Hi Lozza!

Well, being RN your half way there, so well done! Nursing is on the priority occupations list, and has been ever since I got here. What happens is that as soon as nurses get registered here they up sticks and bugger off to Aussie or Blighty, in fact anywhere they think they can see the world and earn more money. So, there you go, there's a permanent shortage in the health sector, and NZ's loss is your opportunity I guess! You definitely need to be registered here, so it's good you're getting that sorted because it costs and I gather it takes a quite a while too. Looking for a job right now might be a bit early, but I don't suppose it won't hurt to submit your CV for possible employers perusal. On the other hand, some of my nursing colleagues find it takes months to hear back after applying for a job. I think if you're with an agency, and with your experience, you're probably getting ahead of the queue! As for renting / buying, it's really up to you. Depends how long you're expecting to live here. If you have a property to sell in the UK, the cash will go a long way in buying you a nice house here. What you will probably want to do is rent first until you feel settled and then have a look around to see what the market is like. I know a couple who did just that, except they couldn't find the right house and instead worked out it was cheaper to buy land and pay someone to build their house for them - just an indication to show you how far pounds will go!

I'm not a nurse but I know quite a few so can probably get the answers to any specific burning questions that you have if you would like to send me a private message. :)

Jim.