Mutual recognition profiles
Steve Stevets
Where did you graduate?
University of Otago, Auckland campus, New Zealand.
What are your main dietetic areas of interest?
Prior to moving to Australia my main interests were wound healing, spinal rehab, aged care and oncology. My interests are now focused on indigenous nutrition and remote community health.
Why did you apply for mutual recognition?
In 2007 I was looking for work overseas. I considered the United Arab Emirates for a contrast to my previous dietetic experiences. I applied for a position there but didn’t receive any correspondence for many months. Around this time a job in North West WA was advertised on Seek and the MR charter was established around the same time. As the two coincided I applied for the job and was successful in obtaining the position.
How was application process?
The process was very straight forward. As I was the first to go through the MR procedure there were a few teething problems but these were quickly addressed by the Coordinator (Fiona Engeler) who provided excellent support. There were a huge number of acronyms to be learnt which took a bit of time however the reading programme and cultural competency quiz were an enjoyable part of the process.
What would you say to other dietitians who are thinking of applying?
MR has made it possible to make the trans-Tasman transition in an unproblematic, no stress-manner in a short amount of time. MR has allowed me to expand my practice skills, experience dietetics in a whole new light, and broaden my own horizons in new surroundings simultaneously.
Describe some postive experiences in your original country.
My positive experiences in New Zealand were the patients I saw and my colleagues. I worked with a very supportive team and was lucky enough to work in a hospital renowned for multi disciplinary approach. I also worked in the community and in a spinal rehab unit where dietetic input was valued both by colleagues and patients.
Describe some positive experiences in your current country.
Working in small towns and remote communities is a huge and satisfying contrast compared to working in a city hospital. I am enjoying the change of focus from that of tertiary care to primary and secondary prevention. Again, the clientele are intriguing and enjoyable to work with. Learning about new indigenous cultures has been fascinating. Working within a smaller team allows me to work in many different areas of dietetics and provides plenty of variety.
Describe your current dietetic work.
I work within a great team at the Kimberley Division of General Practice and provide a dietetic service primarily in the East Kimberley. As such there is a lot of travel involved and I am fortunate enough to see some fantastic scenery on the way to the various towns and communities I service. I hold clinics in town hospitals, remote community clinics and aboriginal health medical centres. I also work in community health promotion, aged care facilities, alcohol rehabilitation centres, job pathway groups, community stores, schools, plus any other facilities where I am able to provide nutrition and lifestyle education.
Were you able to find work in your area of expertise?
Yes in some respects. I have the opportunity to work with aged care clients. Various skills obtained in my previous positions are easily transferred to my new role however I have found that many more skills are being adjusted and further developed to work in my present role.
What other areas of dietetics would you like to explore?
I would like to explore traditional indigenous hunting, gathering and food preparation. It’s incredible to think that it’s entirely possible to survive in the bush with nothing more than your knowledge of the land.
Do you have any final words of encouragement for dietitians thinking about applying for MR?
Anyone wishing to gain experience overseas should consider MR as a trouble-free option and as an opportunity to expand their dietetic abilities.
Gwenda Roberts
Where did you graduate?
Deakin University in Victoria. I am currently undertaking a Masters in Health Service Management from Monash University and have been able to continue this by distance learning while in New Zealand.
What are your main dietetic areas of interest?
I have spent most of my career in oncology nutrition and as a manager of a team of oncology dietitians in Melbourne. Some areas of interest are improving enteral nutrition, especially in the home setting, mentoring and development of teams and diet and chronic disease, especially cancer.
Why did you apply for mutual recognition?
My husband is a New Zealander and we had already planned to take a career break from our permanent roles in Melbourne and spend a year in Auckland before mutual recognition was announced. The timing was perfect for us. I had already been looking at work options in New Zealand and in hindsight I may not have worked as a dietitian under the previous system as the process seemed quite daunting. I also wanted to try out a change of role as had been in my permanent position in a specialist area as Head of Nutrition at Peter Mac in Melbourne for 10 years and this opportunity seemed ideal. I have always wanted to experience working with other cultures and in other countries and this was an easy way to get started.
How easy or difficult was application process?
