View Nursing jobs in Qatar here  

Contact us today for an information and application pack on nurses@profco.com

Moving guide: 10 things to know before relocating to Qatar

source The Telegraph

Professional Connections is delighted to announce that we have retained the contact to supply overseas nurses to the State of NSW following a tender. We have recruited nurses to NSW Ministry of Health for the past 12 years and we thank NSW Ministry of  Health for contracting Professional Connections for the next three years. 

In addition we are now also contracted to recruit Allied Health Professionals and Doctors. 

Please follow our web site, facebook, twitter and linked in pages for updates as we add new jobs and information over the coming weeks. 

Middle East Nursing Jobs, Now Hiring Dialysis Nurses for Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Madinah. Apply now start Feb/ Mar 2014

Hiring Hospital:   National Guard Hospital, Riyadh

Live at Al Yamama 3 a luxury resort style accommodation. Recreation Cente r at Al Yamama 3

Benefits:  One year renewable contract, 8 weeks paid holiday, Tax free salary, 3 free flights from your nearest airport, free accommodation and utilities, free transport to work, free healthcare. Plenty overtime available so you can save you whole salary and live on your overtime

To apply register here  or send an email or your cv to nurses@profco.com

Nursing Salary United Kingdom 

Salaries

See  Pay Scales

Benefits

Flights and relocation

Some hospitals will pay your airfare or part of your airfare to the UK if you are non UK based. This is normally contingent upon completing a specific time period with the Trust.

Most hospitals offer

• Salary advance to assist with Public Transport Costs
• Family Friendly Policies
• Child care facilities
• Study leave
• Occupational Health
• Fitness and leisure
• On site Banking

Contract terms and conditions: 

High cost area supplements:

Area Level (1 April 2013) Inner London, 20% of basic salary, subject to a minimum payment of £4,076 and a maximum payment of £6,279

Outer London, 15% of basic salary, subject to a minimum payment of £3,448 and a maximum payment of £4,395

Fringe, 5% of basic salary, subject to a minimum payment of £942 and a maximum payment of £1,632

Payment and on call :

You will be paid monthly in arrears by the 25th day of the month, by direct credit transfer. If your work in standard hours, excluding overtime and work arising from on-call duties, is carried out in unsocial hours you will receive pay enhancements.  The NHS Staff Council reviews pay arrangements for all employees (excluding medical staff).

If you are required to be on call as part of your duties, you will be paid as follows:

Frequency of on-call, value of enhancement as % of basic pay

1 in 3 or more frequent -9.5% 

1 in 6 or more but less than 1 in 3- 4.5%

1 in 9 or more but less than 1 in 6- 3.0%

1 in 12 or more but less than 1 in 9- 2.0%

Less than 1 in 12 -1.0%

Hours of work: 

The hours of work for the post are 37.5 hours per week, exclusive of breaks

Entitlement to holidays: 

Annual leave entitlement is calculated on the basis of aggregated NHS service, and is as follows.

Length of NHS service- Paid Annual Leave (hourly basis for staff working on shifts other than 7.5 hours)

On appointment- 27 days (202.5 hours)

After 5 years service 29 days (217.5 hours)

After 10 years service-33 days (247.5 hours)

In addition you are entitled to eight days general public holidays (60.0 hours)

The annual leave period runs from your start date with the Trust.  When you leave the Trust you will paid for any outstanding annual leave due at the termination date.  If you have taken annual leave in excess of your entitlement your final salary will be adjusted accordingly.

Central London-  Hiring experienced nurses for Band 5 and Band 6 Critical Care/ ICU, Neonatal, Midwifery and Theatre. 

Hot Job: Immediate interviews for new grad and experienced surgical nurses. For nurses graduating in September in Ireland you can apply. 

Open day at the Trust Saturday October 19th for Neonatal nurses and midwives. email us on logistics@profco.com to book your place. 

Interviews in London for European Nurses for all posts. 

Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London: World-class Innovation in a Global City. 

Located in exciting London, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust offers unrivalled opportunities to improve your nursing career and your lifestyle. 

The Imperial College Healthcare Trust leads the way in innovative medical research and patient care. The five hospitals are integrated with the medical faculty of Imperial College London, to form one of the UK's first academic health science centres (AHSCs). The Trust boasts the largest clinical research imaging centre in Europe, the UK's first robotic surgical centre, as well as the prestigious Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology. 

Working in this research-driven environment, you'll be able to boost your own skills. The Trust offers great staff training and development opportunities: education courses, teamwork and staff awards. In a recent survey of NHS staff in England, the Trust scored in the top 20 percent of acute trusts for staff motivation, opportunities to develop potential at work and working in a well-structured team. 

Living in London, you'll be close to all the sights and sounds of 'the best big city in the world'. No matter what you like to do in your free time - theatre-going, shopping, dining out or exercising - you'll be spoilt for choice. 

Recruitment process: 

We will send you the application forms on receipt you will have a pre screening interview. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by the Trust in October 2013. Your will start between November 2013  - February 2014.Send you cv to nurses@profco.com or apply  here

Accommodation available in Central London. 

Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust  in the news: 

    Emergency department nurse wins prestigious patient safety    award   - 02 October 2013     

Muslim Nurses and Healthcare Professionals

Experienced EU Neonatal Nurses. Band 5 and Band 6 posts -Central London

Open day at our client hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust Saturday Oct 19th. 2013. email today to logistics@profco.com for an invitation to attend!

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

No. of Beds: 38

12 Intensive care, 10 High dependency care. 16 Special care
PICNIC nursery 3 bed capacity - elective post operative intensive care service for 0 - 6 month infants

The Unit is about to expand by 5 additional cots to support our new  low risk birthing unit

Nurse Patient Ratio: 1:1/2 for intensive care, 1:2/3 for high dependency care and 1:4  for special  care according to dependency and needs of the baby.

There is a unit co-ordinator on each shift.

Scope of Service:

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a Level III medical and surgical referral centre providing comprehensive service to sick or premature infants and their families 24 hours a day. We are one of the two perinatal centres in the North West London Perinatal network and are the lead surgical centre for the network.  We also take referrals from other units throughout the South East of England.

There is a high risk maternity unit with an active fetal medicine service and are co-located near the Royal Brompton Hospital so are able to provide a collaborative cardiac service for mothers and babies.

Babies are either discharged home with the support of our neonatal nurse community liaison service or transferred back to the post natal ward at Chelsea and Westminster or to their referring hospital. Some babies who have long term complex needs are transferred to the paediatric wards within the hospital.

Start date January to March 2013.  Free flight and one month free accommodation. Hospital has on site single accommodation*. Families will get an allowance for the first month accommodation.* conditions apply 

Interviews will take place world wide by SKPYE or face to face dependent on numbers of applicants from various Countries.

Posts open to EU and Non EU passport holders with Neonatal ICU experience.

NMC Registration. If you are registered with NMC that is great if not we will assist shortlisted applicants.

Apply today send your cv to nurses@profco.com.We will send you an information and application pack or register on our web site click here

Nurses and midwives set to face three-yearly checks

source:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-23971498

Nurses and midwives in the UK look set to face three-yearly checks from the end of 2015 under proposals being put forward.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council wants to see patients, colleagues and employers give feedback on performance.

Those deemed not up to scratch face being barred from working, under the plans drawn up by the NMC.

A  similar system  - albeit carried out every five years - was introduced last year for doctors.

Currently it is up to nurses to declare themselves fit to practise. This is known as renewal.

The proposals - known as revalidation - for the 670,000 nurses and midwives on the UK register have been under discussion for years.

'Greater professionalism'

But the NMC, which has been struggling with a backlog of disciplinary cases over recent years, has struggled to push ahead with the change.

Following the uproar over standards of care in the wake of the Stafford Hospital scandal the NMC committed itself to coming up with firm proposals.

Chief Executive of the Nursing and Midwifery Council, Jackie Smith: "We believe that this system will enhance public protection and it will give the public and patients what they have been looking for"

These - set out in a board paper drawn up by the NMC's leadership team - will now be discussed at a meeting of the regulator's governing body next week.

If - as expected - the recommendation is agreed to next week, the NMC would then launch a consultation early next year.

The paper states that revalidation will promote "greater professionalism" and "improve the quality of care".

Three options will be put forward with the favoured one being three-yearly checks involving patient, colleague and employer feedback.

The NMC envisages the checks will form part of the appraisal process.

However, it admits that as the system beds down, dedicated roles may need to be created to oversee the revalidation process.

This has been done for the medical profession with the creation of responsible officers, although it could prove more costly for nurses and midwives as there are more of them.

Consideration may also have to be given to carrying out the checks every five years to reduce the workload, the board paper says.

Competence

But the NMC said it was determined to get going with the system by the end of 2015 and let it evolve as it was rolled out.

NMC chief executive Jackie Smith said: "Ensuring that the skills and conduct of nurses and midwives remain up to date throughout their careers is an important area of regulation.

"Any effective system of revalidation will increase public confidence that nurses and midwives remain capable of safe and effective practice."

Tom Sandford, of the Royal College of Nursing union, said: "Knowing that every nurse, no matter when they qualified, is fit to practise in a modern setting, and competent for the role they are performing is an important issue of patient safety as well as patient confidence."

But he warned it would require proper funding and close working between employers and the regulator for it to work well.

Health Minister Dr Dan Poulter said: "I support the introduction of nurse revalidation, particularly in the wake of the Francis report, but recognise that any scheme must be tested to make sure it works for nurses and improves safety and quality of care for pa

Doctors Jobs in Saudi Arabia 

Professional Connections recruits Consultant Hospital Doctors, Physicians and Surgeons for the leading referral Hospitals in The Middle East.

View job listing here  

Our client Hospitals include: King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh. King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah. National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Jeddah, Damman, Al Hasa and Al Madinah. Security Forces Hospitall, Riyadh. Military MODA hospitals. 

In additon we recruit for most of the leading centers in Abu Dhabi in 
The United Arab Emirates. 

Working  as a Healthcare Professional  in Saudi Arabia

What is the contract term required?

Contracts in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere in the Middle East are generally one or two year renewable contracts.. Married status contracts are offered  medical staff. 

