New South Wales
Explore NSW with Affinity
Merimbula, NSW as seen by RN Simone
New South Wales (NSW) is famous for intense experiences in a unique world of endless beauty and warm hospitality. From famous red-sand dunes to world-class beaches that will blow you away – this state is remarkably diverse!
Agency nursing and midwifery in NSW also enables you to develop a broad knowledge base and experience a wide range of hospital settings. As a tendered agency with NSW, you have as many contract options as the amount of food and beaches the state has to share (and that’s a lot!).
Check out the incredible regions of NSW that you could do travel nursing in.
Northern NSW
Blessed with world famous beaches
You may run into Chris Hemsworth here… but that’s not the sole reason nurses love coming to Northern NSW (but we don’t blame them if it is)! Home to Byron Bay & Yamba, world-class beaches, rich green hinterlands and the laid-back lifestyle, there’s no second-guessing coming here!
Scattered with Multipurpose facilities in the green hinterland, and larger base hospitals on the coast, Lismore Base Hospital is the major trauma centre, with doctors present 24/7 and a sizable amount of beds in ICU and ED.
Mid North Coast
The most ideal climate in Australia
Nearly smack bang between Sydney and Brisbane, this landscape is made of winding rivers feeding lush hinterland, and over 100km of pristine beaches. It’s rich with high rainfall, and considered by many as the most ideal Aussie climate. Mid North Coast is home to an array of townships, attracting roughly 5.6 million visitors per year!
Port Macquarie Base is a highly requested and sought-after facility for agency nurses when it comes to the Hastings Macleay Network. This hospital is fitted out with practically all specialist wards and units. Expect to see oncology, acute renal dialysis, coronary care, paediatrics and many more.
Photo credit: RN Alex
Far West NSW
Outback wonderland
The unofficial ‘capital’ of the outback, Broken Hill, this area is home to national parks, history and Aboriginal Culture. Sharing a border with VIC and QLD, the Far West has endless dazzling sights to capture for photography enthusiasts.
The far west lets aspiring RANs test the waters of Remote Area Nursing, with Primary Health Centres making up most of the demand. Broken Hill Base Hospital services all major clinical areas, and facilities like Ivanhoe Health Service operate with an ambulance alongside their primary health care facility.
Hunter New England
Diverse falls and grasslands come to life
A vibrant area filled with heritage, culture, natural beauty and gourmet dining. From gold rush towns to pristine waterways, Hunter New England is a versatile, promising area to pick up ongoing contracts.
Country music lovers, don’t forget to check out the Tamworth Country Music Festival every January!
HNE is abundant with community health clinics. Gunnedah District Hospital is an Acute/ED facility in the heart of the Namoi Valley with 24/7 emergency, a theatre running 5 days a week, and a maternity unit for low-care births.
Photo credit: RN/RM Rahel & RN Tash
Murrumbidgee
Fresh produce and wildlife serenity
Known as Australia’s food bowl, the Riverina Region is home to the Murrumbidgee River and its maze of waterways. Winding through amazing food trails, its natural wonders and charming towns are waiting to be explored. This is a top choice for nature lovers, wine lovers and those adrenaline junkies after a new adventure.
‘Deni’ offers a larger country town with a hometown charm. Deniliquin Health Service sits on the edge of the beautiful Edward River, a tributary of the Mighty Murray River while Deniliquin hospital has a 24/7 ED, large inpatient mixed ward, renal and oncology, plus allied and mental health services.
Photo credit: RN Jasmine
Southern NSW
Unique in its rugged beauty
Perfect for a cool change, expect to encounter snowy mountains like Mount Kosciuszko, the fresh Sapphire Coast, and most importantly, the home of Australian cheese, Bega! This is an all-in-one location for oyster farms, snowing, and surfing!
South East Regional Hospital sits in the heart of the Sapphire Coast. Bega services Batemans Bay, all the way to Mallacoota along the South Coast.
The hospital covers ED, medical/surgical wards, maternity, ICU, paediatrics, dialysis, oncology and an inpatient MH unit, while Bega hospital typically accommodates nurses offsite in the enchanting seaside town of Merimbula, a prime spot for whale watching and water sports.
Photo credit: RNs Seamus & Eloise
Western NSW
Beauty in diversity
The largest local health district in NSW, this stunning location is where you’ll find Lightning Ridge in the North, and Cowra in the South.
Cowra Health Service incorporates general medical/surgical, palliative, maternity services, a theatre, outpatient services and HDU monitored beds. Their 24/7 emergency department can vary between 20 and 40 patients per day with the team equipped with telehealth services.
Put yourself in a mixed bag of remote scenery, red dirt and lush green forests. Take a road trip to explore historic paddle-steamer towns, stunning national parks or camp under the starry outback sky. There are over 35 facilities under the LHD, and spans over 250, 000 square kilometres, with 3 major referral hospitals across Orange, Bathurst and Dubbo.
Photo credit: RN Tash
Affinity nurses on adventures
“Amazing photos taken in Bega, an excellent place to escape the cold during winter!”
-RN Ellie and Seamus
What our nurses say about facilities
“All the staff I worked with at Gunnedah were great. I found everyone to be really helpful and they would always go out of their way to make sure you were comfortable and felt supported …everyone here always came together to provide the best possible outcome they could, for both the patient and their families.”
– RN/RM Rahel, Gunnedah
What our nurses say about facilities
“The town itself is small but extremely social, big sporting culture and friendly locals willing have a chat. The hospital staff echo the same sentiments, all of them friendly, welcoming and supportive, especially with my first contract involving the remote medical service.”
– RN Jill, Wyalong