Are you a Nurse or Midwife looking for a change of scenery, new challenges, or an exciting opportunity to grow your skills? Travel Nursing in Australia might be just what you’re looking for. Whether you’re contemplating a short-term sea change or dreaming of a working holiday, getting started in travel nursing can be immensely rewarding both personally and professionally.
At Healthcare Australia (HCA), our Travel Nurse division is dedicated to helping Nurses and Midwives take their careers to the next level. To support you in preparing for a successful travel nursing placement, we’ve compiled seven practical training and education tips.
1. Expand Your Skills for Multipurpose Sites
Rural healthcare facilities often differ from metropolitan hospitals. Many of these facilities are multipurpose sites (MPS), where you’ll work in a broader set of roles compared to specialised wards. Nurses in MPS settings may be required to manage a wide range of patient needs as well as visiting specialties. That means the more skills and certifications you bring to the table, the better your opportunities.
Key skills include cannulation and venepuncture, which are often required at smaller sites. Gaining certifications in these areas before applying for R&R placements can set you apart and boost your confidence in delivering care across diverse situations.
2. Complete Your Mandatory Training
To begin your career with HCA’s Travel Nurse Team, completing the Managing Difficult Behaviours online module is essential. This training equips you for scenarios you might face in rural and remote work, all offered conveniently through our eHCA education portal.
Additionally, HCA provides access to free mandatory training modules tailored to expand your knowledge and prepare you for the unique challenges of travel nurse healthcare. These modules are not just about fulfilling requirements; they’re designed to enhance your career trajectory.
3. Earn an Advanced Life Support Certification
For many travel nurse contracts, an Advanced Life Support (ALS) certification is not just recommended but a prerequisite. ALS complements your clinical skills by preparing you for critical situations, especially in areas where emergency services may be hours away.
HCA offers ALS courses at various locations nationwide. By enrolling in these courses, you’ll not only meet requirements for many rural contracts but also broaden the range of opportunities available to you.
4. Understand WA-Specific Requirements
Interested in working in Western Australia? If so, the WA Country Health Service (WACHS) Triage Certification may be required, especially if you aim to work in Emergency Departments or multipurpose facilities. This competency ensures you’re skilled in triage using the Australasian Triage Score, a crucial skill for patient prioritisation in busy or remote settings.
This certification recognises prior experience and training. If you’ve spent at least two years in Critical Care or Emergency Department roles, your consultant can guide you through eligibility and the pathways to achieve this competency.
5. Prepare for Remote Work
Remote nursing offers incredible opportunities to make a difference in communities that may lack access to primary healthcare. To become a Remote Area Nurse (RAN), you’ll need to be equipped with additional training, starting with the Remote Emergency Care (REC) course.
Facilitated by CRANAplus, this three-day course prepares you to manage emergencies in isolated settings. It’s a must for remote clinic work in the Northern Territory and highly recommended across the country. Investing in REC certification is a big step toward a thriving remote nursing career.
Looking to go further? Consider complementing this with the Maternity Emergency Care (MEC) course. Even if you’re not a Midwife, MEC trains you to handle emergency births in isolated communities where medical help is not immediately available.
6. Obtain Your Immunisation Certificate
When working remotely, you’ll frequently be required to administer immunisations. For this, you’ll need a recognised certification. While there is no nationally standardised course, the South Australian Immunisation Certificate is widely accepted and highly recommended.
What’s great about this certificate is that it’s available online, allowing you to complete it at your own pace. Whether you’re awaiting your next contract or simply preparing for future opportunities, this certification is an essential tool for remote work.
7. Learn Practical Skills for the Outback
Travel Nursing isn’t just about clinical expertise; it’s also about being prepared for the lifestyle. Some roles call for practical skills like safe off-road driving to handle unsealed or flood-prone terrains. Enrolling in a 4WD training course not only ensures your safety but also builds your readiness for life and work in the outback.
Another helpful qualification is the Pharmacotherapeutics Course, which equips you with advanced knowledge of medications, further enhancing your ability to serve your patients in remote settings.
Making the Leap
Getting started in travel nursing is about more than just qualifications; it’s about joining a network of passionate professionals committed to making a difference in diverse communities. HCA’s travel nursing consultants are here to support you every step of the way.
Whether you’re just considering this pathway or already qualified and ready to explore opportunities, we’re ready to help. Reach out to our team at 1300 885 728 or register your interest online for more information!
How Healthcare Australia Can Support You
At HCA, we’re proud to offer not just job opportunities but also the resources and guidance to help you excel in your travel nursing career. From eHCA’s free online training modules to hands-on ALS courses and WACHS certification support, our goal is to make your transition into travel nursing as seamless as possible.
Are you ready to start your travel nursing adventure? Call us or visit our website to explore available opportunities. With the right preparation, the fulfilling world of travel nursing is within reach.
