For Nikole, an experienced nurse with a passion for adventure, travel nursing offered the perfect blend of professional growth and personal exploration. After years in healthcare management and ICU nursing, she embarked on a new chapter as a rural and remote nurse with Healthcare Australia (HCA). One year into her travel nursing journey, it’s safe to say she’s living the dream. Here’s how Nikole’s incredible experience has unfolded and why she recommends this path to others craving new opportunities.
What Sparked the Journey?
Nikole credits her son, Noah, for inspiring her decision to pursue travel nursing. After a health scare and feeling burnt out in a stressful management role, her family’s encouragement helped her take the leap. “They told me to go do it before I ‘get too old,’” Nikole laughs. And so began her adventure with HCA.
Her first year has been a whirlwind of challenges, successes, and moments of awe. It’s no surprise that her “accidental lap” around Australia has turned into a rewarding career move.
Exploring Australia with Rural and Remote Nursing
Nikole began her travel nursing adventure in Western Australia (WA) and hasn’t looked back since. From Carnarvon to Meekatharra, Three Springs to Fitzroy Crossing, she’s covered half the country and gathered unforgettable experiences along the way.
Currently completing a contract at the Howard Springs Quarantine Facility in the Northern Territory (NT), Nikole’s future plans involve more stops in the NT before heading to Queensland, New South Wales, and ultimately back to Victoria.
Favourite Destinations
While each location held its own charm, Fitzroy Crossing stole Nikole’s heart. “The staff were amazing, the scenery was breathtaking, and I even got to volunteer at the Wild Life West animal rescue during my time off,” she recalls. Experiences like these highlight the unique rewards of rural and remote nursing.
A Typical Day in Rural Nursing
No two days in rural and remote nursing are the same, especially when roles require adaptability. At Fitzroy Crossing, Nikole served as the Clinical Nurse Manager of the community health team. Her responsibilities included organising staff, attending meetings, assisting clinics, and even participating in vaccination programs when needed.
“You need to be a jack of all trades. Kind of like the Swiss Army knife of nurses,” she says. The role also included recruitment, and Nikole is proud to have filled four vacancies during her short tenure.
Through it all, she embraced the chance to learn, acquiring new skills in midwifery, sexual health, and child health nursing while supporting her team in meeting community needs.
The Importance of Humour
Rural and remote nursing brings its share of challenges, including resource constraints and intense workloads. But for Nikole, humour has been a lifesaver. “Laughing at yourself at least once a day helps keep your sanity and makes you a nicer person to be around,” she advises.
More importantly, she views her role as a relief pitcher, stepping in to support overstretched teams and lighten the load for other staff. A good laugh goes a long way in building camaraderie and resilience.
Support from HCA
Navigating rural nursing’s challenges is made easier with the right support system. Nikole credits her HCA consultant, Sarah Bullock, for providing guidance and reassurance throughout her contracts.
“Sarah has been phenomenal. Whether it’s work advice, travel tips, or even recommending the best hairdresser in Darwin, she’s always there,” says Nikole. Personalised support like this highlights HCA’s commitment to its nurses, ensuring they are never alone on their journeys.
Memorable Moments
Of the many highlights in her travel nursing adventure, one stands out for Nikole. Just weeks after arriving in Perth, and fresh out of quarantine, she was asked to fill a staffing gap in the Aboriginal community of Burringurrah.
Driving through WA’s rugged outback with its endless blue skies and red dirt was an unforgettable moment of freedom and joy. “That feeling of being in the middle of nowhere, yet exactly where you’re meant to be, is hard to describe,” she says.
Tips for Aspiring Travel Nurses
For those considering a similar path, Nikole offers this advice:
- Start Small: HCA’s pathway to rural and remote nursing is a great place to begin. Short courses in emergency management, immunisation, or other fields can build your confidence.
- Pack Smart: “Look at what you’re packing and put half of it back,” Nikole advises. Space is limited, especially with rural luggage weight restrictions. Essentials like a good pillow, a sharp knife, and lightweight clothing are more practical than overpacking.
- Join Local Groups: For each new location, Nikole joins local Facebook groups to get a sense of the community and find hidden gems.
- Stay Flexible: The ability to adapt to new environments and cultures is key to enjoying the rural and remote nursing experience.
Why Choose Rural and Remote Nursing?
For Nikole, travel nursing has been a life-changing experience filled with professional satisfaction and personal growth. From exploring Geiki Gorge to volunteering at animal rescues and supporting vulnerable communities through vaccination programs, her “accidental lap” has been anything but ordinary.
“Rural and remote nursing is made for adventuring,” Nikole concludes. “Talk to people, explore, and take the time to appreciate the hidden gems. There’s so much more to see and learn than you could ever imagine.”
Inspired by Nikole’s story? Learn more about Healthcare Australia’s rural and remote nursing opportunities and how they can fuel both your career and your sense of adventure.
