BLOG - Affinity Nursing

Want to know a bit more about how agency works at Affinity? Interested in things to do on days off? Or maybe a bit more in depth information about how to update your skills? Our blog aims to highlight all areas of travel nursing; the industry, the lifestyle and why Affinity is the provider to experience this fully.

The best part about this blog is it highlights our greatest resource; our nurses. We love living vicariously through you so please send any happy snaps, videos, stories, tips or recommendations. General rule of thumb is that if you find it interesting then so will someone else!

Email us today at info@affinitynursing.com.au or call us on 1800 355 446. We look forward to hearing about your adventures.

Happy Travels!

Tips and Tricks

Other resources

Things to do: Self Isolation

Whether you have just arrived from overseas or are required to self-isolate due to interstate travel – there is one thing for sure; 14 days can quickly go from being a breeze to something resembling cabin fever without planning and preparation! First and foremost, keeping a positive mindset is key

Posted on March 27, 2020

Travel

Location, Location, Location – Bunbury, Western Australia!

Fancy dipping your toes into the ocean whilst watching the dolphins frolic on contract with Affinity? Count me in! 175 km’s South of Perth is the coastal haven of Bunbury, within Australia’s picturesque South West region. Recently we have had it all at Bunbury from ED, theatre, surgical to mental

Posted on March 13, 2020

COVID-19-NURSES

Other resources

Contract nursing, COVID-19 and what you need to know

There is a lot of misinformation surrounding COVID-19. Between the toilet paper-buying panic and the rapidly evolving disease itself, it is essential to take a step back. Whilst WHO has now declared COVID-19 a pandemic, we must remember that labels do not change infection control protocol. As nurses we are

Posted on March 12, 2020

Tips and Tricks

Tips & Tricks of Living in Shared Accommodation

Living in shared accommodation may be a familiar experience to a lot of you, and remind you of the good old university days! However, if you are taking the leap into agency because you are empty nesting now and it’s been a while since you’ve had to live around others,

Posted on February 28, 2020

Travel

Things to Do: Port Macquarie, NSW

Port Macquarie, on the Mid North Coast of NSW, is a hub for activity with its prime coastal position two hours drive above Sydney. It is one of the new exciting locations that Affinity serviced in 2019. So, thinking of a beach contract in 2020 and manage to get lucky

Posted on February 14, 2020

medical team having a discussion

Career, Tips and Tricks

Managing Work Conflict – Where to Start?

Sometimes working in new (or even sometimes old teams) can be daunting and challenging when conflict rears its ugly head! Unfortunately, conflict is one of those unavoidable things in life and can spread faster than MRSA in a hospital! More often than not, it is sparked from a small miscommunication

Posted on January 10, 2020

Tips and Tricks

Be Social Media Safe and Savvy

Facebook is a tool that is growing in popularity for agency networking, information sharing and good old fashion socialising. It is a forum in which you can ask questions, get the inside scoop and get a real feel for a placement you may be embarking on or considering. It lets

Posted on December 13, 2019

Travel

Fraser Island – Hot Spot!

Dreaming of a contract in a nice coastal location in Queensland? Well you are not alone. Affinity services the Wide Bay region, which has a number of regional facilities that can accommodate this request. If you are lucky enough to grab one of these highly contested spots, then make sure

Posted on November 8, 2019

Tips and Tricks

Signs You Are Ready for Travel Nursing

Travel Nursing – are you ready? Taking the leap into agency nursing can be a big change, especially for those planning to move from the security of a permanent role to the travel nurse lifestyle for the first time. It can be a scary decision, but if you’re doing it

Posted on October 25, 2019

Travel

Torres and Cape Adventures

The Torres & Cape region in Far North Queensland is one of our most requested or enquired about regions. It is easy to see why! Escape the normal hustle and bustle, enjoy the rugged scenery and live the adventurous life that you have always wanted.So how do you get the

Posted on October 11, 2019

Tips and Tricks

10 Small Ways to Live a More Sustainable and Greener Existence!

Here at Affinity we are always trying to promote positive change through sustainable processes. We are trying to reduce our footprint and implement new office guidelines on how to be better inhabitants on this lovely planet. Things such as cutting back on paper, printing and general avoidable office waste. So,

Posted on September 27, 2019

Experiences

Behind the Scenes with Joy – Life as a RAN

One of the unique benefits of travel nursing, is the abundance of positions for Remote Area Nurses – or RANs. We often receive enquiries about RAN work and what the experience is like. For a glimpse into the life of a RAN, check out our interview with Affinity RAN Joy

Posted on September 16, 2019

Tips and Tricks

Top Tips for Your First Contract

So you have your contract, know when your first shift will be, but feeling unsure about that looming first day on the job? You are not alone! As an agency nurse you are stepping into a new setting with new staff, new systems, new procedures, new everything! It can feel

Posted on August 9, 2019

Tips and Tricks

Handy Apps for Your Next Contract

Being an agency nurse, you are constantly on the go. One thing that everyone shares is that you have a phone on contract (if you still communicate via smoke signals or carrier pigeons this may not be the article for you). So, read below for some handy apps that our

Posted on July 19, 2019

Experiences, Travel

Western Australia Hot Spot – Ningaloo Region

The World Heritage listed Ningaloo region (Exmouth, Coral Bay and surrounds) is regarded as one of the last great ocean paradises, and a must-visit for nature lovers. It proclaims itself as the eco-adventure capital of Western Australia. No matter how you like to spend your time, there is sure to

