For Kingston, an Emergency Department Registered Nurse (ED RN) from Seattle, Washington, the call to explore new horizons was undeniable. While he enjoyed the stability of his role in a Level 2 Trauma Centre in the U.S., he craved something more dynamic, adventurous, and long-lasting. Fast forward to 2020, Kingston took the leap of a lifetime by moving to Australia to work as a travel nurse with the help of Healthcare Australia (HCA).
Here, Kingston reflects on his inspiring nursing journey, sharing unforgettable experiences, tips for fellow nurses, and his love for adventure and photography.
A Desire for Something New
Kingston’s story begins with his love for travel. “For years, nursing gave me the flexibility to backpack solo through regions like Asia, Europe, and Central America,” he explains. However, Kingston wanted to go a step further and experience what it was like to live and work in a new country.
A friend’s suggestion to try travel nursing in an English-speaking country led Kingston to explore international opportunities. Australia immediately piqued his interest. “The vastness and beauty of the country demanded more than the fleeting experiences of a typical holiday. I wanted to immerse myself,” he says.
Taking the Leap to Australia
Kingston discovered Healthcare Australia when researching nursing agencies online. His decision to reach out to HCA would prove instrumental in navigating the process of working in a new country.
“I submitted an enquiry, and in no time, I had guidance on transferring my RN license through AHPRA and applying for a Working Holiday Visa,” he shares.
When Kingston landed in Melbourne in early 2020, he began his Australian nursing adventure. “Since then, I’ve worked in hospitals across the country, from thriving metro cities to fascinating regions as a travel nurse. It’s been life-changing,” he adds.
Exploring Life as a Travel Nurse
Travel nursing introduced Kingston to a unique blend of professional growth and adventure. He has worked short-term contracts in places he had never heard of before. “Sometimes my first choice of location wasn’t available, but I’d simply ask where else nurses were needed and go with an open mind,” Kingston recalls.
One memorable experience includes working in Katherine, Northern Territory, where he immersed himself in the local community. Beyond nursing, he explored nearby gems like the stunning Southern Rockhole in Nitmiluk National Park, a favourite among locals.
Kingston also rotated between metro areas such as Melbourne and Brisbane, offering a balance between city living and exploration in more remote places.
Tips for Travel Nurses Coming to Australia
For nurses aspiring to work in Australia, Kingston offers practical advice to make the most out of travel nursing:
- Be Flexible and Open-Minded: Sometimes, your first location choice might not be available. “I discovered some of the most breathtaking, lesser-known parts of Australia by saying yes to unexpected placements,” Kingston says.
- Pack Light, But Be Strategic: While Kingston manages without a car, he advises others to consider the freedom and convenience a vehicle can offer. “It’s easier to move between contracts and bring more of the things you need if you have your own transport,” he adds.
- Balance Work and Adventure: Kingston encourages nurses to explore their surroundings fully. “On days off, enjoy brunch with colleagues or visit iconic landmarks. These experiences make each placement unforgettable.”
Combining Nursing with Photography
Beyond nursing, Kingston channels his creativity into photography. His travels around Australia have been documented through his lens, capturing everything from sunsets on the Great Ocean Road to kangaroos at Cape Hillsborough.
“The goal is to share those moments with family and friends back home who may not have the chance to explore the world,” he says. While photography isn’t his primary driver for where he chooses to work, it often adds to his adventures.
Through social media platforms like Instagram, Kingston inspires others to see the beauty of combining work and wanderlust.
The Power of a Positive Team
Kingston emphasises the value of working with supportive, cohesive teams in healthcare settings. While he enjoys the resources of larger hospitals, he also acknowledges the kind-hearted teammates he’s met in smaller facilities.
“The team environment can make or break your experience. Working with respectful, collaborative colleagues always enhances the workplace,” he says.
Final Reflections
Looking back, Kingston believes travel nursing was the best choice he could have made. HCA’s travel nursing opportunities allowed him to achieve significant professional growth while fulfilling his love for exploration.
“Every placement has shaped me not only as a nurse but as a person,” he reflects. For now, his sights are set on exploring more of Western Australia before potentially moving to new cities like Melbourne or Sydney.
To fellow nurses considering a similar path, Kingston encourages taking that first step. “If adventure and growth are what you seek, travel nursing in Australia will deliver. And with HCA by your side, the process is seamless.”
Thinking about embarking on your own nursing adventure? Register with Healthcare Australia today and join a team that empowers you to explore your professional potential while seeing incredible parts of the world.
