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As every nurse
knows, not every nursing agency is the same, or will treat all nurses
equally well. There is a great disparity in what agencies offer -
from wages and work variety to other benefits. Moreover you will have
your own individual needs, and not every agency will be a good
personal match. More experienced nurses will make better deals.
After making
your initial decision to come to Australia, your next most important
decision will be in your choice of Agency. Being smart will mean
finding an agency that will support your individual needs and
desires. It is extremely important to take stock of what will make
you happy on your trip and join an agency that will enhance your
experience and treat you fairly. Here I would like to make two
important points to help you make your choice.
Are
you the agencies first priority?
Many Australian agencies have hidden deals and arrangements with
various clients. This means that nurses are considered only after the
needs of the client. It also means that these deals will limit the
variety of your work placements, and invariably provide hidden
financial benefits to the agency.
Check
how your wages and entitlements are paid.Some
nursing agencies can cost you a fortune. It is well worth checking
if your weekly pays will be delayed, or other conditions imposed.
Also check if your superannuation payments are being deliberately
minimised. Avoid agencies that provide gimmicks that benefit only a
few. Look for agencies that provide strictly weekly pay, and make
regular superannuation payments.
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Try to feel at
home when you come to Australia. Your nursing agency can help you.
But also think about those moments when you will time on your hands.
What about pursuing a hobby that you have previously not had time
for. Many nursing keep a journal of their experiences, and take
photographs. Bring personal mementoes - photos of friends, family,
and home. Your new friends in Australia will be happy to share them
with you.
Travel nursing
can be fun, adventurous, exciting, but it also brings many personal
challenges, including loneliness. Moving from month to month or year
to year means old relationships will be broken, and new ones formed.
You will want to maintain your special relationships as you move on
to your next location. Without the Internet and modern communication
this challenge would be difficult to overcome.
When you need
to speak to loved ones, family and friends it will be helpful to know
what possibilities are available. From mobile phones, to charge
cards, to Internent kiosks. One good Internet site with a great deal
of information about communication is this one. Visit it. (The site
has much other useful information also.)
TNT
Magazine Communications
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There are many
websites that are useful, and some such as the nurses2australia
list on Yahoo!Groups
site, that are that are dedicated to nurses and travelling. Not only
can you discover interesting things, and special deals on travel,
accommodation and even shopping, but you will be able to stay on-line
and keep in touch at a personal level. Access to the Internet is
certainly a must for all travel nurses.
Practical
information and links. From learning a little about Australian
English, to visa and immmigration information, maps, driving,
touring, weather, accommodation in Melbourne and Sydney, getting
organised for your first trip to Australia, this selection of links
and information covers a wide area. May be worth checking out the
travel deals.
Practicalities
The Stoned
Crow backpackers guide to enjoying life, the beautiful bush country,
and beautiful Aussie beaches. What will it cost, what's it really
like, where you can go to party, and lots more. "No Worries
Mate!" Check out the brilliant entertainment guide covering
gigs, festivals, pubs, clubs and much more.
The
Stoned Crow
Three of the
most comprehesive Australian tourism and accommodation sites on the
net. Comprehensive general and regional information. I learned a lot
also. Check them out.
Australian
Tourism Registry
Fairfax
Walkabout
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