It was quite simple and logical to follow from the DAA site. As part of the application process dietitians must prove their cultural awareness competency. This is Internet based and requires some reading and passing an online test. I did not complete the process until I had arrived and settled in so that I had appropriate contact details to use before I lodged that application. The process then only took a matter of days by post and email. I had already begun researching possible job opportunities and done some networking with dietitian managers before I left Australia and I had some idea of where I might find suitable work. Once we had settled in it was only a few weeks before I got started.
What would you say to other dietitians who are thinking about applying for MR?
I would recommend anyone to give it a try. Wherever you are in New Zealand you can enjoy the natural environment, there are some amazing places to visit and explore. For example, I am living 15 minutes drive from the Waitakere ranges regional park which has 250 km of walking tracks and some amazing beaches and only 15 minutes in the opposite direction is the city of Auckland. However it does rain a lot more than I am used to! It’s different to working in the UK or Canada which quite a few Australian dietitians have done and quite nice to know that flights back to Australia are less than 4 hours duration and there are lots of options on travel, so it’s not like being half a world away.
Describe some of the positive experiences in dietetics in your original country?
Working in a specialist centre in our public hospital system is challenging and varied. Working with a supportive and dedicated team of dietitians and growing and developing this service. Being part of an organisation dedicated to excellence and supporting team members to grow and develop in this environment.
Describe some of the positive experiences in dietetics in your current country?
The health system is different, for example funding for patient access and the ongoing referral processes are different so it’s been a great experience working in a new system. Because NZ is a small country of around 4 million people there is only one government, so systems seem less complex. There are no state and territory issues to contend with. Public Health funding including Nutrition and other community based services is more established than in Australia and the healthy diet message is much more visible here through the media, education sector, and general population knowledge.
Working with a different range of culturally diverse staff and patients is expanding my knowledge and experience. As well as native born New Zealanders of European and Maori origin, their are many health care staff working in NZ from the UK and Ireland, South Africa, Asia, Malaysia and the Pacific Islands. So of course the food available is different too. It is important for dietitians wanting to work in NZ to be aware that The Treaty of Waitangi underpins healthcare provision in New Zealand. This is a charter to address the inequalities that are seen in health outcomes for the Maori and pacific islander population and must underlie all dietetic practice. Home based patients who need oral nutrition support, specialised nutritional products and enteral feeding products are funded centrally for these products by the government agency PHARMAC here. This means that the associated cost issues we are used to in Australia do not occur, and patients are more likely to get appropriate nutrition support.
Describe your current dietetic work.
I have been working as a locum clinical dietitian at a 450 bed general hospital on the North Shore in Auckland. This hospital is one of multiple sites managed by the Waitemata District Health Board, which includes two hospitals and several Mental Health units in its catchment area. This DHB is the largest of New Zealand’s 21 DHBs, serving a population of almost half a million people. It is responsible for providing and funding health and disability services for people living in North Shore City, Waitakere City and the Rodney District. It manages a staff group in the vicinity of 5,500 people. Waitemata DHB is also the District’s largest employer. Waitemata DHB provides predominantly secondary care health services including a range of medical, surgical, obstetric, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation (for older people), mental health, community and disability services. It also provides a range of Auckland regional services including child disability, forensic psychiatric services, school dental services and alcohol and drug services. I have been working mostly with adult inpatients and outpatients with a diverse range of clinical conditions. It has been nice to have my experience and skills acknowledged, with interesting projects looking at the co-ordination of the oncology patients here. I have also been part of providing supervision support and mentoring to junior staff. I have been really impressed with the PEER review process and the systematic orientation for dietitians, particularly new graduates that is part of the culture of this team.
What area of dietetics are you currently working in?
Adult clinical services
Were you able to find work in your area of expertise?
I did not seek to work specifically in oncology nutrition as one of my goals was to renew and refresh my experience of dietetics. I found that my background and experience was useful and well regarded in a general hospital setting.
What other areas of dietetics would you like to explore?
There are some great home based services to patients with chronic disease who are living in the community here. I am planning to spend some time looking at these especially where home enteral nutrition is used.
Do you have any final words of encouragement for dietitians thinking about applying for MR?
I have found dietitians in NZ to be friendly, welcoming and inclusive. My experience and knowledge has been valued and appreciated and I feel like I am making a useful contribution to this team. I would recommend the experience to anyone.
Jessie Segedin
Where did you graduate?
