7 benefits of working as a rural and remote nurse

A view of a city from a hill overlooking the ocean at sunset.

If you’re a nurse looking for a career boost or a change of scenery, then you’ll love rural nursing. There are a tonne of opportunities to grow your career, explore new places, meet new people, and make a bit extra on top. Plus, you’ll find a lot of placements available, so you can jump in at any time.

Still need more convincing? Let’s dive into the top 8 benefits of working as a rural nurse.

1. Free accommodation

Most rural and remote contracts last between 4-12 weeks. So, you’ll need somewhere to stay. Fortunately, each contract comes with free accommodation.

You won’t have to worry about where you’re staying, paying rent, or hotel fees. There’ll be a room waiting for you that’s the perfect base to work and explore the beautiful environment around you.

2. A higher salary

Who doesn’t love having a bit extra in their pocket? Rural and remote contracts often command a higher salary than metro contracts. Of course, this will depend on the contract. But if you’re looking to make more money then you’ll easily run into a contract with a great hourly rate.

It’s the perfect way of giving your income a quick boost. If you’re saving for a home, a holiday, or something else, then the boost could make all the difference.

3. Travel allowances

Since you’ll need to travel to a rural or remote location for a few weeks (and eventually travel back home), you’ll receive a travel allowance. This will help to pay for flights, train tickets, or fuel for your trip over. Not as common, but some rural and remote contracts do include free flights. Do check, however, as they may not be free for your partner if you want to bring them along.

Generally, there’s a reimbursement of up to $500 for your international travel costs. Regarding fuel, you’ll be reimbursed fuel costs at commencement and completion of contracts.

4. Living away from home allowance (LAFHA)

To add to all this extra money on top is an added deal sweetener of a living-away-from-home allowance. This is to pay for all your meals or bills that you may get during your contract. FCC offers a $150 per week allowance to help make the trek to a rural or remote location even easier. You won’t have any extra bills to worry about on top of those at home. So, you can sit back and enjoy all the incredible experiences country Australia has to offer.

5. Increased autonomy

Rural and remote locations will often have smaller healthcare teams. This will often lead to nurses having greater levels of autonomy and economy for critical care. You’ll have the opportunity to make decisions and the opportunity to practice at the top of your field.

For those looking to get the chance to stand out in their field, grow their career, or get away from the structure of metro facilities then this is the perfect opportunity.

6. Professional growth and leadership opportunities

On top of increased autonomy, the smaller teams in healthcare facilities enable greater opportunities for professional growth and leadership. You’ll face new challenges and work closer with the team to solve them. Nursing in rural locations will improve your adaptability and challenge your skills, allowing you to grow professionally faster than you would in metro locations.

7. Greater work/life balance

Nothing beats small-town work/life balance. There’s no traffic, wide open spaces, and so much to do. Most healthcare facilities are a quick drive away, reducing commute times. Rural towns are also known for their laid-back, less hectic pace of life.

When you’re not working you also get the opportunity to see some of the most beautiful parts of Australia. There are farms, rainforests, beaches, lakes, deserts, and so much more ready for you to explore. All of this comes together to provide a higher quality of life.

Conclusion

There’s not much that beats the benefits of working rural and remote contracts as a nurse. You get to see some incredible places across the country, work with amazing people, and accelerate your career. All of that while earning some sweet bonuses on top.

It’s a win-win for anyone who loves travelling or wants to get out of the city for a bit. The best part is that once your contract is up you can return to your life in the city with a bit extra cash in your pocket.

If this sounds like an awesome opportunity for you, come register your interest here.

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