I’D GET DOUBLE MY WAGE IN THE US
NEWLY QUALIFIED AND READ TO GO
AFTER four years studying for his degree as a mature student and interning in Beaumont Hospital, Dave Ivers, 40, was recently told by a senior nurse there to take any opportunity abroad that came his way – because the Irish system ‘wasn’t worth it’.
He said: ‘I’m considering going to the US next year, where I can make double what I’m making here in a better environment, with better nurse-to-patient ratios. In the States, I can put money away to save and have a nice life. I’m nearly 41 and I’m living with a friend at the moment. If I were to stay here, I would never be able to afford a mortgage any time soon.’
He said: ‘Nobody denies that senior management and nursing admin earn a strong salary but they’re not the staff we’re looking for. If we retain new graduates we’d be in a much better position.
‘It’s not the job. Everyone I know loves the job. It’s the fact we’re short-staffed that’s frustrating. You pick up extra responsibilities and you’re just expected to do it because we can’t get more staff. There’s not enough nurses to fill the positions and that’s the way it is.’