I completed a Masters in Nutrition and Dietetics at Griffith University on the Gold Coast and graduated in 2006. Prior to this I had done a BSc (major Human Nutrition) at Massey University in Auckland, New Zealand.
What are your main dietetic areas of interest?
Currently I am working as a renal dietitian at Auckland Hospital, which I have always had a keen interest in. I enjoy clinical work as a dietitian and working in the hospital environment.
Why did you apply for mutual recognition?
I always wanted to work in both countries so allowing this mutual recognition between New Zealand and Australia has been a blessing! I have family in both countries who have been a huge support.
How easy or difficult was application process?
I found it difficult applying for the mutual recognition partly because I was living in a different country and my previous university degree paper/courses were questioned. I was also unsure at the time if I was to sit an exam or not. However when I was told that I did not have to sit an exam I found the process relatively straight forward. In the future this process will be a lot more straightforward.
What would you say to other dietitians who are thinking about applying for MR?
Go for it, however be patient, focused and have clear goals on where you want to work. There are some fantastic job opportunities in NZ (and great people!).
Describe some of the positive experiences in dietetics in your original country
- Contacts with university lectures, mentors, professional supervisors and DAA QLD Branch Committee.
- Being a sponsor coordinator for QLD DAA branch
- Friendship at work
- Princess Alexandra Hospital - great new grad position and met fantastic dietitians
Describe some of the positive experiences in dietetics in your current country?
- New clinical work experience
- New work challenges and self development
- Clinical learning
- New responsibilities
- Meeting new friends / new people at work
- New work environments and challenges
What area of dietetics are you currently working in?
Currently I am working as renal dietitian. My current role involves working with patients on haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and renal transplant. I will be going into more outpatient roles servicing pre-dialysis also. I also cover a renal ward at Auckland Hospital.
Were you able to find work in your area of expertise?
Yes.
What other areas of dietetics would you like to explore?
Do you have any final words of encouragement for dietitians thinking about applying for MR?
I am really enjoying my current position, I look forward always to new challenges and change in my role as a clinical dietitian.
Catherine Dixon
Where did you graduate?
University of Otago, New Zealand.
What are your main dietetic areas of interest?
Paediatrics, gastroenterology, intellectual and physical disabilities.
Why did you apply for mutual recognition?
Relocating to Australia and wanted to continue to work as a Clinical Dietitian.
How easy or difficult was the application process?
It was a very simple and straightforward process. Completing the quiz was an excellent way to gain a better understanding of the demographics and get a feel of the cultural diversity within Australia. The DAA provided excellent support.
What would you say to other dietitians who are thinking about applying for MR?
Start the application process early and learn as much as you can about the other country’s health system before moving.
Describe some of the positive experiences in dietetics in your original country
The ease of access to dietetic expertise, particularly in paediatrics. I strongly support the NZ registration system as I believe this strengthens the credibility of dietitians working within the health profession.
Describe some of the positive experiences in dietetics in your current country
Great working conditions, excellent remuneration not to mention the beautiful weather.
What area of dietetics are you currently working in?
Paediatrics, oncology and gestational diabetes.
Were you able to find work in your area of expertise?
Yes.
What other areas of dietetics would you like to explore?
Sports nutrition.
Do you have any final words of encouragement for dietitians thinking about applying for MR?
Go for it! It’s a great opportunity for both professional and personal growth.
Kate Inglis
Where did you graduate?
Deakin University, Melbourne, 2003 (Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics/Bachelor of Applied Science (Health Sciences)).
What are your main dietetic areas of interest?
Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition.
Why did you apply for mutual recognition?
After four years at Central Gippsland Health Service in Sale, Victoria, I felt like it was time for a change. I was looking to work overseas, and after a holiday to New Zealand I fell in love with the country and wanted to move here. Mutual Recognition came along at the perfect time for me!
How easy or difficult was application process?
It was such an easy process. It took me less than two days to get all my paperwork organised and do the required reading and cultural competency test. After sending in my application I found out within about 10 days that I was approved for New Zealand registration.
What would you say to other dietitians who are thinking about applying for MR?
Just do it! It’s an easy process and makes the prospect of working in NZ so much easier.
Describe some of the positive experiences in dietetics in your original country?
