If you’re an Ultrasound tech, imagine being able to spend the entire day applying your current skills and learning new ones in a globally competitive healthcare environment. Then, an hour or so after your shift ends, you’re relaxing on a pristine beach, enjoying a heart-pounding mountain bike ride, or simply chilling with new friends over some New Zealand craft beer.
This is only an example of what awaits when you work in New Zealand.
Travel Ultrasound jobs in New Zealand are rising in popularity. The healthcare workforce is extremely friendly to newcomers: New Zealand currently has one of the largest percentages of migrant workers, with upwards of 40% of the staff in some modalities being from overseas. If you love traveling as much as you love your job, ProMed HR Solutions has exciting opportunities available!
What is a Travel Ultrasound Tech?
Travel Ultrasound techs perform the same duties as those directly employed by a hospital or clinic. The difference is that they work on a temporary contract basis to cover staff who are away on planned leave or otherwise unavailable. This role usually requires you to travel to a different city, province, or even country for anywhere from a few weeks to a year or two.
Why Work in New Zealand?
New Zealand, also known as the ‘Paradise of the Pacific,’ is located in the southern hemisphere to the east of Australia. Most people from abroad will tell you that it is not a good place to work, but a GREAT one! Here are some of the most compelling reasons why people love working in New Zealand.
You Work With Friendly People!
New Zealanders are often described as being among friendliest people in the world. They’re welcoming and willing to help when needed. For this reason, they make great coworkers, as you can always count on someone to help out when things get hectic at the hospital or clinic and they’re super-generous with their knowledge. With travel Ultrasound jobs in New Zealand, you can expect to learn a lot.
The Cultural Diversity is Outstanding!
New Zealand is very culturally diverse, so you’re bound to meet a lot of different people both at work and in your neighbourhood. If you come alone to work here, you don’t have to worry about whether or not you’ll make friends- in New Zealand, it’s practically guaranteed that coworkers and neighbours will welcome you into their community.
There is an Abundance of Natural Beauty
Working in New Zealand won’t feel like living in a concrete jungle. Even if you work in a major city like Auckland, Christchurch, or Wellington, you’re only minutes away from lush green parks and forests. There’s a common saying that there are more sheep in New Zealand than people, and the abundance of open spaces certainly supports that assertion.
The Work-Life Balance is Great
Surveys have consistently shown that New Zealanders are among the world’s happiest workers, with three-quarters reporting that they have a good work-life balance. (For comparison, the U.S. averages 66% and the UK is around 60%).
When you’re at the hospital or clinic, you’ll be expected to focus on your duties, but you’re also allowed to call it a day when your shift is over and head home to relax with new friends. You’re not only entitled to a great work-life balance with travel Ultrasound jobs in New Zealand, but you’re expected to live it!
Travel is Convenient
Travel is easy in New Zealand due to the widespread and smooth-functioning public transportation system. Very rarely do you have to worry about your train or bus not operating on time. On weekends, bus and train services offer several deals where you can go sight-seeing to explore the local fauna and flora.
You Can’t Beat the Weather!
For the most part, you’ll find New Zealand weather to be pretty temperate. New Zealand’s three largest cities -Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch- get an average of 2.250 hours of sunshine per year, and temperature extremes are few and far between.
One thing you might have to get used to is how the seasons are the opposite of what you experience in Canada. The summer months are December, January, and February while winter hits in June and lasts until the end of August, when it gives way to spring. Be prepared to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s on the beach (which is actually fun).
Vibrant Food Culture
In New Zealand, if you are looking for a quick brunch with friends, you’ll find plenty of options that will blow your mind. There is a thriving brunch culture here, and you will be spoiled for choice if you are a foodie. Whatever your craving on any given day, you are sure to find something to satisfy it.
These are some of the top reasons to love working in the ‘Paradise of the Pacific.’ If you are thinking about exploring travel Ultrasound jobs in New Zealand, there’s an excellent chance that you’ll love your time there.
What Certifications are Required to Work in New Zealand?
The MRT Board of New Zealand registers and certifies all medical imaging techs in New Zealand. All Canadian Ultrasound techs wanting to practice there will be assessed on a case-by-case basis: for you, becoming certified could mean:
- A straight transfer based on your existing education and experience
- A national certification exam and certain number of supervised hours
At ProMed HR Solutions, we can answer your questions about the certification process and will assist you in any way we can. All that’s required is a minimum commitment of one to two years.
Are the Work Duties the Same as in Canada?
While you may have to get used to new clinic routines, your daily responsibilities will be practically identical to what you’re used to in Canada. For example, during a typical workday, you will likely:
- Describe the examination process to patients
- Prepare patients and equipment for examinations
- Obtain diagnostic images to diagnose injuries or diseases
- Verify the quality of the images
- Write reports
- Test equipment for quality assurance.
You will typically do shift work, which may include weekends and evenings, but once you’re off the clock, you’re free to explore and enjoy everything New Zealand has to offer.
What’s Involved in Moving to New Zealand?
If you’re considering travel Ultrasound jobs in New Zealand and decide to accept one of our opportunities, we offer direct assistance with the following:
- Obtaining certification
- Arranging the move
- Living arrangements in New Zealand
Our client is the biggest private clinic operator in the country, so there are several opportunities across a wide variety of locations. Once hired, you have access to benefits like the following:
- Working with leading radiologists
- Access to the latest in diagnostic equipment: New Zealand has long been at the forefront of medical imaging innovation, and you’ll be working with state-of-the-art solutions.
- Private health insurance- if your visa is for a minimum of two years, you qualify for coverage with the New Zealand public health system.
- Opportunities for Continual Professional Development (CPD)
- A minimum of 4 weeks of paid vacation leave, as well as an additional 11 public holidays annually.
Interested in Learning More About Travel Ultrasound Jobs in New Zealand?
If you’re able to make a minimum commitment of one or two years, ProMed HR Solutions has travel Ultrasound opportunities available in New Zealand! To learn more about how we can help you take advantage of this exciting chance to see the world while you work, reach out to us today by visiting www.promedhr.ca or by calling (833) 776-6336.
