Are you trying to find a rewarding and fulfilling professional path in New Zealand? Do you enjoy assisting the elderly? If so, you ought to think about working in aged care. You will have the chance to improve the quality of life for older New Zealanders through your encouragement and kindness. Do you communicate well? If so, it’s even better because you’ll be able to interact and engage with your clients in a way that promotes their well-being.
The aged care industry may operate differently in New Zealand than it does in your country. New Zealanders have a distinctive way of living, working, and interacting.
This blog is for immigrants who work in or would like to work in New Zealand’s aged care industry, such as caregivers, support staff, and medical professionals.
The migrant aged care workforce is valued in New Zealand. You will enjoy your time working here, regardless of how long you stay in New Zealand.
Even if you are here on a temporary visa, it is crucial that you and your family have the knowledge and assistance you require because it might take some time to get used to living and working in a new country.
The aged care field
The population of New Zealand is ageing. Approximately 23% of the entire population will be 65 years of age or older by 2036, up from 14% in 2013. The number of senior citizens with disabilities is projected to increase by 60% by 2051.
Many elderly persons spend their entire lives living alone in their own homes. People who require more care or assistance can get it in their own home, a retirement community, a rest home, a hospital, or a respite centre.
Assistance for the elderly who live independently can be offered by family, friends, community groups or paid workers. In New Zealand, most of older people have their personal care needs taken care of by paid workers.
Working with individuals from diverse backgrounds
You will interact with people from a variety of backgrounds in New Zealand.
Your employment will require you to become knowledgeable about how to treat people from various ethnic backgrounds in the best way possible. Some workplace customs may be uniquely related to Mori or Pacific cultures. Your employer might offer training on how to interact with and take care of people from various cultural backgrounds.
The majority of senior citizens in New Zealand are appreciative of the assistance and care that their caregivers give. Some people, however, find it challenging to interpret various accents or apparent cultural differences. This can be a result of a medical issue like dementia or hearing loss.
The rights of the elderly in New Zealand
Elderly individuals depend on their caretakers to take good care of them. They have the same right to privacy and the protection of their personal information that all other New Zealanders do.
New Zealand law and codes of rights guarantee the rights of older people to appropriate health care, good residential aged care, and privacy.
The Health and Disability Commissioner of New Zealand investigates grievances regarding healthcare services, particularly aged care.
The Privacy Commissioner investigates grievances involving real or suspected privacy violations.
Registration and qualifications
Make sure your degree is accepted by the industry if you want to use it to apply for a job in aged care in New Zealand with your international credentials. Your qualification must be comparable to the grade of the New Zealand qualification on the skill shortage list for positions such as Registered nurse (Aged care), which is included on “Immigration New Zealand’s Long Term Skill Shortage List.”
To determine whether your foreign credential corresponds with the New Zealand Qualifications Framework, you must have it evaluated by Qualifications Recognition Services (QRS) at the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).
Health professionals who are registered internationally
According to New Zealand law, in order to practise as nurses, physiotherapists, or occupational therapists you must be registered with a council or professional organisation in New Zealand.
Before you can apply for a work or residence visa, even if you are already registered elsewhere, you must provide proof that you are registered in New Zealand. Additionally, a current practising certificate is required.
Registration requirements
If you are requesting registration as a nurse, physiotherapist, or occupational therapist, you must show proof that you:
- Possess an international degree that is equivalent to the one recognised in New Zealand;
- Are qualified to practise within the confines of your scope of practice;
- Meet all requirements for registration, including the capacity to function effectively in an English-speaking environment.
- Before submitting an application, applicants from nations other than Australia must take an English language assessment.
The Nursing Council of New Zealand’s recommendations
It is strongly encouraged by the Nursing Council of New Zealand that you do not move to New Zealand until you have finished the registration process or have been told to complete a Competence Assessment Course (CAP) and have a placement on the programme, if necessary. Additional information, including application forms and instructions, is available on the Nursing Council website.
If you are looking to migrate to New Zealand to work in the aged care sector, contact MWT Global Academy who can help you clear all your doubts and provide you with up-to-date information.