Alan Sutherland

If you are an aged care provider in Australia, you may be facing challenges in finding and retaining enough staff to deliver quality care to your clients. This is a common problem in the sector, as the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety has revealed. The Commission has estimated that there is a gap of 22,000 workers in the industry, and this will likely increase as the demand for age care services grows [1]. But how can you find qualified and dependable staff who can meet the standards and expectations of your organization and your clients?

One option you may want to consider is hiring nurses from Thailand. Thai nurses have many attributes that make them suitable for working in the aged care sector, such as:

1. A high level of education and training in nursing, which is comparable to the Australian standards. Thailand has many internationally accredited hospitals and universities that offer nursing programs in English. Many Thai nurses are proficient in English and can communicate effectively with their clients and colleagues [3].
2. A professional registration and license, which is required by the Thailand Nursing and Midwifery Council and the Ministry of Public Health. Thai nurses have to pass a national examination and meet the ethical and legal requirements to practice as nurses in Thailand or abroad [4].
3. A fair and attractive remuneration package, which is based on the market rates and the skills and experience of the staff. The salary difference between what Thai nurses earn in Thailand and what they can receive in Australia is significant, but this does not mean that they are exploited or underpaid. Thai nurses are paid according to their qualifications and performance, and receive the same benefits and entitlements as their Australian counterparts [5].
4. A respectful and empathetic attitude towards the elderly, which is rooted in their culture and values. They are patient and caring, and treat their clients with dignity and compassion [6].
5. A youthful and energetic disposition, which reflects the demographic profile of Thailand. The median age of the Thai population is around 39 years, which is slightly lower than Australia’s 38.9 years [7]. This means that Thai nurses are likely to be younger and more dynamic than Australian nurses. Thai nurses are also familiar with modern technology and equipment, and can adapt quickly to new environments and systems.
6. A cultural compatibility with the Australian society, which is based on their shared interests and values. Thailand and Australia have a long history of friendship and cooperation, and share a love for sports, nature and food. Thai people have established many supportive communities in major Australian cities, and can integrate well with the local culture and lifestyle [8].
7. A diversity and richness that they can bring to your staff and clients, which reflects the multicultural nature of Australia. The aged care sector should embrace the diversity of its workforce and clientele, and not rely on a few dominant nationalities. Having a more diverse staff can create more opportunities and help overcome challenges in the industry [9].

So how can you sponsor a Thai nurse to work in Australia?

The Australian government, through the Department of Home Affairs, has now made it easier for aged care providers in Australia to recruit overseas workers from Thailand through the new Aged Care Labour Agreement. This agreement streamlines the process of sponsoring qualified direct care workers from overseas to work in the aged care sector, where appropriately qualified Australians are not available. The agreement also allows you to sponsor workers for occupations such as personal care assistants, nursing support workers and aged or disabled carers [11].

If you looking for qualified and experienced Thai nurses to join your aged care organization then please get in touch with me, Alan Sutherland, the Director of Marketing & Business Development at TECMedRecruit.com. I can help you identify and select the best candidates for your needs, as well as provide support through the visa application and sponsorship process.

You can reach me by phone at +6689-897-9435, or by email at [email protected].  You can also visit our website [TECMedRecruit.com] to learn more about our services and testimonials.  Don’t miss this opportunity to hire Thai nurses who can provide quality care and cultural diversity to your organization. Contact me today!

Alan Sutherland

Director of Marketing & Business Development
TECMedRecruit.com
+6689-897-9435

References:

1. Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety – Final Report
2. Aged Care Labour Agreement
3. Nursing Education in Thailand
4. Thailand Nursing and Midwifery Council
5. Salary Comparison Between Thailand and Australia
6. Thai Culture and the Culture of Care
7. World Population Prospects 2019
8. Thai Community in Australia
9. Cultural Diversity in Aged Care