The growing healthcare provider shortage

Since we experienced of shortage of healthcare provider in New Zealand and there's a lot of overseas qualified nurses and doctors here in New Zealand who doesn't practice their profession because of different education standard and a lot of requirements, examinations required for them to practice their profession here in New Zealand. But majority of them are well experienced and almost working decades of their profession to thier home country. I suggest that they must lessen the requirements and if they already in New Zealand, english examination must not be included anymore. In that case, shortage of healthcare workers will not be a problem anymore and for that they will have a chance to practice and apply their knowledge, skills and learnings in New Zealand.

Why the contribution is important

This might help the community to be better and health problems will address immediately if we have enough workforce.

by Mutchoooco on March 08, 2023 at 11:46AM

Current Rating

Average rating: 5.0
Based on: 4 votes

Comments

  • Posted by Bluerain March 09, 2023 at 20:47

    Hi Mutchooco, I agree. Also, I know that the cost of applying for international qualifications to be recognised, and exams are very high. Someone told me they would have to pay 5000 to take a test to have her physiotherapist qualification recognised, and did not have this kind of money. So she is a physiotherapy assistant, and a pilates instructor instead.

    Also, I wonder if we need practical 'on site' assessors and evaluators, who can watch people work to see if they have the knowledge to do the job, and allow those with overseas qualifications to work with an assessor/supervisor/mentor to build their skills and 'get signed off' after a few years as meeting NZ standards.

    So, if we looked at the cost of exams, as well had a mentor/supervisor system, this may help.

    :-)
     
  • Posted by kiwimum March 11, 2023 at 18:08

    I think communication is critical so the English requirements need to stay. However refunding costs of registration once they start work would encourage more people to register
  • Posted by Vanessad March 14, 2023 at 20:16

    English requirement is essential. As a health care worker myself, it’s critical that the person who I hand information over to fully understands what I am saying.
    I agree with previous comment about refunding costs of registration once they start work
  • Posted by Bware March 25, 2023 at 08:19

    Agree
    We need an Open-door policy for immigration to all health professionals. We need to stop the monopolistic behaviour of professional bodies and set out the welcome mat. Other countries like Canada literally scour refugee camps for skilled health professionals and scoop them up.
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