What are the salaries? is the salary really tax free?

Salaries in Saudi Arabia vary depending on the hospital you work in, the experience you have and the Country you are recruited from. Most hospitals base their salary and allowances on rates prevailing in the recruit's country of origin, i.e. US, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle and Far East. The salary and benefit package for the post you apply for will be advised on initial application. Salaries are normally paid at the end of each month in Saudi Riyals (SR) directly into the employee's local bank account. The hospitals assist you in opening a bank account. You can transfer money, pay your bills etc., as you do now with Internet banking.

Yes the salary is tax free. There are no taxes on earnings, good or services in Saudi Arabia , but you should check any reciprocal arrangements with your home country.

What are the working hours?

The working hours are 44 hours per week plus on call. 

What are the benefits?

Tax free salary*

Free fully furnished accommodation and utilities

Free medical coverage

Yearly service award (re-contracting Bonus)

Free mobilization (arrival) and de-mobilization (final departure) flights to and from point of origin and yearly round trip flight ticket to point of hire

Free transportation services

Baggage allowance

Free uniform & laundry

Free recreation services ( Gym, pools, tennis, etc)

Availability of on job training & courses

Merit increase upon renewal of contract, maximum of 6%

Availability of promotion & transfer

Overtime pay (rate per hour 150%)

Saudi Service Award (Consisting of one-half months basic salary for each of the first five years of service and one month basic salary for each year of services thereafter)

Six-ten weeks annual vacation

Does Profco give tax advise?

No, we do not have a tax/ financial expert to advise you. Tax laws vary from country to country, and as we recruit candidates from all over the world, we cannot be experts with the tax laws of all jurisdictions. We advise all candidates who secure offers to obtain independent financial advice.

Do I get free health care? 

Yes free medical care and emergency dental care for you and your dependents. 

Do I need indemnity work insurance? 

As in other countries, your employer covers work insurance.

How do I open a Bank account and how to I transfer my money?

Opening a bank account is very straightforward. You will first need to obtain your Iquama which is like a resident/ ID card. The first time you go to the bank it will take some time to set up your account, internet banking etc. just the same as in your home country. After this, you can transfer money on line or through ATM machines which are located in the hospital and elsewhere. 

You will get a debit card so you can use ATMs for cash - just like back home. 

Banking is as sophisticated and easy as it is in your home country. We advise to have enough money in your account at home to cover your first month bills or invoices while you are waiting to open your bank account in Saudi. 

I do not have a European or Australian Passport can I be hired?

Hospitals in Saudi Arabia contract recruitment agencies world wide. Each agency has its own geographical territory that they source nurses from. Professional Connections is contracted to recruit European, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian passport holders only, so we can only process your application if you hold one of these passports. Otherwise you have to contact your local agent.

Do I need to pass an English Language test?

Yes. Your English skills need to be good enough for safe and effective practice. Professional Connections will give you a test that tests grammar, listening and medical terminology.

How long does the process take?

For Consultant hospital doctors four to six months. Sometimes the hospitals will  bring you on a locum first for four weeks. If you are then approved for a perm post it will take another 3- 5 months for you to prepare to leave your current post and take up a perm post in Saudi  Arabia. 

How am I interviewed?

You will first have a prescreening interview by our  recruitera. Then once you have completed the required paperwork your file will be sent to the hospital for the Chairman of the department to review. Once you are shortlisted your file will then be reviewed by a credentialing committee. You will then be offered a locum for four weeks. This is a working locum whereby you will be assessed for a perm post. The locum is single status. 

What will I be asked at interview?

You will be asked general questions about why you want to work in Saudi Arabia, about your work experience and also some clinical questions related to your specialty.

How long are the contracts?

The minimum is one year, but you can sign two years initially as well. Your contract can also be extended on site.

Does the hospital pay my flight tickets?

Yes, the hospital will pay your mobilisation flight from your nearest international airport and your demobilisation flight at the end of your contract. If you recontract you get one extra flight.

Does the hospital supply accommodation?

Yes, the accommodation is supplied free-of-charge and includes all furniture and free utilities. 

How much vacation do I have?

You have 50- 54 days leave in one year depending on the hospital.

When can I take my vacation?

You have to first complete your 90-day probationary period. During this time you can only get leave for an emergency situation. After the probationary period, you can schedule your leave with your ward manager as the schedule allows.

Do I get holiday flights?

Some hospitals offer one ticket mid contract.

Do I get free health care?

Yes, except dental care (which is emergency only). The hospital provides free health care for you including vaccinations.

You will undergo a thorough medical examination prior to employment. If you have any risk factor you are unlikely to be approved.

Can I take my family?  

Yes on the perm post. The number of dependents supported on your contract to be negotiated upon approval. Your spouse and dependents have  to be with you in Saudi Arabia for 240  days per year to be entitled to a  married status contract. 

Can my family visit me?

Yes, they can get a visa for 90 days at any one time the hospital will facilitate this for you. However, you will be responsible yourself for all costs associated with their trip and the hospital does not supply accommodation.

Is there support for employees against the employer?

