Expat Interview With Nurse Hannah Wijsman

To see just how fulfilling it can be to work and travel, we speak to expat nurse, Hannah Wijsman, who left Ontario, Canada for the sunny city of Sydney.

What area of nursing are you specialised in?
I’m not specialised in a specific area of nursing. I graduated in May 2014 in Canada, and have worked in a few different nursing environments. I worked in a Public Health setting immediately after graduating in Brockville, Ontario. At this job, I helped new mothers and babies with breastfeeding difficulties and raised awareness in the local community regarding early childhood development. I also worked as a nurse in the community setting, driving to various patients’ homes and performing dressing changes, IV therapy, and palliative care.

Why did you choose Bower Healthcare to work as a nurse in Australia?
After vigorously searching and contacting agencies in Sydney, Bower Healthcare was the quickest agency to reply to my enquiries. Bower Healthcare answered all of my questions and even helped prepare me for my move to Australia. They let me know the steps needed to be taken to become a Registered Nurse in Australia.

Did you move to Australia before or after making arrangements with Bower Healthcare?
I moved to Australia after making arrangements with Bower Healthcare.

What part of Australia do you live in and does it benefit your work in any way?
I live in a small suburb outside of Sydney, Australia called Cherrybrook. I live with my boyfriend which makes everything a little bit easier. Bower Healthcare has been very accommodating and has helped me find work near to where I live.

How did you settle into Aussie life? Was it easy meeting new people? Where are you currently living?
Settling into Aussie life has been lovely. Of course it’s been quite a stress-free transition as I am living with my boyfriend and his family who I’ve visited previous to this big move. I have found Australians are so kind and have an amazing sense of humour.

What’s the best thing about living in Australia?
The best thing about living in Australia is the amazing food, the beaches, the weather, and the wonderful people!

How long after getting in touch with Bower Healthcare did you have work lined up?
Honestly, after being in touch with Bower Healthcare upon my arrival to Sydney, it took me about three days to have work lined up. Bower Healthcare was extremely accommodating regarding my needs for work. However, before coming over to Australia I collected all of the appropriate paperwork needed as well as received my AHPRA registration, which is mandatory.

What’s your preferred type of work? Are there a variety of options available?
There are absolutely a variety of work types available. It really depends on the experience level of the employee. I have really enjoyed working on the palliative care unit at a hospital in the suburbs of Sydney called Greenwich Hospital. My preferred type of work is lower acute care nursing, as I have not had much experience in the higher acute setting.

Does your work enable you to travel or see much of the country?
Absolutely. The wonderful thing about Bower Healthcare is that you are able to set your own schedule. There is an online calendar where I am able to let the agency know when I am willing to work. From giving the agency this information, they are able to schedule me into various hospitals based on my given availability. If I want to go on a longer holiday, I could let the agency know that I won’t be available for a certain amount of time which gives me the freedom to travel!

Where in Australia are you most looking forward to visiting?
I have already been down to Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road, and the Twelve Apostles. I am most looking forward to visiting the Great Barrier Reef, and attempting to surf in Sydney.

What would you recommend or advise to someone else wanting to work as a nurse in Australia?
I would recommend to visit the AHPRA website first. Get your registration going (can take up to 6-7 months to be processed). In the meantime, you can contact Bower Healthcare who can give you a great idea for work prospects over here.

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