Australia’s vast and diverse countryside offers a unique backdrop to some of the most rewarding and challenging nursing opportunities available. For Sarai, a travel nurse originally from Malawi, joining Healthcare Australia (HCA) has been an incredible opportunity to make an impact in rural and remote communities, all while enjoying a career filled with growth and adventure.
Sarai’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and compassion—for both her patients and the colleagues she has met on her nursing journeys. Here, she shares insights into life as a travel nurse, the challenges of working in rural Emergency Departments, and the joy of being part of Healthcare Australia’s supportive network.
From New Zealand to Australia
Sarai’s nursing career began in New Zealand, where she moved in 2005 to complete her training. Working in a spinal unit in Auckland provided a solid foundation in critical care before she transitioned to Australia in 2017. Since then, her professional experience has spanned medical, surgical, and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) roles, culminating in her decision to join Emergency nursing.
“I chose Emergency nursing because it challenges you to think on your feet, adapt quickly, and respond to urgent situations,” Sarai explains. The dynamic nature of Emergency Departments pushed her to further her education, earning a postgraduate diploma in critical care nursing.
Joining HCA’s Rural and Remote team in 2022 became a turning point. It offered Sarai the chance to work in diverse healthcare settings while exploring parts of Australia she had never encountered before.
A Day in the Life
Every shift in a rural Emergency Department brings its own surprises, something Sarai has come to love about her role.
“There’s no such thing as a typical day,” she says. “Some mornings, you walk into a nearly empty waiting room, while other days you find ambulances lined up, ready to keep you on your toes.”
Working in rural and remote facilities often means taking on responsibilities not typically required in larger hospitals. Sarai has learned how to manage tasks like ordering imprest medications and organising pathology supplies, bringing a deeper sense of autonomy and versatility to her role.
Beyond direct patient care, travel nurses like Sarai often step up during staffing shortages, covering crucial shifts to ensure continuity of care. “It can be tough, especially during crises or holiday periods,” she says. “But the gratitude from patients and the camaraderie with teams make it incredibly fulfilling.”
The Advantages of Travel Nursing
Travel nursing offers a blend of professional development and personal discovery. For Sarai, the chance to immerse herself in Australia’s many unique communities has been a major highlight.
“The landscapes and cultures you encounter are just amazing,” she says. Sarai’s placements have taken her through regional New South Wales, where the scenery and strong sense of community have made a lasting impression.
Her current placement in Coolamon has been especially rewarding. “The patients feel like family, and the staff are so supportive,” she shares. The relationships she’s built underscore the often-overlooked emotional side of travel nursing, where bonds forged in high-pressure situations create a unique sense of belonging.
Tips for Aspiring Travel Nurses
Sarai’s advice for nurses considering rural or remote placements is straightforward.
“Don’t hesitate,” she says. “You’ll be rewarded in ways you never expect, from the skills you’ll develop to the friendships you’ll make.”
She emphasises the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, which can help foster adaptability in new environments. “With the right mindset, you’ll fit in anywhere,” she adds.
One tip she offers is to value every connection. Sarai’s own story is a testament to this; during an earlier placement in an ICU ward in Mount Isa, she met another HCA nurse from Wagga Wagga. Years later, that same nurse picked her up from Wagga Wagga airport when Sarai started her first placement at Coolamon Hospital. “Be kind to everyone,” Sarai advises. “You never know when those connections will come full circle.”
Finding Joy Outside of Work
Travel nursing isn’t just about professional growth; it’s also an opportunity to see more of the country. Sarai loves spending her days off exploring Australia’s natural beauty, whether she’s hiking in Tasmania, surfing in Geraldton, or discovering hidden gems like Christmas Island.
“Christmas Island is paradise on Earth,” she says. “There’s so much to explore, from waterfalls to unique wildlife. I’d recommend it to anyone, as long as they’re not afraid of giant crabs!”
Another favourite spot is the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory, where Sarai admits she couldn’t resist sampling everything in sight. “It’s experiences like this that make travel nursing special,” she reflects. “You create memories that last a lifetime.”
What’s Next for Sarai?
Soon, Sarai will be embarking on a new chapter in her travel nursing adventure with a placement in Casino, New South Wales. Starting in January, this new role represents another opportunity to grow both professionally and personally.
While saying goodbye to Coolamon will be bittersweet, Sarai is excited to see what’s ahead. “The joy of travel nursing is that every placement offers something new,” she says.
For Sarai, the values of compassion and kindness remain at the heart of her nursing practice. “I’m proud to share HCA’s mission and promote its name by operating with integrity and fairness,” she says. “It’s not just about the work; it’s about being part of a community that makes a difference.”
If Sarai’s story has inspired you, don’t wait to start your own travel nursing adventure. With countless opportunities across Australia, HCA can help you find placements that suit your skills and spark your sense of adventure.
Contact Healthcare Australia today to learn more about our Rural and Remote team or register your interest online.
