International nurses boosting staff numbers at hospital

Filipino nurse Jason Tannagan is another overseas nurse recruited by Te Whatu Ora-Tairāwhiti in an attempt to resolve the nursing shortage. Picture supplied

Experienced emergency and toxicology nurse Jason Tannagan arrived from Santiago City in the Philippines last month and is working in Gisborne Hospital’s Ward 9.

“The community and staff have been very welcoming and Gisborne is a great city,” he said.

Nurse numbers are still far from where they need to be in Tairāwhiti and around the country, but steps are being taken in the right direction.

Gisborne Hospital is now hosting international nurses completing their Competency Assessment Programme (CAP) in partnership with Lonsdale Education Centre.

“I understand the pressure my colleagues are under and I’m happy to be making a difference here.

“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.