Yes, the Saudi Labour Court strongly defends employees.

Can I leave if I do not like it?

Yes, at any time, but ideally giving one month notice.

As a woman can I walk around freely ?

Yes, you can go anywhere on your own at any time. All the hospitals have drivers to take you places and you can take a taxi that will be outside your housing.

What can I do on my time off?

Everything you would do at home!

• Shopping in the old town or any of the numerous shopping complexes
• Eating out
• Numerous sporting activities: tennis, diving, golf, horse riding, gym, football, drama, various book clubs...

The list is endless!

What is the working language of the hospital?

Patients are mostly Arabic speaking, but the working language is English. The Hospitals provide Arabic courses and you are encouraged to attend these courses.

Can I continue my education ?

Yes, the hospitals have very strong links with universities in US, UK and Australia. Most overseas nurses set up their courses with Universities in their home country and do courses online. Online medical libraries from around the world are available from the hospital. 

Hiring now -  Hospital Doctors/ Physicians and Surgeons King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Medical Doctor Jobs 

We are seeking Consultant, Associate Consultant and Assistant Doctor jobs for for the leading tertiary referral centers in Saudi Arabia .

Contract are one year renewable you can stay ten years. Marred status which means you can bring your family. Free luxury accommodation, no utilities to pay even the TV is provided. High speed internet connections available. Free healthcare for you and you family, generous education allowances for your children schooling.  

Current vacancies search here 

Nurse/Midwife posts in Qatar

See our Qatar web site here

For Women  As a specialty center for women, Sidra will provide care in  Obstetrics and Gynecology as follows:

• Deliveries - 9,300 anticipated by 2015
• High risk deliveries - 1,675 anticipated by 2015
• Antenatal Care
• Reproductive Endocrinology - including IVF and more advanced techniques

Royal Prince Alfred Midwifery Services

If you want to apply for a Midwifery post at RPAH email your CV to nurses@profco.com  

Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH) is the oldest teaching hospital in NSW with a world-wide reputation for standards of excellence, innovation and research. Established in 1882, our hospital cares for a local community, which contains a population covering a wide range of socio-economic levels. It is one of the most culturally diverse areas in Australia. We also provide specialist services in many disciplines to Sydney, New South Wales, Australia and our neighbours in the South West Asian/Pacific region.

RPA Women and Babies is a one of the busiest maternity units in Australia, with over 5,500 births and 70,000 occasions of service per year. RPA Women and Babies acts as a referral unit for other hospitals in both metropolitan Sydney, and the State of New South Wales, and the Pacific.

Clinical specialties include Ante Natal; Delivery Ward, Birth Centre, Post Natal ward and Neonatal Intensive Care. Roster patterns are rotating with 8 hour shifts which are negotiable. Staffing ratios are 5:1

Post natal

There are two post natal wards. One operates 12 hour shift pattern and the private post natal ward has 8 or 10 hour shift patterns. Average stay is 48 hours.

There is a lactation team with a lactation consultant. All midwives are encouraged to train as lactation consultants.

The breast feeding rate initially is over 90% which reduces to about 55% after six weeks.

One post natal unit is a 34 bedded unit and the private post natal is a 20 bedded unit.

Birth Centre

There are 3 labour rooms. Antenatal clinic sees about 80 per month and appoximately 60 are delivered in the Birth Centre. It's midwife lead.

The Antenatal unit is a 15 bedded ward. High risk cases are catered for.

There is a computerised medical records system but kardex charting is also done.

Community

There is a small community team that supports women post natally who have early discharge. They get 2-3 visits.

Newly qualified midwives are allocated to all areas for 4 montly rotations.

Professional development and ongoing education opportunities are well supported by Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. A midwifery student program in liaison with the University of Technology, Sydney provides clinical placements for student midwives undertaking the Graduate Diploma of Midwifery and the Bachelor of Midwifery.

Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia

Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH) is the oldest teaching hospital in NSW with a world-wide reputation for standards of excellence, innovation and research. Established in 1882, our hospital cares for a local community, which contains a population covering a wide range of socio-economic levels. It is one of the most culturally diverse areas in Australia. RPAH also provides specialist services in many disciplines to Sydney, New South Wales, Australia and our neighbours in the South West Asian/Pacific region.

Today RPAH is one of Australia's busiest specialist referral centres, with a dedicated staff of 3,500 providing care for close to 57,000 inpatients and 600,000 outpatients. Additionally, more than 44,000 people attend the Emergency Department and 4,000 babies are delivered.

If you want to apply for a Midwifery post at RPAH email your CV to nurses@profco.com  

Lifestyle

The hospital is situated on Missenden Road. If you stand at the entrance of the hospital, facing the street, in front of the 1882 façade, the choices open to you are as wide as the points of the compass.

If you were to walk to your left, you would quickly reach King Street and the suburb of Newtown. Here there is a cornucopia of cafes and interesting shops interspersed with great pubs, some with a gay theme.

From King Street you can catch a 370 bus which will take you to Coogee and the eastern suburbs beaches of Sydney where the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean roll onto miles of golden sands. From Coogee there is a magnificent cliff-top walk to the famous Bondi Beach, where you can sun-bake and swim all day and rage all night at the many waterfront cafes, clubs and bars.

