Balancing professional growth and family life is at the heart of many healthcare professionals’ dream careers. For Shauntay Malkind, a medical-surgical nurse from New Orleans, Louisiana, her dream took her across the globe to Australia. Working as a travel nurse through Healthcare Australia (HCA), Shauntay discovered how flexibility and opportunity could transform her career.
Here, she shares her inspiring story, from her leap into nursing to her international adventure with HCA.
Why Shauntay Chose Nursing
Shauntay’s nursing story began in a setting far different from hospitals or clinics. “After high school, I worked at a long day care centre, looking after kids and comforting them when they were unwell,” she recalls.
But one conversation changed everything. “A friend of mine was studying nursing while working in the intensive care unit, and I began considering nursing seriously as a career. I realised I wanted to do more and have a broader impact.”
Shauntay eventually specialised in medical-surgical nursing, completing her degree at Arizona State University. Helping others became her calling, and she was ready to see where this would take her.
Taking the Leap to Australia
When Shauntay’s husband was accepted into a medical program in Australia, the entire family packed up and made the move within just 45 days. While her husband focused on his studies, Shauntay sought opportunities that would allow her to balance work with their growing family.
“I heard about Healthcare Australia through a friend in the Emergency Department. She loved the flexibility and freedom HCA provided, and I decided to give it a try,” Shauntay shares.
The Process of Starting
Moving to a new country seemed daunting, but Shauntay found support every step of the way. “Melissa Simpson, from HCA’s international department, made the process so simple. From registration to job placement, she was there to guide me,” she says.
Shauntay’s registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) before moving to Australia made the transition even smoother. She began working in Ipswich, Queensland, first as a nursing assistant, before expanding into aged care and general agency roles in Brisbane.
The Perks of Agency Nursing
When asked about the greatest benefit of travel nursing with HCA, Shauntay doesn’t hesitate. “Flexibility and freedom,” she says. “Being a mum to two children, I needed the ability to balance my work and family commitments.”
With shifts scheduled four weeks in advance, Shauntay had the structure to plan her week, ensuring both her professional and personal priorities were met. “It gave me the time I needed to spend with my husband and kids, especially since we didn’t have extended family nearby for support,” she explains.
What Makes HCA Different?
The transition to working as a travel nurse in Australia felt seamless, thanks to HCA’s supportive structure. “The HCA format was fantastic,” she says. “Every hospital I worked at treated me well, and HCA made me feel valued throughout the process.”
From scheduling shifts to offering flexibility across regions and hospitals, HCA’s systems made Shauntay’s experience not only professionally rewarding but personally enjoyable.
What’s Next for Shauntay?
Since returning to the United States, Shauntay resumed full-time nursing, while her husband reached his third year as a registrar. However, the couple hasn’t closed the chapter on their Australian adventure.
“We both loved the working and living environment in Australia and are planning to return once my husband graduates,” Shauntay reveals.
Shauntay’s Advice for Aspiring Travel Nurses
For healthcare professionals considering travel nursing in Australia, Shauntay offers some practical advice:
- Be Prepared: Completing your AHPRA registration before moving can simplify your transition.
- Find Support: Connecting with HCA’s team early makes the process easier and ensures you hit the ground running upon arrival.
- Value Flexibility: Travel nursing offers unmatched opportunities to adjust your workload around your lifestyle, making it ideal for families or those craving variety in their roles.
Discover Your Own Australian Adventure
Stories like Shauntay’s highlight how travel nursing isn’t just a career choice. It’s a way to gain professional experience, strengthen family bonds, and encounter new cultures.
Whether you’re a nurse looking for fresh opportunities or a healthcare professional considering a move, Healthcare Australia can help you begin your new adventure.
Interested in travel nursing in Australia? Register your details with HCA today to find out more.
