Resthaven Welcomes International Nurses

Resthaven has welcomed international nurses to its workforce, with five nurses recently making the lifechanging move from their home countries to Australia as part of Resthaven’s international sponsorship of skilled overseas workers.

The nurses have recently completed a seven-day intensive onboarding process to learn Resthaven’s practices, as well as find out information about nursing in the Australian context, critical incidents and emergency responses.

Santhy Plamkoottathil Pappen, Swapna George and Eseosa Olu-tobi Matiminu, have joined Resthaven Mount Gambier. Santhy, who moved from the United Kingdom says that she felt confident moving across the world to work for Resthaven.

‘I trust Resthaven,’ Santhy says. ‘I felt comfortable moving here for work as healthcare is similar in Australia as in Britain. My kids really want to explore Australia, and Australia is known for work/life balance – so I thought “why not”.’

For Swapna, who has moved to Australia from Ireland, her children’s interests were also an important part of her decision.

‘I think they will have a better life here in Australia,’ Swapna says. ‘Plus, I wanted to try something new, and I was attracted to the warm weather.’

Eseosa, who was born in Africa, has moved here from the United States.

‘I wanted to experience nursing in another country,’ Eseosa says. ‘I want to learn more about the Australian culture and First Nations People. The Mount Gambier landscape reminds me of my village in Africa.’

At Resthaven Port Elliot, Princy Bobby and Jasmin John have joined the team from England and the United Kingdom.

‘My family has moved to Australia for a better lifestyle,’ Princy says. ‘My children wanted to move to Australia and there are better opportunities here for career progression, as well as better pay. We are also enjoying the good weather and the housing – it is more spacious than in England!’

Jasmin is also enjoying the weather, but her primary reason for moving here is more personal.

‘We moved to Australia to reunite our family,’ Jasmin says. ‘My son has been studying at UniSA for two years, so we are excited to all be living in the same country again.’

 
Mt Gambier international nurses group (Main: Hannah Cerone (Career Pathways Lead), Jasmin Chibu, Princy Bobby, Belinda Stewart (Clinical Educator), Louise Banner (Manager Residential Services))

Resthaven is a richly diverse community, founded on the principles of inclusion and unity, embracing and respecting each person’s beliefs, culture, language, sexual orientation, gender identity, lifestyle, life experiences, and values. More than 3,000 people are employed by Resthaven across South Australia, with employees coming from 93 different countries. Over 55 per cent of Resthaven staff are born overseas.

Are you looking for a career at Resthaven? Resthaven welcomes enquiries from people who share our values and want to assist in benefiting the quality of life for older people and their carers in South Australia.

Find out more about Resthaven