Travel nursing has the power to transform not just a career, but a person’s perspective on life, work, and adventure. Kym Bramberger, a seasoned travel nurse with over 17 years of experience, embodies the unique opportunities and unforgettable memories that come with this exciting career path. From breathtaking journeys to unique assignments, her story provides insight into what makes travel nursing so special.
If you’ve considered stepping into the world of travel nursing or wondered what this career looks like in practice, Kym’s experiences are sure to inspire and inform.
Starting the Journey
Kym’s travel nursing adventure began in 2000 with her first assignment in the stunning region of Leigh Creek, South Australia.
The drive to Leigh Creek remains etched in her memory. “The diversity of the countryside was incredible. Words can’t do justice to how mesmerising it was,” she recalls.
The seeds for her career in travel nursing were planted during a major life change. “After separating from my partner, I didn’t want to stay in one place anymore. Travel nursing suited my personal preferences then and still does today,” Kym explains.
But why travel nursing? According to Kym, the freedom from workplace politics was a refreshing change, allowing her to focus purely on delivering care and soaking in the experiences each new destination brought.
A Unique Lifestyle
For Kym, travel nursing is more than just a job–it’s a lifestyle. When she’s not on assignment, her time at home is spent unwinding and reconnecting before jumping into her next adventure.
“The only work I do when I’m home is rearranging the dust bunnies and trying to remember where I left things!” she jokes.
This balance ensures Kym keeps her enthusiasm for travel nursing alive and stays energised for future contracts.
What Makes a Great Travel Nursing Contract?
Through her years of experience, Kym has learned what makes a fantastic travel nursing placement. While the size of the clinic or location may matter to some, Kym values the people and communities she serves most.
“The best clinics are the busy ones,” she notes. “But for me, it’s about the staff and the community. The people and the breathtaking Australian landscapes make every assignment worthwhile.”
Flexibility has also played a huge role in Kym’s travel nursing success. She enjoys planning her contracts around significant personal events, from holidays to family birthdays.
Memorable Moments
Travel nursing provides plenty of funny, heartwarming, and even jaw-dropping moments. But two experiences stand out in Kym’s mind.
The first involves an unexpected visitor during one of her assignments. “I was stalked by a crocodile,” she shares. “It’s funny now, but at the time, it wasn’t! Watching it slowly moving toward me was… unforgettable.”
Her second powerful memory is one of appreciation and connection to history. “I’ll never forget lying in a rock gallery and gazing up at Indigenous art that’s over 60,000 years old. That was, and still is, my biggest ‘goosebump’ moment.”
These experiences have left a lasting imprint on Kym, reinforcing the unparalleled opportunities travel nursing offers to immerse oneself in Australia’s natural and cultural heritage.
Advice for Aspiring Travel Nurses
For nurses considering their first travel nursing contract, Kym offers practical and heartfelt advice.
- Keep an Open Mind: “Entering a new community and trying to change the world isn’t realistic in a short time. Instead, focus on absorbing your experience and making meaningful connections.”
- Set Boundaries: While it’s easy to get emotionally involved, especially in remote settings, Kym emphasises finding separation for your wellbeing. “The kids and dogs will tug at your heartstrings, but remember, you’re only there for a short time,” she says.
- Take the Leap: Kym encourages other nurses to push past hesitation or fear. “Imagine standing at the edge of a cliff, putting your arms out, and just falling. That’s how it feels to leap into the unknown. I did that 17 years ago, and I haven’t hit the bottom yet!”
Her approach to travel nursing is reflective of the adventurous spirit that drives the profession–a willingness to explore, adapt, and grow in environments that may initially seem challenging.
Final Thoughts
With her rich experiences, Kym’s travel nursing career serves as an inspiring example of how this path can blend professional growth with extraordinary personal fulfilment. Whether it’s breathtaking landscapes, meaningful work, or untold stories of connection, travel nursing offers a blend of challenges and rewards like no other career can.
If you’re ready to write your own travel nursing story, the team at Healthcare Australia is here to support you every step of the way.
Take the leap and join our travel nursing community today! Contact us to explore our latest opportunities and start your adventure.
