When you decided to become an aged care nurse, you probably did it because you wanted to build a career caring for the more vulnerable in your community.

But, having chosen a career in aged care nursing has also given you a ticket to experience many new places and ways of life by taking your skills on the road.

If you’ve ever stopped and considered experiencing life somewhere new, the diverse opportunities offered across regional Australia may have crossed your mind.

Like many other countries around the world, Australia has an ageing population and a growing need for experienced aged care workers to cater for a nation-wide demand. Each year, the requirements to care for Australia’s ageing population grows. New aged care communities are established consistently, and the demand for staff and volunteers for facilities continues to increase year on year.

While the demand is strong across the country, it’s even more significant in regional and remote communities.

Statistics show older Australians are more likely to live in regional and remote areas than their younger counterparts and these communities provide more opportunities for aged care nurses than ever before.

However, working in regional and remote communities isn’t just adventure and sunshine and there’s a few things to think about if you’re considering going there to work:

• How remote would you like to go? Working in aged care in a small coastal city may be a very different experience from a hot Outback town. While remote living is not for everyone, there can be many advantages to getting further off the beaten track, so it pays to keep an open mind when exploring your options.
• How long are you looking to go for? Short-term roles are great for those looking for a new experience or adventure, long-term roles are great for really building relationships with those you care for and your new community.
• What kind of facility would you like to work in? There are a range of aged care facilities across the country, ranging in size and serving some very different communities. Have a think about what’s going to work best for you at this point in your career.
• Who will support you? Moving to a new place is a big decision and it’s important to make sure you have a network in place who can help you choose the right role and support you once you get there. Make sure you choose to work with an employer or agency who will be there to help you on your journey. At HealthX, we support our aged care nurses the entire time they’re in their placements (and beyond), helping them adapt to their new roles and communities and make the most of their time in regional Australia.

Can life be challenging for aged care nurses in regional and remote Australia?

Australia is a big place and there are often significant cultural and social differences from one community to the next.

These communities – ranging from idyllic coastal hamlets, dusty Outback towns, remote Indigenous communities, and many small cities – hold plenty of opportunities for both adventure and experience.

However, as with any new place, it can be challenging for new workers to a region to acclimatise and fit in.

The best way to reduce the chances of having a negative experience is to do your research first and have a good support network in place to make sure you choose a role that is a good fit for you and will allow you to have a memorable, impactful experience in your time there.

Short term opportunities in aged care in regional and remote Australia

There are a lot of opportunities to work in short term opportunities in regional and remote Australia. Working this way allows you to gain new skills and experience life in a range of different places.

At HealthX, we have many opportunities available for qualified aged care nurses. Our nurses also have the confidence of knowing they have a team backing them up and supporting them when making their placement decisions.

Long term opportunities in aged care in regional and remote Australia

These generally suit people looking to establish deeper connections in a new community. This often suits people who aren’t keen to relocate regularly, or who thrive from building ongoing bonds with the people in their care.

For aged care nurses looking for longer-term opportunities, HealthX offers a unique Registered Nurse Secondment Program (RNSP) that provides a range of long-term employment and sponsorship opportunities in top-tier aged care facilities.

If you’re interested in finding out more about aged care nursing in regional and remote Australia, contact us today. Our team will be happy to talk to you about what you’re looking to find and how we can help you get there.