Less than half of recent nursing graduates employed by Health NZ

Nursing students and recent graduates are expressing frustration with Health NZ, as only 45% of mid-year graduates have been employed.

According to Health NZ data, out of 722 applicants, only 323 have secured jobs in hospitals through the Advanced Choice of Employment Mid-Year matching process.

Bianca Grimmer, co-president of the Nurses Organisation student unit, shared her disappointment, stating, “It’s really discouraging. Many students are uncertain about their future, considering whether to continue with their degree or explore other job opportunities.”

She also highlighted the decrease in hiring rates, mentioning that Te Whatu Ora used to employ 80-90% of all graduates, but the numbers have dropped significantly in recent years.

Health NZ reported that 173 graduates who were still job-hunting after completing their studies last year participated in the mid-year matching process. Those who were not matched were placed in a talent pool open to registered employers in the health sector.

National Chief Nurse Nadine Gray emphasized the importance of looking beyond hospitals for job opportunities, as the government is investing in expanding the nursing workforce in primary and community care.

The investment includes funding for graduate nurses in primary and community care, nurse practitioner training places, and advanced tertiary education for primary care registered nurses.

A recent survey conducted by the Nurses Organisation revealed that a majority of nursing students would consider seeking employment overseas if they couldn’t find a job in New Zealand. This sentiment was even stronger among Māori students.

Grimmer mentioned that Australian recruiters at a recent jobs expo were attracting graduates with better pay and conditions, which could lead to more nurses leaving New Zealand.

With 36,000 Te Whatu Ora members preparing for a national strike on July 30 due to stalled Collective Agreement negotiations, the union cited Health NZ’s failure to commit to employing new graduates as a major concern.