Nursing Abroad

Irish nurses continue to be in demand internationally, according to Deirdre Meagher, director of Medical Recruitment at CCM Recruitment International.

Current demand is coming from the UK, Australia and theMiddle East, she says, as those countries seek both Irish graduates and experienced nurses for a number of roles. In turn, Irish nurses with a desire for a better quality of life and job stability are looking abroad for potential jobs, notes Meagher. The fact that many companies pay for their employees to travel makes the move even more attractive, she adds.

Likewise, there are a number of benefits upon arrival, including free or very affordable accommodation, bonus schemes upon completion of contracts and tax free salaries.

“In the Middle East, the salary is paid tax free, which is unsurprisingly a huge attraction for nurses looking to clear debt or help family members out,” says Meagher.  

In addition, moving overseas can provide outstanding opportunities for personal and professional development.

“However, new lifestyle, new friends, new opportunities and some challenges may also be stressful if not carefully managed,” says Meagher.

When it comes to overseas recruitment, recruitment is about more than just getting a job for candidates, she notes.

“It is also about knowledge, support, care and attention to detail.”

CCM has been working in international healthcare recruitment for the past 20 years. The firm has partnered with world class health care facilities, and built strong relationships with clients based on its knowledge and experience when it comes to their needs.

Its recruitment team comprises seasoned experts in healthcare recruitment.

“They have extensive experience working and living in overseas locations,” says Meagher.

“Our dedicated processing team is highly skilled in dealing with global immigration, visas and work permits. We possess considerable expertise and knowledge in immigration and mobilisation to overseas locations,” she adds.

CCM is currently interviewing new graduates to work at Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (SASH) in the UK. SASH employs 3,300 people, and its major site is East Surrey Hospital.

It also provides a range of services at Crawley, Oxted Health Centre, Dorking, Horsham and Caterham Dene hospitals. It works in partnership with the primary care trusts that own and manage the sites. 

Meagher says the positions will appeal to those new graduates looking to get good experience at a large international hospital.

SASH caters for a population of 420,000 in east Surrey and North-East West Sussex, and provides over 400,000 treatments each year.