Have you thought about combining your nursing career with the adventure of a lifetime? For Polly Frapwell, an intensive care paediatric nurse from Wiltshire in the UK, this dream became a reality when she embarked on a remarkable nursing and travel experience across Australia.
Polly’s story is an inspiring example of what’s possible when you take the step into nursing Down Under with Healthcare Australia (HCA). From flexible agency work to unforgettable travel experiences, here’s what she had to share.
Taking the Leap to Australia
For Polly, the decision to make the move to Australia came from a desire to nurse and explore at the same time. “Everyone says how brilliant it is in Australia,” she explains, “so I thought, why not?!” Despite concerns from friends and family back in England about leaving steady jobs, Polly and her friend committed to the adventure. The gamble paid off in unimaginable ways.
From the moment she landed, Polly noticed the change in lifestyle. “It’s just a much happier way of living,” she shares. “The sun is shining, you can go to the beach, and the working environment is nicer. That’s the reality!”
Working with HCA
Polly’s choice to work with HCA made her experience as a travelling nurse all the more seamless. HCA provided the flexibility she needed to balance nursing shifts with plenty of time to travel and explore her surroundings.
“Agency work has been great! The money is amazing, and the hours are flexible,” Polly says. “You can take time off when you want and work when you want. Plus, with HCA offices all over Australia, you just contact them wherever you move, and they’ll find shifts suited to you.”
Polly and her friend, who are both intensive care paediatric nurses, were able to secure block bookings to work primarily in Brisbane and Adelaide. Their schedules offered the consistency of a full-time job with the benefits of being agency nurses.
The Many Opportunities for Nurses
Australia offers plenty of opportunities for nurses, and Polly never struggled to find work. “We always went where the work is,” she explains. For example, during the hotter months with less demand in Brisbane, Polly and her friend headed south to Adelaide and took on shifts there. By keeping an open mind and remaining flexible, they ensured they always had work.
This adaptability didn’t just provide steady employment; it also gave Polly the chance to experience Australia’s vast diversity, from its coastal cities to regional and remote towns.
A Memorable Nursing Experience
Among Polly’s most impactful nursing experiences was her time in Darwin. “From the moment I landed, I knew I wanted to live in Australia—which was strange because I’d never been here before,” she recalls. Darwin, with its unique atmosphere and connection to Indigenous culture, stood out from other places she worked.
While working at the public hospital, Polly encountered healthcare challenges that were vastly different from her experience in the UK. These differences enriched her professional skills and gave her a broader understanding of healthcare needs in a global context.
Why You Should Make the Move
When asked if she would recommend nursing in Australia to other healthcare professionals, Polly doesn’t hesitate. “Definitely!” she says. “It was something I’d never done before, and while it was scary at times, it was a brilliant experience. You learn so much.”
HCA further supports this growth by offering rural placements ranging from six weeks to several months. These placements offer nurses an opportunity not only to develop their careers but to immerse themselves in aspects of Australian life that they might not see otherwise.
Polly also found that working for an agency made travelling between jobs and cities much easier. “You get time to do everything and see everything. We’d work for six to eight months to fund our adventures, then spend about the same amount of time travelling until the money ran out. Then we’d start the cycle over again!”
Highlights of Nursing and Travelling in Australia
Polly’s Australian adventure has been full of incredible moments, both as a nurse and as a traveller. Here are some of her highlights:
- Skydiving over the Whitsundays: “It’s definitely up there as one of my best experiences!”
- Four-Day Boat Trip on the Great Barrier Reef: Polly went diving, fed dolphins, and visited stunning beaches that remain among her favourite memories.
- Driving Adventures: Polly drove Australia’s iconic Great Ocean Road and embarked on a six-hour drive from Perth to Exmouth, where she didn’t see another car the entire time.
- Cultural Moments in Darwin: From spotting crocodiles on the beach to getting to know the unique community, Polly’s time in Darwin left a lasting impression.
Through it all, Polly has embraced the Aussie lifestyle. “I love going to the beach, having a BBQ, and soaking in everything this country has to offer,” she says.
Looking Ahead
Polly’s time in Australia is far from over. Now based in Brisbane with her partner, she’s in the process of applying for a prospective marriage visa. Polly plans to continue working as an agency nurse with HCA and dreams of returning to the Lady Cilento Hospital, where she enjoyed her previous placement.
Her advice to other nurses considering the move? Take the leap. “Even if it feels a little scary or outside your comfort zone, it’s worth it. The experience and opportunities you’ll gain are second to none.”
Your Australian Nursing Adventure
Nursing in Australia offers the perfect mix of professional development and life-changing experiences. With the support of HCA, you can create a career that’s not only rewarding but also tailored to your goals and sense of adventure.
If Polly’s story has inspired you, there’s no better time to start your own nursing and travel adventure. Register with Healthcare Australia today and take the first step toward your Australian dream.
