Lately there’s been a steady stream of New Zealand nurses heading across the ditch to Australia. These nurses are chasing higher pay, better conditions and a more sustainable workload.
So, as an internationally qualified nurse (IQN) from Singapore who chose to come into New Zealand, I often find myself reflecting on what it means to cross a border in search of something better.
When I left Singapore to continue my nursing career in New Zealand, I did so with hope, and a healthy dose of nerves (not to mention, I also chose to do this during the most chaotic of times, the COVID-19 pandemic).
Better work-life balance
Based on countless months of research, I was drawn to the better work-life balance, the respectful health-care culture, and the beautiful landscapes that New Zealand offers. But still, none of that fully prepared me for the emotional journey that followed.
The early days were hard. I missed home so deeply. The Singaporean life, the availability and convenience of late-night suppers, the unspoken understanding we shared — all of these suddenly felt so distant.
I missed my family and friends more than I expected. Even though I had prepared myself for the distance and there’s technological advancements (FaceTime was my new best buddy), it was simply not the same.
Most importantly, I had to learn how to slow down.
At times, it felt like I had left behind a whole part of myself, just to start over in a place so unfamiliar. “Why do I do this?” I grieved.
You would think as a nurse with close to a decade of experience, I would fit right in. But no, unfortunately, adjusting wasn’t immediate. There was a steep learning curve.
Although English was the first language, the health-care system was different. I had to re-learn policies, and new ways of communicating and working. Most importantly, I had to learn how to slow down. Initially, I wondered whether I would ever truly settle in.
But gently and gradually, something shifted. My workplace, a hospice, became the anchor I never I knew I needed. It’s truly a special place where aroha/compassion isn’t rushed and care is delivered with such rangatiratanga/dignity.
The mana/respect that we have for our patients and their whānau, the way we support them, aligns so closely with the deep-rooted values I brought from home. I started to feel like I was actually a nurse again. This is my mahi/work, and I love every minute of it.
Outside of work, things fell into place and New Zealand started to feel like home in its own quiet way. Being close to nature, the slower pace of life, and Wellingtonians’ warmth and hospitality (not to forget, our beautiful senior cat!), they all gave me space to breathe, to live.
My workplace, a hospice, became the anchor I never I knew I needed.
Don’t get me wrong, I still miss Singapore every day. But I also feel incredibly grateful for the life I’ve been able to build here.
So, is the grass really greener on the other side? Nah, the grass isn’t greener here, it’s simply different. And maybe, that’s just what you need sometimes.
Farhana Sulong, RN, Master of Gerontology, is a clinical nurse educator at Mary Potter Hospice, Wellington.