AS the husband of a trained nurse who emigrated to Australia with me, I would like to warn nurses wishing to leave South Africa to think again.
If it was not for me who earns a decent salary as professional senior executive role in Australia, life would have been very difficult over here.
Despite several articles in the news indicating the chaotic circumstances nurses have to work under in Australia and the massive shortages, the salary of $21-$32 an hour (R126–R192) is “danger pay” due to the cost of living being extremely expensive.
Did anyone tell you that a waiting list to put your child in day care is almost three year’s wait? Did any one tell you daycare for five days a week will set you back $110 per day per child or R16 500 for a month with 25 average days for one child?
Remember you would not qualify for a rebate under government regulations and that story that schooling is for free - is not true!
Remember your gross pay before tax will only be $2700 (after tax and compulsory super-annuation $1296 per month.) This is based on a maximum allowable 50 hours per fortnight under working regulations in Australia.
This will leave you with no money for food or necessities.
Ever heard that mothers rather stay at home than to go to work - why pay your full salary and more to place your kid in day care?
An article “Nurses prostitutes” appeared on Page 21 of The Daily Telegraph on 22 December.
“Brisbane: An exasperated nurse has taken extreme measures to increase her income – swapping the medical world for prostitution.
“A former Queensland registered nurse of 10 years’ experience has told how she and at least four of her colleagues have found new jobs working in brothels.
“We could no longer work in such an understaffed and stressful environment,” said the mother of two who wanted only to be known as Jemma.
“I was overworked, poorly paid and a mistake could have led to charges if I caused a death. I came to the conclusion the nurse shortage wasn’t my problem but it was my responsibility to protect myself from burning out or making a fatal mistake.”
“Queensland Nurses Union assistant secretary Beth Mohle said they were aware nurses were leaving the system due to workloads and burnout.”
This is the true reality. Next time you visit a nursing agency in South Africa or see a newspaper ad for nurses in Australia, don’t be fooled.
Not much in this world is true if the offer seems to be too good. At least familiarise yourself with the true facts and circumstances and not just the clamour of a job overseas.
