3min read
RN Shafia
19 years nursing experience
What would you say to your past self 5 years ago?
“Keep doing what you’re doing.”
“Yes, taking that holiday was the right choice.”
“Don’t drink that full-cream thick shake!”
It was only 5 years ago that we featured a nurse new to Affinity, Shafia, here on this very blog. A big fan of travelling and working in challenging and diverse environments, she adapted quickly to her contract in Mackay. When asked where she’d like to go next with Affinity, she stated:
“I am climate orientated. As my next contract will fall in May, I would like a sub-tropical or tropical climate to shy away from the winter months. Somewhere on the coast would be grand, but open to somewhere rural too! I’ve heard great things about Gladstone and Kununurra intrigues me.
So, let’s see what happens next!”
Well, we’re a couple of years down the track, so for the very last Spotlight of 2024, we thought we’d check in with Shafia again to see where her Affinity travel nursing journey has taken her!
1. How long have you been nursing for now?
I started Mental Health Nursing as a new grad in December 2005, in NSW at former Rozelle Hospital, an amazing psychiatric facility. So, it’s been about 19 years!
2. How has your time been at Kingaroy Mental Health?
Like any rural location, Kingaroy Community Mental Health has lower staffing numbers covering both assessments and case management, so the tempo tends to be quite high. However, if you are an organised worker and know how to prioritise tasks, then it is manageable, and you will have the joy of working with a really lovely, hardworking and good humoured team. There are a lot of nature-oriented things to do around the area as well as a few nice dining spots, so it will definitely keep you on your toes!
3. You’ve done all your contracts in Queensland. What have you got up to while on contract in the state and why do you keep coming back?
I adore Queensland! The weather, the people and the opportunities are all great. It’s just one of those states you can’t help but return back to. I’ve had the pleasure of commencing work as a RN at Mackay MH inpatient unit and advancing my career to then working for the Mackay Acute Care Team as a CN, and currently as a CN at Kingaroy Community MH. It’s interesting because each role and location brings new learnings and also the joy of having new sightseeing adventures. I have seen so much in my downtime and time off, from the Whitsundays to K’Gari (Fraser Island). As a bonus, the pay is quite decent in QLD too. I feel really blessed for it all.
4. What do you enjoy most about the travel nurse lifestyle?
EXPLORING! I absolutely adore setting foot on bushland, on a new beach, on mountain landscapes, filling my lungs with clean air. It gives so much joy to my soul. I am now living full-time out of a caravan, so it’s lovely having my own space & a guaranteed comfortable bed to sleep in. Additionally, it’s always interesting meeting and talking to new people, whether at work or from the safety of the caravan park.
5. You began with us in 2019 and have done several contracts over the last 5 years – what has been the highlight of working with Affinity so far?
I would have to say my amazing Placement Consultant Katie would be the highlight. She is exceptional at her job, always efficient with looking at new opportunities for me, hardworking, but most importantly, a kind and genuine person who really cares about my wellbeing. I also had the joy of chatting to the CEO Frances who is much the same.
The quality of a service comes from the bottom down and Affinity have it covered! There is also a high standard in recruitment and retainment of staff, staff welfare comes first, and the pay is highly competitive because Affinity doesn’t take bonuses for placements!
Additionally, I feel like Affinity aligns with my core values of compassion, adventurous, presence, integrity/honesty and diligence (to name a few).
6. How’s your professional journey been? How would you compare yourself from your first Affinity contract to yourself now?
I have really enjoyed the journey so far. No looking back! Oh my goodness – so different! I’ve been working on myself both professionally and personally. I’m a lot more present, my therapeutic alliance with consumers is much stronger and authentic, I have stronger boundaries, I’ve established a really good self-care routine, I’m a lot more confident going into new environments, and I’ve established new skills or refreshed old skills in Community MH Nursing.
7. Do you have a favourite shot from all the photos you’ve taken while on contract? What’s the story behind it?
It’s difficult to choose a favourite, but I’m quite weak for wildflowers, so maybe the beige coloured wildflower shot 🙂
8. What advice would you tell other Nurses who want to do travel nursing?
DO IT! Once you do, you’ll be hooked. Having a caravan/motorhome is definitely beneficial, especially in a location where staff accommodation is limited. I love that wherever I go is home.
Ready to become hooked yourself? Register with Affinity and explore the whole of Australia, or pick a state that you just vibe with, like Shafia and Queensland!
Where will you will be in the next 5 years? With travel nursing, you’ll never truly know!
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