Meet Steph, a passionate and experienced travel nurse from Perth, Western Australia. With over 20 years in the nursing profession, her career began as a second act after a decade in banking. What started as a choice driven by family needs has blossomed into a remarkable adventure through some of Australia’s most stunning landscapes and unique communities.
If you’ve considered travel nursing in Australia, Steph’s story offers a glimpse into the rewards and realities of this exciting and versatile career path.
Steph’s Journey to Travel Nursing
After moving away from the city to focus on raising her children, Steph decided to pursue nursing as a new career. She officially joined Healthcare Australia (HCA) in 2015, managing short contracts in Western Australia during quieter periods of her Perth-based job.
The pivotal moment came during a contract in Onslow in 2016, where she discovered her enthusiasm for travel nursing in Australia. This experience sparked a deep passion for exploring new places while contributing her skills to diverse healthcare environments.
Exploring WA Through Travel Nursing
Western Australia (WA) holds a special place in Steph’s heart, as she has worked in over 25 different locations across the state. From vibrant wheatbelt towns to the picturesque south-west, every contract has added something unique to her career and life.
Steph has also worked in unexpected environments beyond hospitals, including prisons and posts with Silver Chain in Shark Bay. “Each place offers its own challenges and rewards,” Steph shares. “But the connections you make and the lessons learned are truly irreplaceable.”
Living the Outback Dream in Wyndham
One of Steph’s most memorable placements is in Wyndham, a destination long listed on her personal “bucket list.” Located in the stunning Kimberley region, the area’s vast red landscapes create a dramatic backdrop to her professional duties.
“Once you get pindan (red soil) in your blood, there’s no turning back,” she laughs, describing the Kimberley’s mesmerising charm. While her time there coincided with extreme heat topping 40 degrees, Steph seized every opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of her surroundings, from incredible waterfalls to iconic boab trees.
The unique structure of the Wyndham medical facility adds another layer to the travel nursing experience. The hospital focuses mainly on Emergency Department services as there are no inpatient facilities, with patients often transferred to Kununurra for continued care. “This dynamic creates an adaptable workplace where no two days are alike,” Steph notes.
Building Personal Connections
One key benefit of travel nursing is the deeper understanding of different communities it fosters. “When working as a travel nurse, you encounter perspectives and stories that expand your awareness and elevate your empathy,” Steph says.
Though challenging, her work has helped her grow both as a professional and as a person. Being accompanied by her trusty fur companion, Ruby, often makes these assignments even more fulfilling.
How Does a Travel Nurse Choose Where to Go?
Steph’s approach to selecting placements has evolved over time. Initially, she relied heavily on recommendations from her HCA consultant, branching into exciting opportunities like working for the West Kimberley Prison.
More recently, she created a travel nursing bucket list with must-visit destinations, including Darwin, Alice Springs, and South Australia’s renowned outback. “I look for contracts in areas that align with both my professional goals and personal curiosity,” she says.
Longer contracts are particularly appealing to Steph, as they provide stability, increase bargaining power with consultants, and allow her to make meaningful contributions to local communities.
Balancing Challenges and Rewards
Reflecting on her career, Steph acknowledges some challenges, particularly being far from her family. However, the sacrifices are outweighed by the opportunities to grow her skill set and explore WA’s stunning natural wonders.
“Every destination has taught me something valuable,” she reflects. “And there’s always more to discover, whether it’s breathtaking landscapes or new ways to deliver patient care.”
Why Travel Nursing is Worth It
For those considering travel nursing, Steph offers some encouraging advice.
- Step Outside Your Comfort Zone: “These new environments may challenge you, but they’ll also equip you with skills and experiences you never dreamed of,” she says.
- Have a Bucket List: “Whether it’s specific towns or natural attractions, use travel nursing to explore your dream destinations.”
- Stay Curious and Flexible: No two assignments are the same, so adaptability will serve you well both professionally and personally.
Final Thoughts
Steph’s story is a testament to the many possibilities travel nursing offers. From working across diverse healthcare settings to exploring Australia’s most scenic and remote regions, travel nursing allows professionals to combine their love for helping others with an adventurous spirit.
If you’ve been inspired by Steph’s experiences, why not take the leap and explore what travel nursing could mean for your career? With HCA by your side, you’ll have access to unparalleled support and opportunities tailored to your needs.
Join our travel nursing community today! Register with Healthcare Australia and start your next great adventure.
