As the shortage of health workers grips the entire system and threatens the availability of basic health services across the New England, it has been revealed one agency is offering big incentives to emergency nurses to work in our hospitals.
First Choice Care, a dedicated nursing agency that normally only operates in Queensland, is currently offering free accommodation and an additional $105 per day for emergency nurses who complete a 4-12 week contract in the New England area.
Under this scheme, experienced Emergency Registered Nurses will be paid NSW Health casual rates, and will also receive free return travel, free accommodation, and a daily tax-free allowance of $105. There are also completion bonus incentives available to nurses who complete their contracts.
It is hoped that these incentives will encourage more nurses and midwives to work in rural and remote communities within the New England region where there are shortages of healthcare workers.
The scheme covers a number of hospitals in the Hunter New England health district, including Barraba, Gunnedah, Manilla, Quirindi, Tamworth, Walcha, Armidale, Emmaville, Glen Innes, Guyra, Inverell, Tenterfield, Tingha, Bingara, Boggabri, Moree, Warialda and Wee Waa.
New employees must have Advanced Life Support and Triage certificates, as well as three COVID-19 vaccinations and a NSW Working with Children Check.
Other offers from First Choice care are available for theatre nurses, ICU nurses, mental health nurses, and general ward RNs and ENs, all with varying incentives.
First Choice Care are also planning to expand their incentives in the future to include bonuses for employees who recruit new nurses, and education allowances of up to $1,000 yearly. Current and future incentives offered by First Choice Care are advertised via FaceBook, Google Advertising and email subscription lists.
A representative from First Choice Care stated that the response to their incentives has been positive, with an increased number of applications for nursing positions in the region.
Those interested in the offer should email an expression of interest and resume to contracts@firstchoicecare.com.au or call 07 3891 4060.
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