3min read
RN Anna
25+ years nursing experience
If history is the name of the game, RN Anna has a solid amount of it. Beginning her nursing journey in the Philippines and working around multiple different countries, Anna now spends her time doing 2 key things that she loves – travelling and hiking!
1. Tell us a bit about your nursing background and experience.
My journey in the nursing profession began in my home country of the Philippines. Being the youngest in our department (general ward) at that time, I was often allocated to do the unglamourous tasks of washing bedpans/urinals!
Following my time in the Philippines, I ventured to the deserts of Saudi Arabia where I worked in medical and surgical ward, HDU and ICU. This shift in environment provided me with a unique opportunity to expand my nursing skills and experience in an entirely different cultural context.
My next nursing destination was New Zealand which I call home now. In NZ, I nursed in a variety of settings – aged care, ward nursing and ED. My Australian stint started way before I started travel nursing with Affinity.
I did my ED training in Canberra and worked there for 2.5 years. Throughout my nursing career, I have primarily focused on emergency nursing, medical and HDU. My rural and remote nursing began when I joined Affinity.
2. You’ve helped out a great deal in many facilities across Australia like Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia. What have been some key presentations you have experienced?
There have been lots of key presentations. Communities differ in the causes of their health issues and presentations. Some of the issues are common, while others are unique.
It could be snake bites galore in the outback (I don’t like snakes!), imminent birth in remote communities, limb-related accidents in farming/rural towns, mental health, alcohol/drug related presentations in vulnerable communities, and so on.
I think the key thing for me is that in these settings, I have first-hand witnessed the challenges and rewards of providing care in less accessible areas. This experience has immensely honed my problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and taught me the importance of adaptability and resourcefulness in providing care in challenging circumstances.
3. Tell us about your travel nursing journey since you started your first contract.
Travel nursing took me to new places, experience different cultures, and able to work while learning from fresh graduates to most senior nurses.
No patient is the same, and I always strive to provide the best care to everyone. It has been a constant change, but it made me open minded, grateful of life and wanting to experience more.
4. What do you enjoy most about the travel nursing lifestyle?
For me, the most enjoyable aspects of being a travel nurse are the ability to spend time travelling around Australia and working in a diverse range of environments alongside amazing people.
Local community healthcare workers, fellow agency nurses, Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), Emergency Telehealth Service (ETS), and forming lasting friendships that I perhaps may not find in many other environments.
Another perk is the flexibility to take breaks between contracts when I want and for as long as I want. For instance, I had a month and a half holiday last June and went back to Europe to do the Camino de Santiago where I walked from Portugal to Spain.
This wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for the fact that being a travel nurse with Affinity equates to having better pay cheque (more savings) and of course, opportunity to pursue my passion – travelling and hiking!
5. You have been doing contracts with Affinity for 7 years now and have just started your 30th contract! What has been the highlight of travel nursing with Affinity?
So many highlights and memorable experience. But to sum it all, Affinity has given me a career where I can explore parts of Australia, I never thought I’d see.
Travelling has given me the chance to experience different culture and landscapes. From bustling cities to sleepy little towns, my contracts are not just work, they become memorable adventures.
6. Do you have a favourite photo? What’s the story behind it?
It is my Affinity water bottle which I always take along with me whenever I travel. I do have other water bottles but the Affinity one is my favourite. It is not too heavy, and the size is just right. I took the bottle with me when I did the Camino (Camino de Santiago). It walked with me for one week but unfortunately, it fell and broke.
That humble bottle had travelled extensively with me in my contracts around Australia, and twice in Europe! I believe I am getting a new one (Thank you, Affinity). I will have a new travel companion when I do the Tour Du Mont Blanc hopefully next year.
7. What advice would you give other nurses who want to do travel nursing?
Travel nursing is a unique lifestyle and career. It is perhaps not for everyone. There can be uncertainty around ever-changing demands and needs. Having an open mind allows one to see and understand better.
Focusing on our similarities and not on our differences makes working and travelling a better experience. Keep on nursing and keep on travelling!
This winter is the season to set yourself up for travel nursing and beautiful upcoming sights! With over 20 years of experience in the market, you can feel supported with our understanding of the unique needs of agency work.
Get going in Australia and register with Affinity today!
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