Dietetics is a larger profession in Australia than NZ, so I think that overall the profession has had more of an opportunity to grow and develop networks and resources. I had the opportunity to work in fantastic teams in Australia, both at my workplace and also in our regional dietitians network (Gippsland Regional Dietitians) so I hope I’ve brought a lot of those positive experiences with me so that I can share them with my NZ colleagues.
Describe some of the positive experiences in dietetics in your current country?
Everyone has been so friendly and welcoming. The benefit of dietetics being a smaller profession in NZ is that it’s much easier to get to know the other dietitians working in your local area! I’m also enjoying working in a major centre where there are regular opportunities for continuing education rather than having to travel nearly 3 hours to get to Melbourne for PD sessions!
What area of dietetics are you currently working in?
I’m working at Wellington Hospital in ICU, Neurosciences and Surgical (mainly GI and ENT surgery).
Were you able to find work in your area of expertise?
My experience in Australia was in a rural hospital so I had a wide range of experience from inpatients to outpatients, Aged Care to HACC and Community Health. While I loved the variety of that position (no two days were ever the same!) I was also interested in the opportunity to specialise in the areas I most enjoyed, mainly Surgical and ICU. So this job was perfect!
To make the process even easier, I used an Allied Health employment agency based in Auckland to help find work. They were fantastic and after a few phone conversations with them where I told them what areas of dietetics I was and wasn’t interested in, and what areas of NZ I would like to work in they did the hard work and this was the first job they contacted me about.
What other areas of dietetics would you like to explore?
I’m keen to give most areas a go – anything to keep things interesting!
Do you have any final words of encouragement for dietitians thinking about applying for MR?
Just do it! There are plenty of positions advertised in NZ, especially for dietitians with experience. Once you get used to the chilly (and in Wellington, windy!) weather NZ is a great place to live. Moving to NZ is definitely a lifestyle choice and it’s an amazing country that I can’t wait to explore more of.
Jan Hales
Where did you graduate?
I have a nutrition degree from the University of Otago and a post graduate diploma in marketing from Massey University, New Zealand.
What are your main dietetic areas of interest?
While I have spent the past 10 years in the food industry applying nutritional science to product development and marketing, I am particularly interested in paediatric nutrition and women’s health. I also have a strong personal interest in sports nutrition from a practical perspective having competed in endurance events over the last decade.
Why did you apply for mutual recognition?
I had been working as Nutrition Research Manager for Meat and Livestock Australia for 3 years and saw what DAA offered its members and how highly regarded Accredited Practising Dietitians are in Australia. As a New Zealand dietitian it was important my qualifications and experience were recognised here.
How easy or difficult was application process?
It required a few hours of my time but wasn’t difficult. While working in Australia I had kept up with the continuing competency requirements to stay registered as a dietitian in New Zealand. I then had to complete the reading program on Indigenous Health and the Australian Cultural Awareness Quiz.
What would you say to other dietitians who are thinking about applying for MR?
It’s a fantastic initiative which allows New Zealand and Australian dietitians to work in a new country, establish new contacts and share experiences. This has to be great for the profession as a whole.
Describe some of the positive experiences in dietetics in your original country
I have fond memories of working as a paediatric dietitian in south Auckland. Aside from being part of a great team there was plenty of variety and challenge trying to meet nutritional goals amongst numerous social constraints. A career highlight was working in the health and innovation area for Fonterra. We set the direction for product innovation, nutrition research and nutrition communications for all brands marketed globally which is a fairly unique situation for a dietitian working in New Zealand.
Describe some of the positive experiences in dietetics in your current country
Coming from a country with a relatively small population I’m always amazed at the opportunities here in Australia. The size of the market means there is so much happening in the way of nutrition research, professional development and there are plenty of opportunities to further your career.
What area of dietetics are you currently working in?
I’ve recently set up my own nutrition consultancy business for food industry clients in the areas of product innovation, research and nutrition communications.
Were you able to find work in your area of expertise?
Thanks to the work experience at Fonterra I had no trouble finding work in the food industry here in Australia.
What other areas of dietetics would you like to explore?
Apart from gaining more experience running my own business I’d like to apply my knowledge in sports nutrition. I recently completed the Sports Dietitians of Australia accreditation course which I’d like to put to good use.
Do you have any final words of encouragement for dietitians thinking about applying for MR?
It is a simple process which provides the opportunity to work in another country, share knowledge and gain new experiences, all great for the profession.