Remote area nurses tell their stories
If you've ever wanted to explore our beautiful country, working as a remote area nurse is a fantastic way to do it.
Not only do you get to see beautiful places you've never even dreamed of, you get paid while you're doing it. You'll draw closer to the local community, and you'll even gain skills and experiences that you might not have in a metropolitan area.
As a nurse in remote and rural Australia, you can both satisfy your wanderlust and broaden your experience as a nurse.
But don't just take our word for it. In April 2023 we ran a competition on our Facebook page to hear from all of the wonderful Mediserve nurses who've worked in rural and remote areas. We wanted to hear their stories about rural nursing.
We've collected some of our favorite responses so you can see why being a rural and remote nurse is so great.
Tell us about your background as a nurse.
Ellie: I've been a registered nurse since 2013, and I've been working ED for the last 10 years. I’ve been working rural & remote nursing for the last two and a half years.
Kimberly: I've been an EEN for nearly 5 years, and I'm 16 days away from completing my RN! I've worked mainly in aged care & aboriginal remote communities.
Pya: I've been a registered nurse for 6 years. For the last 12 months I've been doing agency nursing in Australia.
Where have you worked as a rural/remote nurse in Australia?
Ellie: I've worked in La Trobe, Tasmania; Taree, NSW; Alpha, Queensland; Nhulunbuy, NT; Roebourne, Mullewa, Nannup in WA; Kangaroo Island in SA.
Kimberly: Kyabram, Swan Hill, Stawell, Bendigo and Warnambool in Victoria; Nowra and Lithgow in NSW; Doomadgee QLD; Wadeye and Kaltukatjara in the Northern Territory; Broome and Derby in WA. I'll be heading to Borroloola & Urapuntja in the Northern Territory too.
Pya: Mackay, Rockhampton and Kingaroy in Queensland; Launceston in Tasmania.
Why did you decide to become a rural/remote nurse?
Ellie: I wanted to travel around Australia with my family - my husband and kids (5 and 6 years old) and our dog. I have been able to fund our travels while working along the way. For me, rural and remote nursing was originally a means to travel Australia. I've experienced life and nursing in all different parts of the country.
Kimberly: I wanted more than just the "orthodox" nursing life. I am a gypsy at heart, I thrive on spontaneity and I adapt to new places like a chameleon. I love meeting new people, having the option to choose where to travel and when to work - and of the course the chance to make incredible money when possible!
Pya: I really wanted to be able to explore Australia, while working at the same time!
What do you enjoy about being a rural/remote nurse?
Ellie: The variety of work places and locations, stretching myself to learn new skills, and experiencing life in different parts of this beautiful country!
Kimberly: I love the travel, I love the amazing places in our beautiful, rugged country. The places I've visited, the friends I've made - they are all lifelong memories and experiences.
Pya: I love being able to explore the town I'm working in, and meeting new people.
What do you like about working with Mediserve?
Ellie: I love their consistency, and their reliability ❤️
Kimberly: I love the different places they offer to visit, and the great communication between Mediserve and us nurses.
Pya: Mediserve is very accommodating, very responsive and just are lovely people to work with.
What advice would you give other nurses thinking about rural/remote nursing?
Ellie: Do it! It’s something you’ll never regret!
Kimberly: Make sure you are ready to really go off the beaten track. There are places in Australia you would never even imagine exist.
Pya: Be open minded and enjoy the experience!
More about rural nursing
How do I start my rural nursing career with Mediserve?
What do you need to get started?
- You need to have at least 1-2 years’ experience as a nurse
- If a Registered or Enrolled Nurse, have AHPRA Australian nurses board registration
- You need to have working rights in Australia
Then, it's easy to get started! Just fill out the registration form at www.mediserve.com.au/register.
