By Craig Donaldson

Careers in healthcare are booming and registered nurses are amongst those in hottest demand with no sign of a slow down.

Sue Engele, Director of Clinical Services for North Shore Private Hospital, says there are several things a nurse should look for in an employer when considering a new career move.

Employers should offer:

- Comprehensive training and career development opportunities.
- An inclusive and supportive “open door” culture.
- The opportunity to work with highly skilled nursing and midwifery staff and well respected medical specialists.
- A hospital that offers the latest research, technology, surgery and treatments and in an environment that reflects a team that enjoy their work and are proud of the patient outcomes they achieve.

Mrs Engele started at North Shore Private Hospital as Maternity Services Manager prior to its official opening in 1998. She was appointed to her current role more than three years ago after initially filling the role in a relief capacity.

As part of the senior team, Mrs Engele says she has been “fortunate” to have been involved in the expansion of the hospital from 148 beds to 257 beds. Staff numbers have increased from 500 to 1000 as well and a range of cutting edge technology and procedures have been introduced to the hospital.

North Shore Private Hospital has established a strong reputation in the community and has developed a high profile in neurosurgery, cardiac care, orthopaedics, urology and vascular services.

In recent years, the hospital has also become a leader in areas such as bariatric (weight loss) surgery and deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease.

In 2010, the hospital will expand its capacity with the development of a further five state-of-the-art operating theatres and two additional birthing suites.

Mrs Engele describes the culture for staff at North Shore Private Hospital as “positive and inclusive”, with a strong focus on senior management leadership and support, coupled with a solid commitment to employees’ work/life balance by way of flexible, family friendly rosters.

“All employees are offered a progressive environment with education and professional support and wonderful career opportunities both at North Shore Private

Hospital and within Ramsay Health Care,” she said.  Staff are frequently rewarded and recognized for the wonderful work they do with special luncheons, presentation, forums and functions are all part of the “special” culture we are proud to have created.

With 65 hospitals across Australia, Ramsay Health Care offers nurses and midwives many career progression opportunities and the ability to transfer their full employment entitlements between Ramsay facilities.

Of the last three management appointments within North Shore Private Hospital, for example, all have been internal appointments and those vacancies have arisen from staff being promoted within the Ramsay Health Care group.

At a time when many hospitals are struggling with their staff attrition rates, North Shore Private Hospital also boasts a strong retention rate, with more than 35 per cent of staff employed for more than five years.

North Shore Private Hospital will be at Warringah Mall during the week of 7-14 June promoting new development and employment opportunities.

An Open Day will be held on 7 June in the hospital’s conference centre at 3 Westbourne Street, St Leonards. For further information please contact Sally Bartlett on 02 8425 3023.

CareerOne.com.au, May 2010.