Freo Hospital Free-for-all

Well, George lasted a week before working a double-shift. Those of you who know him well are not at all surprised. He just couldn't resist time-and-a-half for the first three hours of the second shift plus double-time for the rest. Nurses also get time-and-a half on Saturdays and time-and-three-quarters on Sundays so he won't mind working weekends. The ultimate carrot for George is one-to-ones, that pay triple time!

So far, he mostly enjoys his job despite the disorganization of the so-called organization. When he showed up for his first day of orientation, they weren't expecting him. For some reason, they thought he was coming two weeks later so he was sent to the floor to begin orienting there for two weeks. After the first day, they decided he should just start working. I can't decide if it's because he's a superstar or if they're just desperate for help!

After two weeks of work, George is now in the midst of the hospital orientation. When he asked his new boss about the agenda for the training , the supervisor's reply was, "NFI!" NFI, another Aussie abbreviation - no f**** idea! His biggest adjustment is going back to manual systems of charting and medications. However, he can wear shorts to work so he leaves for work with a big smile on his face despite the fact that it's 6:45 a.m.

For those of you looking for a cushy nursing job in a warm climate, he says work is harder here than in New Zealand but not as hard as at PVHS. You also can't beat a hospital that's two blocks from the ocean! And for those of you who were grossed out at the squalor of TWA in the Hutt, George says it's squeaky clean.