New Zealanders are known for their work hard, play hard ethic and doctors are no different. For the majority of people living and working in New Zealand there are no standard working hours and most full-time employees work around 38 hours a week. However, as with everywhere in the world, good healthcare is always in demand and doctor working hours can be long and irregular. Working hours for doctors may include being on call evenings, nights and weekends.
New Zealanders are known for their work hard, play hard ethic and doctors are no different.
For the majority of people living and working in New Zealand there are no standard working hours and most full-time employees work around 38 hours a week. However, as with everywhere in the world, good healthcare is always in demand and doctor working hours can be long and irregular. Working hours for doctors may include being on call evenings, nights and weekends.
Healthcare in New Zealand is provided predominantly within the public sector and working hours for doctors depends on whether you are employed in the public or private health sectors, and whether you’re working as a GP in a health centre or as a specialist in a hospital. Both private and public sectors offer modern and well-run facilities. Resident doctors work primarily in the public sector and are employed in one of 20 District Health Boards across New Zealand who are responsible for providing or funding the provision of health services within their district. The Resident Doctors’ Association reports working hours for doctors, in New Zealand, average between 55 and 60 hours a week and up to 12 days in a row without a break. There are safeguards in place to protect doctors and the patients they care for by ensuring doctors are not working unmanageable hours. Resident doctors cannot work more than 16 hours a day with a maximum of 72 working hours a week.
GP working hours are typically spent talking with, examining and treating patients. There are minimal requirements for GPs working hours on call in larger cities because after hour clinics provide cover. GPs already working in New Zealand report working conditions are favourable, with GP working hours and generous study leave allowing for a better work/life balance. They also report that the lifestyle counteracts stressful workloads.
With the majority of people living less than an hour’s drive from the coast, working hours in New Zealand don’t impact on the ability to get away regularly for a bit of hiking, fishing or water-sport. New Zealand is a clean and safe environment with outstanding natural beauty, good housing and transport which can counterbalance longer working hours.
Temporary positions are available for doctors in most specialties and seniorities. If you are considering working in New Zealand, HealthStaff Recruitment can assist with you everything from professional registration to opening a local bank account. Contact us today for more information.