EXPERIENCED MENTAL HEALTH nurses and midwives from Ireland are urgently being sought in Sydney and other areas of New South Wales, where a shortage of registered nurses in public hospitals is being faced.

The New South Wales health board has launched a new recruitment drive for 70 Irish nurses, in co-ordination with Galway-based recruitment agency ICE Group and their partners Professional Connections.

The agency says that New South Wales hospitals have generous staffing levels with a predominantly Registered Nurse workforce, and that successful candidates will be offered lucrative salaries and opportunities for real career advancement. The package also includes visa sponsorship for one to four years or longer.

“There are excellent career opportunities for Irish nurses in New South Wales,” said Margaret Cox, Director of ICE Group. “Australia’s state-funded healthcare service is very similar to the HSE which makes it easy for Irish nurses to adapt quickly. There’s also a big community of Irish nurses in New South Wales so getting used to the new lifestyle takes very little adjustment.”

Susan Pearce, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer of New South Wales said that Irish nurses’ qualifications and experience are highly regarded in Australia: “Irish nurses have a long history with us. Patients respond well to their attitude and knowledge as well as their warmth and friendliness. Irish nurses are always welcome here.”

ICE Group and Professional Connections say they will provide full support with applications and paperwork, and that assistance is also available on arrival in Australia.

Interviews will take place in Dublin on Friday, 7 December, with positions commencing in 2013.

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