Career Advice Job Market Trend Report

Caring profession needs more staff

Recruitment exercises are being conducted by the Department of Health, with more planned for the 2010-11 fiscal year. About 40 job vacancies are anticipated over the coming months.

It is recruiting medical and health officers, registered nurses, radiographers, senior foremen and laboratory professionals.

Medical and health officers will mainly be deployed in areas such as disease prevention and rehabilitation.

Registered nurses are required to perform general nursing duties, provide public-health nursing service, and participate in health education and health promotion activities.

"Candidates for the role of registered nurse must possess a certificate of registration (Part I) issued by the Nursing Council of Hong Kong. They should also possess a valid practising certificate issued by the council," says a Department of Health spokesman.

Those aiming to fill the role of radiographer must be registered in Hong Kong as diagnostic radiographers.

Medical laboratory technicians are required to perform general and specialised laboratory tests, and quality control, while laboratory attendants are responsible for duties such as disinfecting laboratory equipment and preparing training materials.

Senior foremen are required to carry out law enforcement duties, assist in health education and promotional activities, and handle public inquiries.

Before putting pen to paper, candidates should ensure that they meet the prerequisites for the posts.

While experience is welcome for a number of roles, fresh graduates are also encouraged to apply.

Applicants are also advised to be well prepared for interviews, and any written and/or trade tests.

"A good understanding of the department's services and the nature of the posts being applied for will be helpful," the spokesman says.