2min read
CN Alison
44 years nursing experience
Currently on contract as a Director of Nursing (DON), Alison has worked over a generation’s worth of nursing since the 80s. This is the piece to read if you seek a story of a senior nurse with unwavering values.
Read along as Alison shares her experiences, advice for seasoned and aspiring nurses, and sights encountered along the way.
1. Tell us a bit about your nursing background.
I have been nursing for 44 years in Perioperative, Acute and Medical, Rural, Remote and Management positions. I am also an IPN (Immunisation Practice Nurse).
2. You’ve worked in some remote facilities in Queensland – what has been something interesting you have come across during your time in Thargomindah?
I have worked in many Rural and Remote areas of QLD with each community having a different demographic. Patient presentations are wide and varied dependent on the industry and work in the area – from beef production to large orchards and island communities.
Isolation and access for services is an ongoing challenge for community members. All people and staff are always welcoming and happy to know that care is available to them for Chronic disease and Acute care.
3. Tell us about your travel nursing journey since you started your first contract.
The most rewarding part of travel nursing is meeting and providing nursing care to people of differing background, their life journeys, learning and being part of the community I am working within. I love that the RFDS comes to our clinic weekly and we provide lunch/morning tea and a time to connect with our colleagues.
4. What do you enjoy most about the travel nursing lifestyle?
I enjoy travelling to diverse areas of the country, having the opportunity to explore, meeting new people and the financial reward of this lifestyle.
5. You are on your 4th placement with us – what has been the highlight working with Affinity so far?
The staff at Affinity are all amazing and beautiful people who are always there to help and assist with navigating the processes and pathways to a new location.
There is ongoing extra work in the background to secure the desired
contract and to ensure that Affinity nurses are safe their travel, work and living arrangements.
6. What advice would you give other nurses who want to do travel nursing?
There are many pieces of advice to give with regard to my experience with travel nursing, and this may be different for each person.
On your first day, always check and check where to find vital equipment and ask for a complete orientation of the facility.
Take something personal to each contract to remind you of family or home. Be open to different practices and embrace each place you work in.
Be nice and kind, be inquisitive, accept the challenges of finding equipment and stores, accept different personalities and follow the values nurses aspire to.
It’s never too late to jump into a travel nursing job in Queensland. Hit the sunny state up today and register with Affinity today!
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