Travel nursing in SA (South Australia) ticks all the boxes. Food, music, art, the ocean, wildlife, more food, outdoor activities… but for RN Jennie, who has spent five contracts and counting in Snowtown, getting a furry companion was not one she thought she’d be ticking.
Hailing from New Zealand, Jennie’s storied career currently sees her travel nursing around Australia and affirming, through many ways, that her nursing is valued.
Then, one day in Snowtown, fate introduced her to the enigmatic, but very good boy, Taro the dog.
RN Jennie
44 years nursing experience
3min read
1. How long have you been nursing for?
44 years (and I don’t have a gambling addiction as per Georgie Carrol).
2. You’re 5 contracts into Snowtown Hospital, how has your time been there?
My time in Snowtown is best described as a chaotic period of change for this little farming town hospital. I have nursed under 3 DONs and in 2024 the hospital underwent accreditation, which meant a steep learning curve for everyone. As a returning agency nurse, I was interviewed regarding the aged care standards at Snowtown and thankfully I had done some preemptive study, so I was not the weakest link.
The nursing team, like most nursing teams, are an honest and hard-working bunch. Everyone in the team takes pride in providing the best possible care to the locals, whether in acute or aged care, which is refreshing in the current health care environment which is not always supportive of quality care versus fiscal constraints.
3. What have you got up to in South Australia?
While in SA I have experienced varying adventures from attending Adelaide’s Fringe Festival, driving 5 hours to Northern SA for a Cornish pasty, swimming with seals, kayaking local rivers, attending concerts, and suffering amnesia while visiting various wineries in the Clare and Barossa Valleys. The restaurants are amongst the best in the world – and all of this is right at one’s doorstep in SA – and of course I loved shopping in Adelaide which is the perfect size for a country girl from New Zealand.
4. What do you enjoy most about the travel nurse lifestyle?
I love going on adventures and living my best life. Every contract allows me to experience and seek out different local perspectives and diverse landscapes. Thankfully I have purchased a ute recently, so I don’t have to keep to the airline weight restrictions for FIFO as I acquire treasures.
On my first contract, every night that I finished my shift, the security/orderly, thanked me for coming to Australia and “looking after his people”. That small constant gratitude resonated with me to affirm that my nursing was valued.
5. You’re up to 10 placements with us in total – what has been the highlight of working with Affinity so far?
I like the comradery of working with other Affinity nurses as I find that bonding. I also appreciate how the Affinity consultants (Sammy and Haylee), the credentialing, payroll, and travel team all work towards making my contracts stress free and worthwhile regarding financial gains.
6. Do you have a favourite photo from your travels? What’s the story behind it?
My fav photo is a self-portrait while watching the sunrise from Mount Walker, Hughenden, QLD. The team at the hospital kindly allowed me to borrow a hospital vehicle and I watched the sun slowly lighting up the valley while the town below slept. It was so breathtakingly magical.
7. Would you like to tell us about Taro?
I have acquired a travel buddy – well to be honest he picked me! He’s a rescue – though who rescued who is debatable!
Taro is a 9-year-old Kelpie x Border Collie x German Shepherd who arrived unaccompanied at Snowtown Hospital and was going to be put to sleep as no one claimed or wanted him, (they only keep dogs for 3 days in SA pounds), so by the process of surrender, he became mine.
He is the best and cleverest boy a girl could ask for and he has very discerning taste in people which is comforting.
Affinity Note: Please be aware that generally hospitals and Affinity are unable to provide pet friendly accommodation despite our internal office being big dog enthusiasts! In this case, Jennie arranged care for Taro by herself and through friends.
8. What advice would you tell other Nurses who want to do travel nursing?
My advice for other nurses who want to do travel nursing is just do it!
Be brave – step outside your comfort zone – meet new people and make lifelong friends – what have you got to lose – really?
If it’s not for you – then its not for you – but you never know until you give it a try.
Travel nursing in SA is a great staging point for a new twist on your nursing or midwifery career. And if the south isn’t your speed, how about the north, east, or west? Register with Affinity and we’ll guide you in the right direction towards an exciting and rewarding travel nursing career*.
*Dog not included
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