RN Amalija
17 years nursing experience Theatre, mainly within anaesthetics and recovery
1. When and why did you decide to do agency nursing?
I have been in my current role and hospital for over 10 years and decided late in 2019, it was time for a change.
I joined affinity in November 2019 but wasn’t able to do my first contract until September 2020 due to the uncertainty of the situation at the time with covid and border restrictions etc.
I viewed my first contract as a ‘test’ to gauge if I could possibly work agency through Affinity on a more permanent basis in the future.
My absolute dream was to go to Tasmania and do a contract there which was made possible by Elim within a very short amount of time.
My experience with Affinity and in particular Elim has not only been a very pleasant and positive one, I was also amazed at how quickly things fell into place. Flights, accomodation and everything was organised within a matter of days.
Once I got to Tasmania, I had to quarantine for 2 weeks which initially was quite daunting but the support from Affinity as well as Red Cross nurses, hotel staff and covid co-ordinators made me feel less alone.
Elim checked up on me every few days which meant a lot.
2. How has your time been at Hobart?
I started my very first agency contract at the Royal Hobart hospital the day after leaving hotel quarantine. The accomodation provided was less than a minute walk to work and only a few minutes to the centre of the city, to Salamanca and the harbour.
The apartment was modern, large and well equipped with three bedrooms. It was a real treat to live so close to everything.
The anaesthetic department was very welcoming and friendly, I felt supported and was made to feel very much part of the team. I couldn’t have wished for a better department for my first agency role.
3. What have you got up to in Tasmania?
I hired a car every weekend and explored most of the state on my days off. What struck me when I was driving was how much wildlife there was and how quiet it was on most of my trips.
It was a real treat to explore and not have the nuisance of crowds, traffic and angry people.
My absolute highlight in Tasmania was a cruise around Maria Island, seeing hundreds of wombats and other wildlife.
There was nothing ordinary or boring in Tasmania, around every corner was a friendly person, a breathtaking view and the most spectacular wildlife, something unlike anything I’ve ever seen before.
4. What do you enjoy most about the travel nurse lifestyle?
I can definitely see myself working as a travel nurse more permanently in the future. It opens your world up so much that you have no choice but to grow from it.
I would and have recommended Affinity to friends, one even joined recently and is about to do her first contract.
The most impressive Affinity quality is the genuine nature of the staff. One feels very supported and looked after.
My one big regret is that I’ve waited this long to join.
5. What advice would you tell other Nurses who want to do travel nursing?
My advice to all nurses that are thinking about joining, just do it.
There is so much support and care through Affinity, you will not be doing it on your own.
If you’re inspired by RN Amalija’s story, sign up with Affinity now!
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