Rural nursing, good for you on many levels

After graduating the majority of us initially seek employment in our chosen field, either close to home or at least somewhere in our comfort zone, in order to put into practice the skills learnt during training and to gain valuable experience in a familiar environment. 

This makes total sense and provides a sound base at the start of your career on which to build on as confidence and skills expand with time. From a future employer’s perspective, this pattern of work history is a positive asset as it indicates that the nurse has consolidated her/his skills and experiences, gaining a good knowledge of the basics plus anything specific to the ward area worked in during this time.

Here in Australia, regional hospitals are always very keen to take on nurses that have followed this path and leap at the chance to hire capable staff who are unlikely to need a lot of coaching and guidance (when resources are so limited, practitioners that get up to speed quickly are essential). So if you have reached the stage in your career where work and travel is on your agenda, why not consider a stint in the outback?

Working for a time in a remote rural hospital can be invaluable as the experiences to be gained in such an environment are often unique. After all, there can be few places in the World where the local hospital, acting as the regional multi-purpose unit, services patients with such a wide range of conditions. As the locality’s emergency centre, patients may present with anything from a snake bite to advanced labour.

Many outback towns possess a great, all-encompassing community spirit so socially there’s usually plenty to do, and a rural placement can also makes financial sense due to the benefits such as return transport, free accommodation and contract completion bonuses.

Post-contract, the enhancement to your CV will be an impressive addition when viewed by perspective employers and who knows, you might love it so much you end up staying!