Outback Nursing - Aus ... whats good/bad

nyapa, RN · Jul 30, 2007

Hi Deejay. When you say 'outback' do you mean actually working bush? Or are you just interested in working in Oz? Its a big country, and there are many different experiences, depending where you go. Where are you looking at going to, and maybe some of 'the locals' can give you a bit more specific information...good luck.

Dzrtlzrd · May 6, 2009

I have been an RN since 1985. I have no idea what I want to do next... I was either going to move to Australia or join the AF in 1990… well, I can retire from the AF in 2011 and I still want to go to Australia!! Let me just say that the most exciting and rewarding part of being in the Air Force was when I was fortunate enough to be a part of a surgical team to Guatemala. I think the idea of Darwin or Alice Springs is exhilarating… my dog, Bridger, is coming with me.

talaxandra · May 6, 2009

With that amount of experience behind you you'll probably be fine working in rural/remote care. The pay's good, there's a lot of autonomy and experiences like nowhere else. Good luck!

ProudofmyNursingart · May 10, 2009

I worked in a remote/rural care hospital. A whole 19 beds. That was including a Birthing Unit. ICU. Acute and respite.

I can totally say without hesitation that it was the most fantastic time of my life.

The experience you can gain is second to none.

At the hospital I was at, the Nurse's were a Jack of All Trades and the first port of call before the Doctor was called.

So were were responsible for Triaging & treating all Cas patient's. The Doctor was called ONLY if needed.

If he couldn't be contacted, he loved his fishing, we admitted the patient's and started appropriate treatment until the Doctor could be contacted. So were were also Nurse Practioners in a way.

Then we ran the CSD Department. Set up & assisted in OP/Theatre with the Doc. Were Radiologist's. Pathologist's and Specialist's in Wound Clinic.

And that was on top of our other duties.

I highly recommend the experience even if it's turns out not to be your cup of tea.

JanisM · May 19, 2009

I'm a second year nurse, and I can't wait to work in rural areas (I'm semi-rural now). I think too many people just assume that it would be boring- not me! I have a question for rural nurses- is it better to get some experience in a more populated area or could I go straight from uni?

talaxandra · May 19, 2009

I think all graduate nurses benefit from having general medical/surgical experience before specialising, whether that specialty is ED, ICU, OR, community health or rural (among the hundreds of other specialty and sub-specialty areas).

While internal politics are everywhere, they can be particularly pronounced in rural hospitals, where many of the staff have worked for decades and are comfortable with the way things are. Friends who work in rural and remote areas tell me that they would have had trouble with their practice and with relationships at work if they had gone in straight from qualifying.

JanisM · May 19, 2009

Thanks, Talaxandra, that info helps. What you say sounds very logical, and I do know what you mean about small towns. I've been in mine for about 5 years and I think I'm nearly a local! But I do love most things about rural life.

ProudofmyNursingart · Jun 1, 2009

Hi JanisM,

I went straight from school into the remote community of not-going-to-mention-the-name-here-but-everyone-knows-your-name-in-that-town-and-supermarket-BEFORE-you-even-get-to town, and it was nothing short of being the best desision for ME.

I say that ME as a BIG ME because that is the challenge and experience I wanted. However it may not be everyone's cup of tea.

It has honestly helped me in my Nursing career in many ways.

It gave me raw experience. Fantastic time management skills. Multi-tasking prowess and invaluable skills.

Rural/Outback Nursing so early on has set me up for life in many ways. I now passionately pursue my goals with vigour and zest, setting them higher and higher, as I KNOW I can do what used to seem so overwhelming and daunting.

If you think you have what it takes? Then I say "Go do it!"

princenina · Jun 10, 2009

I spent many years in rural districts and some time as the sole nurse at a bush nursing centre. I loved the autonomy but sometimes found the lack of professional support tough. If you have the skills and confidence it is a fantastic experience and I have certainly made life long friends amongst both colleagues and the communities in which I worked. However be aware that your life will be lived in agold fish bowl and that while your strenghts will be be discovered and utilized you weaknesses will also be on display to the world. In remote Australia much of the technology the rest of the country ... and the military... take for granted DOES NOT WORK. I mean mobile phones, pagers, car radios, broad band etc so remote and rural can be very isolated. Having said that I wouldn't have not done it and I'm sure it made me a better clinician... if nothing else the lack of sophisticated equipment forced me to dust off those tradtional skills rather than rely on flashing lights and widgetts. I had two years post grad acute experience before I first "went bush" and every few years I returned to the city for a couple of years in acute care... mainly theatre or A & E. to keep my skills and confidence levels up. Good luck with your decision.

ameesmile · Jun 18, 2009

Hi All,

I am looking for a bit of advice in regards to rural nursing in WA.

I have almost finished my graduate nurse program (in august) at a metropolitan hospital in Perth and I am very keen to work rurally. I have tried a few avenues but I am unsure what would be the best option for me considering I only have 1 year nursing experience so far.

Can anyone please give me any ideas of where to apply to any other suggestions or country towns that would be willing to take me on.

It would be greatly appreciated

Thank you!

:nurse:

galwaynyc · Jan 4, 2010

Hi,

I'm interested in spending some time (years) working in the Australian outback in southern Australia. Does anyone know how or where to get imformation to get started? My area of specialty is adult critical care. I've been working in a medical icu for 5 years in new york.

Thanks,

Stacie