Does time fly when you’re having fun? There’s one person who you could ask… RN Trina is coming up to an incredible 10 years with Affinity Nursing as a travel nurse, with more than 40 placements across the country. And what an incredible decade it has been!
We checked in with Trina before her 10 year Affinity Nursing anniversary to reflect back on her journey as a travel nurse so far, along with some of her favourite destinations and tips.
RN Trina
Celebrating 10 years of travel nursing with Affinity Nursing
4min read
1. How long have you been nursing for?
Let’s just say I’ve been in nursing for many, many years now…
2. How was your time at Swan Hill?
I’ve enjoyed Swan Hill, Victoria. I drove to this placement from my place in Queensland, which is quite a journey at more than 1500km.
I found the staff and people in the town very friendly, which makes the experience even better, and I’ve been to some tasty restaurants here with a few of the staff.
One of the other agency staff had a caravan set up on the river with her partner, only a few minutes from town. One of my favourite memories of this trip has been enjoying a BBQ along the river. Whilst we were all swapping some tall tales with lots of laughter, an amazing sunset on the Murray kept us mesmerised.
3. What did you get up to in Victoria? How does it compare to other states you’ve contracted in?
I’ve visited the Silo Art, and Lake Tyrrell, the largest salt lake in Victoria, and it’s pink! Although I have been told by locals and travellers that it can change colour depending on the weather, clouds, time of day, and so forth.
I have stopped at Lake Boga, and drove right around the lake. Have also visited the Sea Plane Museum. At the Pioneer Village in town, there’s a fantastic laser show, plus you can spend time wandering through the Village and cruising along the Murray on the paddle-steamer, the Piap. So relaxing!
4. What do you enjoy most about the travel nurse lifestyle?
Life is good as a travel nurse. It gives me freedom to work when I want to. I have 6 grandchildren whom are my world, so travel nursing allows me to work when it suits me, so I can then spend quality time with my family and friends. Plus, travel this beautiful country of ours and be paid for it. It keeps me on my toes, as you are always meeting new people and going to new places.
5. You have had 40 placements with us over the years – what has been the highlight of working with Affinity so far?
I was only going to do 2 years or so as a travel nurse with Affinity, but I’ll be clocking up 10 years in 2026. No regrets – it’s been quite the ride! I’ll keep going for another while. The love of it is that as I sneak closer to the end of my working life, I can decrease the amount of contracts I do along the way. I think I’d miss nursing and travelling far too much to stop cold turkey!
I’ve been lucky enough to have worked in many wonderful locations… Thursday Island, Darwin, Weipa, Palm Island, Kununurra, Kimberleys, Ingham, Mt Isa, Albany, Murray Bridge, Canberra, plus many more. Tasmania is the only state I still need to work in to be able to tick each state and territory off – it’s on my to-do list!
6. You have taken some awesome photos – do you have a favourite shot from your most recent travels? What’s the story behind it?
I have countless pics from my contracts and travel over the years – Mildura, Hervey Bay, Murray Bridge, Darwin, Eromanga, Quilpie. One of my favourite photos is of me catching a 110 cm Barramundi whilst on contract in Weipa!
7. What advice would you give to other Nurses who want to do travel nursing?
It’s the camaraderie and like-mindedness of other nurses doing the same, that is so worthwhile and bonding. I’ve made friendships with all ages – nurses in their Grad year through to nurses about to retire. That’s the love of this job, we’re all there to complement each other.
It’s a very different feel working in a place than just travelling through as a tourist. You are treated differently by the locals when they know you are working there and helping out. You get a feel for a place. It’s an energy you can’t describe. But I truly believe you are meant to be there for that period of time.
Every place offers something to be learnt, not just in your work, but in your life. And it’s when you look back at times that you realize how important that place and the people you met were to you at that precise moment in your life.
Also, having a car is a great idea, if possible – on days off you can take off and discover all around the area that you’re working.
So for anyone thinking about it… Do it! It’s an unreal way to nurse.
Ready to hit the road and start your adventure? Register with Affinity today to take the leap into travel nursing. We’re with you every step of the way.
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