A rewarding career in nursing and Insta-worthy travel destinations? If you have at least 3 years of consolidated clinical experience, then there are no barriers to starting a career in travel nursing.

Read on to hear about RN Hannagh’s experience. Originally from New Zealand, Hannagh has now had 11 placements (and counting) with Affinity Nursing!

RN Hannagh

8 years nursing experience

3min read

1. How long have you been nursing for?

I’ve been nursing for around eight years now – I’m from NZ and have mostly worked in critical care, CCU, ICU, HDU, a bit of ED and General Med thrown in. I’m a CCU Nurse at heart, though! (haha)

Nursing has given me so many great experiences and friendships, and I love how much there is to learn still.

2. How is your time going at Alice Springs Hospital?

It’s been such a rewarding experience. I stepped into a cardiology CNC role and pretty much hit the ground running. The team has been really supportive, the work is diverse, and the community aspect of healthcare here feels so meaningful.

Before this, I had mostly worked in bedside nursing, so this has been a big change for me, but I have felt really well-supported in the role. I’ve even had the chance to fly out for the day with the team to an outreach clinic in a remote community called Papunya which was an amazing trip! The staff around the hospital have been great, and I’ve made a lot of friends in the on-site accommodation, too!

3. What have you gotten up to in the NT? How does it compare to other states you’ve contracted in?

I’ve really enjoyed my time in the NT! Alice Springs has been great, there’s lots of walks and local events. I’ve driven out with friends to Ellery Creek Big Hole, Standley Chasm and Simpsons Gap. I’m also planning a trip to a kangaroo sanctuary and Uluru before I leave.

I have had another placement in the Northern Territory before, in Darwin, and had some amazing experiences like crocodile park tours, river cruises, sunset sails, and exploring Litchfield National Park. The NT has so much to offer, it’s been a real adventure.

I’ve travelled around a lot of Australia the landscapes here in the NT are unreal – deserts, national parks and sunsets!

4. What do you enjoy most about the travel nurse lifestyle?

I love that my job takes me to new places and lets me see so much of Australia while doing what I love – I’m really grateful for that. My days off often feel like mini-holidays exploring new spots, and I’ve found I really thrive when I challenge myself by trying new places and different areas of nursing. I love the freedom of choosing when I work during the year and being able to enjoy time off between contracts to reset and spend time with friends and family

5. You’ve done 11 placements with us in total! What has been the highlight of working with Affinity so far?

11 placements! I didn’t even realise it had been that many!

The last three years with Affinity have been such a positive experience for me. The support and communication from the team is why I keep coming back. My consultants have been amazing, and I’ve always felt listened to and supported. They’ve really worked hard to get me the contracts in the specialties and locations I’ve wanted, which has made all the difference.

6. You have taken some incredible photos – do you have a favourite shot from your most recent travels? What’s the story behind it?

I have so many favourite photos! One of my favourites is from my current contract in Alice Springs. The photo is of the team and I outside the plane we took to Papunya clinic for an outreach trip, it was such a hot day and after clinic we had a walk around Papunya meeting some of the locals and even going to an art gallery with internationally acclaimed Aboriginal artists who we got to watch paint and say hello to. This photo below is of us before we took a very bumpy flight back to Alice Springs that afternoon! It was such a surreal experience and one I’ll never forget.

7. What advice would you tell other Nurses who want to do travel nursing?

l’d say just go for it! Getting out of my comfort zone and challenging myself has been one of the best things I’ve ever done – not just for my career, but for my personal growth too. Say yes to every opportunity, because the memories you make and the friends you meet are totally worth it!