Peacehaven senior care workers Mark and Monaliza Cordero, from the Philippines, are in the process of becoming New Zealand-qualified registered nurses. Photo: Supplied
Presbyterian Support Southland’s Enliven service faced challenges in the past few years due to a global nursing shortage, resulting in a significantly reduced nursing staff. To overcome these obstacles, Enliven employed creative interim solutions, collaboration with training entities, and a committed team. Enliven had typically relied on international nurses to staff its care homes, but with New Zealand’s borders closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this labour market was unavailable. Additionally, nurses were leaving the sector to work in the public health system or relocating to Australia, attracted by higher wages and immediate residency. These factors led to Enliven closing 12 beds in Vickery Court temporarily.
To address the staffing shortage, Enliven partnered with Otago Polytechnic to make it easier for overseas-qualified RNs on staff to become New Zealand-qualified nurses. Enliven also increased RN pay rates and allowances to remain competitive within the aged care sector.
PSS applied for and was granted Accredited Employer Status to invite employees to apply for an accredited employee work visa (AEWV). The Government also gave RNs an immediate pathway to residency to encourage them to work in New Zealand.
These measures, along with a nationwide RN recruitment campaign, have put Enliven in a stronger position, and it’s anticipated that the Enliven facilities, which had been required to close, would open to their full capacity in the coming months. Enliven acknowledged the commitment of its managers and clinical managers and coordinators who had filled the gaps by working on the floor doing RN shifts, sleep overs, and weekend work.
