses to our region so they can see what Tairāwhiti has to offer and settle here.”
Applicants can complete the online component in their home countries, and after a four-week placement, they can register for their Annual Practising Certificate (APC) and then apply for jobs.
Chief nurse Serita Karauria said supporting employed nurses and attracting locals into nursing remains a top priority.
“Nationally, there are a number of initiatives under way to make nursing a more attractive and sustainable career choice,” she said.