Why live and work as a nurse in Qatar? 

Generous tax free salary, free gated community luxury accommodation, free flights, free health insurance cover, free life insurance cover,  chance to work in the newest pediatric and maternity hospital in the world with the most advanced technology and smart rooms. Six weeks annual leave per year. Gratuity- one month final base salary, paid upon completion of total tenure of employment 

Where will I be working? 

Sidra Medical and Research Center will be an ultra modern, all-digital academic medical center which is being designed and planned to the best international standards in sciences. It will offer speciality care for women and children.

Hiring now, apply on our web site www.profco.com make your cv using our online tool or send your resume/ cv to nurses@profco.com

We are interested to hear from  nurses and nurse managers who are working  in US, Canada, Western Europe, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand as we are contracted by Sidra to recruit from these countries only. 

Vacancies here 

UK Child and Adolescent Mental Health Nurse - Australia /Profco Experience

Why did you decide to apply for a job in Australia?

Moving over to Australia had always been a dream of mine. Ever since I first visited the country when I was younger I decided it was a place I would one day like to live. As Cliché and predictable as it sounds I fell in love with the outdoor lifestyle as well as the laid back Australian attitude to day to day life. I knew on entering into nursing it had the potential to take me places.  So as soon as I reached my final year of training I started to investigate my options.

Deciding to apply - how you located Profco. Why you decided Profco was the company for you

I found Profco through an internet search. I found their website to be professional and informative. I was able to easily identify potential nursing jobs and read up on the recruitment process. I contacted them to enquiry further and was impressed with the immediate response I received back. Unlike other overseas recruitment companies I had applied to Profco did not dismiss me on my lack of nursing experience. Nor did they charge anything to use their services. Instead they talked to me to find out what areas of nursing I was interested in and were able to identify relevant positions from there. My mind was made up quickly that they were the best company for me to go with.

How did you find the application process?/Support with the paperwork?

On identifying the job I wanted to go for the initial application required a lot of paperwork. Luckily Ann from Profco was a great help and talked me through any parts that I didn't understand. It was a mixture of consent forms, identification documents and checking you had the relevant nursing skills. I also had a pre-screening telephone interview with Profco based upon my clinical knowledge and skills.

The Hospital interview, differences to applying for a job at home?

On getting through the application stages I was offered a telephone interview directly with the hospital. Because of the time difference my interview was held fairly early in the morning. In preparation for this I had a mock interview with Profco. This was to get used to answering questions over the telephone. It was great to be able to practice as a telephone interview is so different to being face to face. My actual interview involved a panel of three senior staff from Bloomfield Hospital. The questions and interview format were the same as the nursing interviews I had been to at home. The main difference was I had no body language to go on. The difficulty I faced with the interview was the phone line signal was slightly crackly and the time delay meant that you had to allow for continuous pauses before you were able to respond. Also not being able to see their body language meant I was unable to be certain if I had given too much or too little information in my answers. They were incredibly friendly though which really put me at ease and I came away from it feeling pretty positive.

After the interview, paperwork, visa, medicals, etc

On hearing I had secured a position at the hospital I was overwhelmed with excitement and nerves- suddenly it was all very real! The paperwork side of things had to be started straight away. I was warned about it being on average a 6 month process and there would be a lot to get through before I could get out there. At first I felt very overwhelmed looking at what needed to be done. I also felt slightly naïve that I had underestimated the potential complexity of the process. Profco was brilliant in this respect as I was assigned my own recruitment consultant Carolina and then later on Jonelle who were both fantastic and guided me through the whole process. Everything was done step by step which really helped to break the process down. There were lots of paperwork and identity documents that needed to be certified and sent off. Sometimes I would get the documentation wrong or they would require further information. It could be pretty frustrating and here were times where I would feel like giving up and wondered if it was all worth it. However, focusing on the bigger picture and having Jonelle to support and keep me motivated was invaluable and more than enough to see me through.

Getting my visa was very straight forward. As I was to be going out on a working holiday visa it was easy to obtain. Without a doubt the most difficult part was getting registered with AHPRA. It was a slow process and I had to keep contacting them to keep my application being pushed through. I wanted to have my AHPRA registration before I moved out but in the end Jonelle advised me to get myself out to Sydney and present myself at their head office. I took her advice and she was absolutely right- after a couple of visits to them I finally had my registration!

The medical I needed to obtain from the UK before moving out to Australia was fairly straight forward. I had to book myself in to a clinic that was approved to issue medical certificates for individuals moving over. Major downside was that it was expensive. I needed a chest X-ray, urine sample, bloods and a physical examination. However once it was done it was approved quickly. The hospital also required for me to have a detailed assessment by a physiotherapist which again was fairly costly.

Then nerves and excitement: describe how you were feeling before you travelled?