Posted on July 5, 2019

Career

Urban Myth: The More the Merrier

It’s a common belief in agency nursing that it pays to be with several agencies at any given time. The logic behind the decision is somewhat understandable, but is it really the best approach? From a recruitment consultant’s perspective, and from one who has been working in this industry for

Posted on June 21, 2019

Travel

Top Things to Do Around Warwick

Warwick: A small town 160 kilometres south west of Brisbane, Queensland. Well known for its strong agricultural industry and heritage buildings. Surrounded by mountain ranges, Warwick is a picturesque escape from busy metropolitan life. #image_1651552217 { width: 100%; } 1. Bushwalking: 30 minutes away from Warwick’s town centre is Cunningham’s

Posted on June 7, 2019

Travel

Hobart – Eat Like a Local

Hobart: Tasmania’s capital city with the great back drop of Mount Wellington. The residents of Hobart and wider Tasmania region are well known for their passion for both food and wine (in our eyes a real winning combo!) So, it’s obvious that there are some must trys on your next

Posted on May 10, 2019

Tips and Tricks

Suitcase and Packing Hacks

Are you packing for a contract and finding the airline baggage limits restricting? Or perhaps you’re one of those people who always packs too much when travelling? Read on for some tips to help you pack lighter, avoid extra baggage fees and make Marie Kondo proud! Use a Packing Checklist

Posted on April 26, 2019

Travel

Rockhampton – Eat Like a Local

Rockhampton: Located in Central Queensland along the Fitzroy River, 640 kilometres North of Brisbane. Your Affinity mission if you choose to accept it; find and take a snap at the six big bull statues around the town. No bull, there’s legitimately six of them! On a more serious note, Rockhampton

Posted on April 12, 2019

Tips and Tricks

How to Stay Fit on Contract

Travel nursing and staying fit can be challenging when you are constantly on the move and in unfamiliar surroundings. It can be difficult to establish a proper fitness routine that you can realistically stick to. Adaptability can be the key to meeting your fitness goals. Here are some simple tips

Posted on March 29, 2019

Experiences

Behind the Scenes with Shafia – Mackay

Sometimes your first contract can be daunting but Shafia is making the absolute most of it! Shafia is one of Affinity’s great new nurses on contract in Mackay, North Queensland. We have absolutely loved seeing her photos of everything this region has to offer in terms of lifestyle, location and

Posted on March 15, 2019

Tips and Tricks

Crossing the Ditch – From NZ to AUS

Besides buying a cork hat and brushing up on your Aussie vernacular, what else do you need to be ready to work on the other side of the ditch? Firstly, AHPRA: To work as a nurse in Australia, you will need to apply through AHPRA for your registration. AHPRA stands

Posted on March 1, 2019

Travel

Bega – More Than Just Cheese

The name Bega originates from the Yuin-Monaro tribe and translates to ‘Big camping ground’ in traditional language. It is the urban centre of the Sapphire Coast. Your weekends here will be filled exploring the rich wildlife, dozing alongside lagoons and wandering the lush dairy countryside. #image_898582393 { width: 100%; }

Posted on February 15, 2019

Career, Tips and Tricks

What You Can Do to Improve Your Job Prospects

Communicate! It may sound common sense, but communication is your biggest asset. The agency market is dynamic. We are constantly working with changing supply and demand. Clear and frequent communication with your recruitment consultant and placement specialist are paramount to ensure you secure the placement YOU want. Locational ‘Wish List’

Posted on January 16, 2019

Tips and Tricks

Top Tips for Winding Down After a Long Shift

Stress management is important for wellness, but we tend to neglect ourselves more often than not. It’s easy to get caught up with work and forget about yourself. Unwind and take a moment each day to relax with some of tips below. #image_1217188339 { width: 100%; } Avoid Screen TimeScrolling

Posted on January 10, 2019

Tips and Tricks, Travel

Travel Tips for Long Drives

Sometimes it can be daunting, setting off on your first long drive to a remote contract. Your safety is paramount to us, so we have developed an easy go to guide on how to get there. Before You Set Off #image_2085810884 { width: 100%; } Plan your trip. Whether it’s

Posted on January 9, 2019

Travel

Our Guide to Barcaldine

Barcaldine is known as the Garden City of the West and is home to the Tree of Knowledge, the reputed birth place of the labour movement in Australia. The famous tree has been preserved and placed under an award-winning timber structure that was constructed to celebrate its importance in Australia’s

Posted on January 8, 2019

Career

5 Ways Travel Nursing Benefits Your New Career

Seen how much fun your friends and colleagues are having as travel nurses? Perhaps you are wondering if this is for you? Keep reading for 5 ways travel nursing can help you grow professionally and personally. Gain Experience Quickly Want to expand your clinical knowledge and extend yourself professionally but

Posted on January 5, 2019

Experiences

Behind the Scenes with Jessica – Lush Launceston

Launceston: Launceston is a riverside city in Northern Tasmania. Home to the cataract gorge, luscious parks and gorgeous heritage buildings. Where else can you get an expansive piece of natural landscape right in the middle of the city. Not only that, but it is a cultural hub of food and

Posted on January 2, 2019