Travel nursing offers a unique opportunity to combine your passion for healthcare with adventure, and for Teagan, it’s been a life-changing experience. Based in Perth, Teagan has spent the last year working as a travel nurse with Healthcare Australia (HCA), venturing into some of the country’s most picturesque and remote regions.
From the challenges of providing healthcare in isolated locations to the joys of exploring the natural landscape, Teagan shares her story, offering an inside look at life as a travel nurse and highlighting the rewards of this dynamic career path.
From Perth to Travel Nursing
With four years of nursing under her belt, Teagan’s path to becoming a travel nurse was driven by her love for country healthcare.
“I’ve always loved country nursing,” she explains. “The people you meet and the diverse experiences you gain make it such a fulfilling role. Plus, travel nursing lets me explore new places while continuing to grow in my profession.”
Teagan spent her first year moving around with the WA Country Health Service, gaining experience in emergency departments and primary care settings. Now, as part of HCA’s travel nursing team, she’s taking her skills further afield.
A Day in Timber Creek
Recently, Teagan worked in Timber Creek, a small community in the Northern Territory known for its stunning natural surroundings. Here, she partnered with the Katherine West Health Board, which operates clinics throughout the region.
“A typical day often starts with a team meeting to discuss priority cases,” Teagan explains. “We then set up the clinic, restock supplies, and jump into what are typically GP presentations during clinic hours.”
Chronic health conditions, such as kidney disease, anaemia, diabetes, and ear health, are common in many remote communities. For Teagan, providing care isn’t just about treatment; it’s about prevention and education. When emergencies occur, the clinic’s ambulance service steps in, with Teagan on-call to handle urgent cases.
One of Timber Creek’s unique features is the need for travelling to nearby clinics, which can range from a 30-minute drive to a two-hour journey. Teagan cherishes this aspect of the role, noting, “The drives are stunning. Surrounded by gorges, mesas, and rivers, the scenery makes it all worth it.”
Highlights of Travel Nursing
For Teagan, one of the standout moments of her Timber Creek placement was a scenic flight to the Amanbidji clinic. “It was a 30-minute flight over some of the most breathtaking landscapes I’ve ever seen. Gorges, rivers, and mesas looked incredible from above,” she recalls.
But it’s not just the landscapes that make travel nursing meaningful. For Teagan, it’s also about connecting with the community, collaborating with Indigenous elders on health education, and making a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Exploring the Outdoors
When Teagan isn’t working, you’ll likely find her on a bushwalk or exploring local parks. “I look up all the must-visit spots nearby and slowly tick them off my list,” she shares.
Driving to her assignments allows her to pack heavier, bringing not only essentials but also personal hobbies like sewing equipment. This freedom helps her maintain a sense of balance and connection to the things she loves, even while being miles away from home.
Balancing Work and Home
One of Teagan’s favourite aspects of travel nursing is the flexibility it provides. Based in Perth, she can take casual shifts through HCA WA when she’s between contracts, giving her time to reconnect with family before heading out again.
“The ability to work casually and still have a consistent income gives me a lot of freedom,” Teagan says. “It’s reassuring to know I can visit home and recharge while staying financially secure.”
Emergency Response Nursing in Tasmania
Teagan also spoke fondly of her time working as part of HCA’s Emergency Response Team in Burnie, Tasmania.
“Burnie was one of the larger emergency departments I’ve worked in,” she recalls. “Exploring Northwest Tasmania was incredible. I even got to see Cradle Mountain covered in snow during summer!”
Her experience in Tasmania contrasts with her time in Timber Creek, where the focus was on primary care, screening, and prevention. “Both settings had their challenges, but each offered opportunities to learn and grow in different ways.”
Advice for Aspiring Travel Nurses
Teagan encourages new nurses to consider travel nursing as an exciting and impactful career path, offering practical advice for those looking to jump in.
- Start with Multi-Purpose Service (MPS) Sites: “If you don’t have ED experience yet, I’d recommend starting at an MPS site in your state. It’s a great introduction to rural nursing and gives you insight into how EDs flow.”
- Invest in Training: “Courses like CRANA’s MEC (Maternal Emergency Care) and TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course) are fantastic for building confidence. They’re especially useful for travel nurses working in remote areas.”
- Drive When Possible: “Having a car gives you more freedom on your days off and helps reduce feelings of isolation. WA, in particular, is too beautiful not to explore by car.”
Why Choose HCA for Travel Nursing?
Teagan credits much of her success to the support of HCA and her dedicated consultant.
“Working with HCA has given me opportunities I wouldn’t have found elsewhere,” she says. “My consultant ensures everything is organised and keeps communication smooth, making each contract feel seamless.”
Final Thoughts
For Teagan, travel nursing blends the best of both worlds–a rewarding career in healthcare and the chance to see Australia’s most extraordinary landscapes. Whether it’s sharing yarns with colleagues in Timber Creek, flying over NT’s rugged terrain, or hiking through Tasmania’s rolling hills, travel nursing through HCA has taken Teagan on an unforgettable adventure.
Are you ready to start your own travel nursing journey? Contact Healthcare Australia today to explore opportunities that combine your passion for care with your love for adventure.