The day I was due to fly over I felt disbelief. The six month process had finally paid off and I felt a whole range of emotions from excitement to being down right terrified. Saying goodbye to family and friends was the hardest part. My boyfriend moved over with me which me which made things a lot less scary. As soon as we touched down in Sydney all we felt was pure excitement. We spent 10 days there and it was a very busy time. I managed to get my AHPRA registration, opened a bank account, obtained a medicare card, got my remaining immunisations sorted and applied for a tax file number. I was surprised how easy it was to sort all of these things out and everyone who I had been to see had been extremely helpful and accommodating. On top of that I crammed in as much sightseeing and nightlife as I could. Sydney was absolutely incredible, so much going on and stuff to do. Downside is it's very expensive! However we both loved it and neither of us wanted to leave! 

We made the big move to Orange once we had done all we could in Sydney. After a long train and coach journey we arrived. We were immediately struck by how different rural country Australia was compared to the hustle and bustle of Sydney. We stayed in a guest house on the hospital campus that Bloomfield had arranged for us. We were able to have a month free of charge there which was fantastic and really helped us with our funds. Whilst in the guesthouse we met lots of other nurses mostly from India who had come over to start work. It was nice knowing I was not the only one who was new to the place!

Orientation

The orientation I was given to the hospital was excellent. The staff really made me feel at home and were extremely helpful in answering any questions I had. I was given a full tour of the hospital and they made sure I was sorted out with an ID swipe and keys. The next day I started work on my unit and had a week of being supernumerary. The nursing manager and staff made me feel very welcome and I soon got into the ward routine. The next week I attended mandatory training sessions which allowed me to become familiar with the policies and protocols as well as specific training on aggression minimisation. 

The Job

I work on the child and adolescent mental health unit. It's a ten bedded unit for children experiencing acute episodes of mental illness. The unit has a fantastic interdisciplinary team that take a collaborative approach to care. I enjoy working on the unit as I find it varied, fun and challenging. There's quite literally never a dull moment! Since working here I have been able to build my nursing skills for caring for children with mental health problems as well as developing my leadership skills through being in charge of shifts. Sometimes I will get moved to other adult units round the hospital if they are short staffed. This has allowed me to work in a range of areas from acute, rehabilitation to intensive care settings. This as a result has given me a whole variety of experiences.

Difference in nurse practise from your country of origin?

Nursing practice out here is very similar to back in the UK. The policies are slightly different but overall they have the same core values. The biggest difference I have found is that if you are a registered nurse out here you can work in any area. At home we are trained in specific fields. So having come from a solely paediatric trained background it was a huge change for me to sometimes work on the adult mental health units when they are short staffed.

The facilities out here are pretty incredible. The hospital I am at has been newly renovated and is the largest rural mental health hospital in NSW. I feel very privileged to work in such an advanced setting. They appear to really value and have the available funds to invest in their healthcare faculties out here.

Training opportunities and salary

The nursing profession out here is highly regarded and the salary is much higher than it would be at home. Nursing salary out here is paid on levels of experience post-qualifying. Each year your pay increases until you reach the top pay band for a registered nurse (Year 8). Salary is paid on a fortnightly basis. The penalty rates for evening, weekend and overtime shifts really boost your pay up. On the down side, you do get taxed heavily out here.

They put a lot of emphasis on professional development in NSW. At Bloomfield Hospital they have education classes on 5 days a week as well as additional training opportunities that you can apply to do. There are also opportunities for you to do your masters alongside working. Recently I had the opportunity to go to Sydney to a training session on sensory tools which was fantastic. The course was all paid for along with a night's accommodation in a swanky hotel in central Sydney which was pretty incredible! 

How it is now some time later?

Four months on and I have settled into Bloomfield well. I really love the unit I work on and all the staff that I work with. I have found that I have acquired a huge wealth of experiences and knowledge since being here and am keen to develop on this. Orange itself has taken some time to adjust too. Having come from living in a city back at home it has been a big change for me.

Although it was much bigger than I was originally anticipating it can be very quiet at times and the nightlife is limited. It is however a very scenic location and offers a great range of food and local wines which are fantastic. The climate out in Orange is fairly similar to the UK particularly during winter, as it is near the mountains it can get pretty cold. However when the sun is out it warms up quickly. The wildlife out here is very different too. They have wild kangaroos round the hospital campus and you can nearly always spot parrots flying round. I have also seen some interesting looking spiders and snakes since being here which I have kept well clear of!

The people that I have met out here have been very friendly and there is a strong sense of pride in country life. They are always very intrigued on my accent and story of how I ended up out here. In regards to home, staying in touch with family and friends has been really easy. I use facebook & skype and have apps on my phone which allow me to text for free via wifi. I also have a phone deal which allows me to call UK landlines for an unlimited amount of time for $1. It actually makes you feel like you are less far away that what you actually are!

Free Time

We have made a really nice group of friends since being out here which we have a lot of fun with in our free time. We share a common love of the local red wine so will either go round to each others houses or go to one of the local bars. We also go out for coffee a lot here as the coffee is incredible and there are lots of cafes to choose from. The cinema here is also good and we both like to get out and go biking. We also go to a great gym which we are both members of. There are some nice areas near by which we are in the process of exploring and there is transport to get over to Sydney when we need our city fix.

Accommodation

After moving out of the guest house my boyfriend and I moved into a two bedroom unit close to town. We were advised that getting rental accommodation in Orange could be difficult due to the influx of miners who snap properties up. But we were lucky and managed to get a furnished unit fairly easily. We are paying $380 per week which is pretty expensive for what it is. But again as it is a mining town and rental property prices have rocketed. However as the salary for nurses out here is more it makes it affordable.  

Anything else you would like to tell nurses thinking about coming over to Australia?

My advice to anyone thinking of coming over here is just do it! Australia is an amazing place and there is so much to see and so. As a nurse there are lots of opportunities out here to build on your professional development. Think carefully about the region you go to as inland rural areas are very different to city costal ones. Australia is much bigger than the UK and it's easy to forget the time it can take to travel between places. Also, be prepared for it to be a bit costly getting out here. Getting the paperwork certified along with visa and medical costs all adds up. However you will be earning a great salary once you are over here so in that respect it balances itself out. Profco are a great company and I highly recommend going with them. They simplify what is a very complex process and get you to where you want to be. It can be a frustrating process getting over here but it is worth it in the end!

Cardiac Centre - King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah

We are now hiring experienced cardiac nurses at all levels to support the development of our progressive and cutting-edge cardiac services. Available positions include Nurse Managers, Assistant Nurse Managers, Nurse Educators and Staff Nurses.  Nurses wishing to gain experience within a progressive international setting while ensuring their own professional growth are strongly encouraged to apply.

Search for  Jobs .  Send your CV to nurses@profco.com and please advise a call back time.  

Benefits: 

Generous tax free salary, free accommodation , free utilities, free healthcare,  6 weeks paid vacation, one  year renewable contracts, free mobilisation and demobilisation flight to your nearest international airport, one mid year return ticket  and much more 

Jeddah    - the Saudi Arabian city located on the coast of the Red Sea and is the major urban center of western Saudi Arabia. It is the largest city in Makkah Province, and the second largest city in Saudi Arabia after the capital city, Riyadh. The population of the city currently stands at over 3.4 million. It is considered the second commercial capital of Saudi Arabia.

Popular with expatriate nurses who love the city shopping , red sea diving, resturants

King Abdulaziz Medical City - Jeddah is a 400-bed hospital offering services to the National Guard employees and their dependents. The hospital services include general medicine, surgery, general ENT, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, urology, general paediatrics, neonatology, obstetrics and gynaecology, critical care (adult and pediatrics), coronary care, renal, oncology and general/specialist outpatients. The Cardiac Centre is a state of the art facility that provides advanced treatment to patients with various cardiovascular disorders. Both the infrastructure and experienced physicians, nurses and technologists  provide comprehensive cardiac care of the highest quality. The centre provides a full range of services from diagnostic procedures to complex interventions and surgeries with personalised critical care under one roof, around the clock. When fully commissioned, the Cardiac Centre will employ over 350 nursing staff and will include the following clinical units:

National Guard Hospital Jeddah - Cardiac Center

Angiography Suite

The Angio suite provide nursing care for patient that need invasive &non -invasive  procedure including both elective and emergency procedures .The is only one Angio suite  serving the needs of the hospital for both adult and pediatric.

Adult Cardiac Intensive Care:   6 beds.

Coronary artery bypass grafts ,Valve surgery ,Aortic aneurysm/dissection, Adult congenital heart disease, Pulmonary embolectomy, Arrhythmias - post operative complication, Pleural & pericardial effusions.

Care of patients with: Ventilators, Pulmonary artery catheters, Arterial & central lines, Pacemakers, Intra-aortic balloon pump, Chest tubes, Sternal debridement, Automated implanted cardiac defibrillators (AICD), External Cardiac Membrane Oxygenator (ECMO), Left & right ventricular assist devices, Multiple inotropic support,Continuous renal replacement therapy,  Emergency chest re-open for tamponade Cardioversion,, Percutaneous tracheostomy

Medical Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (MCICU)  6 beds

Acute coronary syndromes ,Congestive heart failure,Cardiomyopathies,Recurrent/malignant arrhythmias, Cardiogenic shock, Hypertensive crisis, Endocarditis, Malfunctioning AICD's and pacemakers

Procedures: Invasive hemodynamic monitoring - CVP, ABP & Swan Ganz, Intra-aortic balloon counter pulsation, Mechanical ventilation, Electrocardiography, Electrophysiology studies,  Coronary angioplasty, Continuous renal replacement therapy - Fresenius, Percutaneous coronary intervention, Electroencephalography, Trans-esophageal echocardiography, Temporary transvenous & permanent pacemakers, Direct current cardioversions, Administration of thrombolytics, Administration of cardio active drugs

Cardiovascular/Coronary Care (Medical Cardiac Step-down - MCSD)

13 (6 high dependency beds, 7 lower level care beds)  and 1 VIP

Acute coronary syndromes, congestive heart failure/cardiomyopathy pulmonary edema, recurrent/malignant arrhythmias, pleural & pericardial effusions, cardiogenic shock, hypertensive crisis, endocarditis, malfunctioning AICD's and permanent pacemakers, valvular diseases, coronary artery disease (for intervention or medical therapy)

Cardiovascular/Coronary Care (Surgical Cardiac Step-down - SCSD)

13 (6 high dependency beds, 7 lower level care beds)  and 1 VIP

Post cardiac surgery: coronary artery bypass graft ,valve surgery aortic aneurysm/dissection, adult congenital heart disease, pulmonary embolectomy, arrhythmias as complications post-operatively, pleural and pericardial effusions, chronic airway management.

Cardiac Operating Room  3 Operating Rooms  

0800 to 1700hrs (Thursday to Sunday)   On-call team after hours, weekends & holidays

oCABG (on pump/off pump), ,Valve replacement, ,Pediatric open heart surgery, e.g. TOF, Switch, Fontan, Glenn, Tapvd, AV canal, AVSD Non pump - PDA, COA, BT shunt, PA banding

Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (PCICU)

Neonatal and Pediatrics up to 14 years old

Congenital and acquired cardiac defects, pre & post cardiac surgery, pre & post diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterizations

Emergency bedside atrial septostomy, emergency chest re-opening  , i ntubations and mechanical ventilation, invasive lines and chest tubes insertion, invasive lines monitoring, temporary pacing, echocardiography/electrocardiography, extra corporeal membrane oxygenation support, peritoneal dialysis,  bronchoscop, TPN/inotropes administration, odefibrillation/cardioversion, lumbar puncture

Pediatric Cardiac Step Down (PCSD)

13 (6 high dependency beds, 7 lower level care beds)

Medical management of cardiac patients, congenital cardiac anomalies for: Diagnostic procedures, pre operative assessment, post operative care of high dependency /step down patients

Hemodynamic monitoring, oxygen therapy, management of chest drains, anticoagulant therapy, IV therapy,  cardiac specific medication management, pre & post operative cardiac surgery, pre & post cardiac catheterization care, cardiac MRI, echo, holter monitoring, conscious sedation.

Pediatric Cardiology Clinic & Pediatric Non Invasive Echo Laboratory

Congenital heart disease, h eart failure, coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease

Comprehensive cardiovascular assessment, symptoms assessment and management, pediatric trans

Posts for experienced Theatre scrub, recovery, critical care  and med/ surg nurses.

Profco is seeking new grad and experienced nurses for posts in London.

We provide assistance with a) NMC registration. b) employment application paperwork we advise you how to compose your cv. c) we provide interview training d) we provide an comprehensive relocation and meet and greet service. 

To apply send a cv in English to nurses@profco.com

Prince of Wales Hospital, Campus, Randwick, Sydney

The Eastern Suburbs Mental Health Inpatient Services are situated on the Prince of Wales Hospital Campus, a short distance from Coogee and Bondi Beaches.

 The Service has a 50 bedded Acute Mental Health Centre, 4 Psychiatric Emergency Care Centre beds (24 to 48 hrs admission unit), an 8 bedded Aged Care Acute/Neuro psychiatry Unit, and a Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit of 14 beds. At this time there are a number of inpatient vacancies for experienced mental health nurses, or general nurses with mental health experience.

A new 12 bedded Mental Health Intensive Care unit, and an 8 bedded Child and Adolescent in patient unit has recently opened

To apply send cv to nurses@profco.com

Nursing and Allied Health Professionals for new Hospital in Al Madinah

PMBAH is the fifth National Guard Hospital in the Kingdom after Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Al Ahsa. It is a full serviced facility with a 320 bedded capacity, located at the foot of Mount Uhud on Prince Naif Road; PMBAH is only minutes away from Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport and the Holy Mosque - Al Masjid Al Nabawi.

National Guard hospitals are renowned for their high quality evidence based patient care practices.  There are tremendous opportunities for staff growth and development, as well as a very active in-house training and education through lectures, seminars and workshops which are regularly scheduled by the Academic Affairs, Training and Development and Nursing Education Departments. In addition, more specialized courses on patient care, latest technology and training on specialized equipment are arranged in collaboration or sponsored with external providers.

National Guard Health Affairs gives high regard to the welfare of its workforce; orientation and induction are given to new staff to ensure they are competent, confident and supported through mentorship and preceptorship to mould them into the workforce. Furthermore, benefits and rewards are very encouraging to the staff. 

Living in the City of the Prophet where one can perform ibadah in the Holy Mosque within a few minutes distance and just a few hours away for umrah in Mecca is a blessing, what more can a Muslim ask for?

As the National Guard Health Affairs expands its services to cover more regions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Holy City of Al Madinah Al Munawarah was selected as the next project in 2007. Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Hospital will provide optimal health services for the National Guard and their dependents and to other eligible patients during their religious visits to the holy city of Madinah.

Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Hospital (PMBAH) is a full service healthcare facility with 320 beds capacity.

The specialty services include:  

Accident and Emergency Department

Adult Intensive Care Unit

Ambulatory Care Centre

Central Sterilization Supply Department

Clinical Nutrition

Dental Services

Endoscopy

Hemodialysis

Information system and Informatics Department

Labor and Delivery Unit

Laboratory services

Medical Imaging

Medical Protocol Department

Medicine and Surgery

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Obstetrical Services

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Perioperative  Services

Pharmaceutical

Quality Department

Rehabilitation Services