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A nurse is smiling for the camera in a hospital hallway.
By Matthew Power August 23, 2024
At First Choice Care (FCC), we take pride in celebrating the incredible work of our nursing staff. For August, we are thrilled to announce Kat as our Nurse of the Month! As a dedicated travel nurse, Kat has made a lasting impact on patients across Australia while balancing her personal and professional life. Here's a closer look at her journey with FCC. What do you like most about FCC? "One of the things I like the most about FCC is the variety of contracts on offer to nurses throughout Australia and the work/life balance I've been able to achieve working as a travel nurse." Why did you want to be a nurse? "I chose to become a Registered Nurse because the profession offers a unique combination of personal and professional fulfillment. The ability to provide care, support, and comfort to patients during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives gives me a profound sense of purpose. Furthermore, I have always been fascinated by the human body and how its complex systems work in unison to sustain life. You can probably guess some of the subjects I enjoyed most whilst at university!" What has been the highlight of working with FCC? "The best part of working with FCC has been the opportunity to improve my clinical skills, meet new people, and explore locations I wouldn’t have discovered if I had continued working solely in Brisbane." Would you recommend FCC to other nurses and why? "I would recommend my consultant, Sasha, to any of my nursing friends considering travel nursing. I have found Sasha to be dependable, an excellent communicator, and proactive in securing contracts for her clients." Conclusion Kat's passion for nursing, her adventurous spirit, and her dedication to delivering top-quality care make her a shining example of what it means to be part of the FCC family. We are proud to have her as our Nurse of the Month for August and look forward to supporting her continued success as she travels and makes a difference across Australia. Congratulations, Kat!
A picture of a woman with the words nurse of the month on the bottom
By Matthew Power June 21, 2024
At First Choice Care (FCC), we pride ourselves on recognizing the outstanding contributions of our nurses, who consistently demonstrate dedication, compassion, and professionalism in their roles. This month, we are thrilled to honor Hollie as our Nurse of the Month for June 2024. Hollie exemplifies the qualities we value at FCC, and we are excited to share her story with you. An Interview with Hollie What do you like most about FCC? FCC has a streamlined sign-up process; the consultants are approachable and helpful. Why did you want to be a nurse? As a nurse we are able to improve people’s experiences within the healthcare setting, making a real difference in someone's life. I truly believe that helping others is the most rewarding thing one can do with one's life. What has been the highlight of working with FCC? Working with first choice care has enabled me to travel to a variety of locations within Australia. I have enjoyed the exposure to different facilities and the skills and experiences gained from this. Would you recommend FCC to other nurses and why? I have and would recommend FCC to any nurses wishing to travel and work within Australia. The signup process is streamlined and the consultants are down to earth and very helpful. 
A female doctor is holding a clipboard and smiling.
By Matthew Power May 28, 2024
Healthcare is an incredible industry to work in. There are so many opportunities, amazing people to work with, and so much good to do. Because of all these positives, remaining focused on your professional development is important to make the most of your career. To help you get the best out of your healthcare career, we’ve put together our top 7 tips for healthcare success. 1. Make a plan To find success you must have a plan! This should always be the first step taken in setting up your career. So, what should you include in your plan? It’s all about what you want to achieve. Think about some goals. Look to your future and where you want to be. Put together the steps you need to take, and the skills you need to develop to get there. The trick to making your plan effective is to include SMART Goals. That means specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals. Your SMART Goals will help you keep on track as you progress in your career. 2. Surround yourself with the right people The right people make all the difference. By surrounding yourself with people who have similar goals and aspirations you’ll find the support and motivation you need to keep pushing ahead. You’ll also be able to utilise this network for advice, to find job openings, and for help around upskilling. The best way to find like-minded people is through networking events or by joining professional organisations. Have a look online or ask around for events happening near you. While they may seem intimidating at first, once you’ve gotten to know a few people they will be fun and great for your career! 3. Pursue your passions The best way to advance your career, and have a blast doing it, is by pursuing something that you’re passionate about. Following your passion will keep you motivated and provide positive experiences regardless of the challenges you face. To find the fields or specialisations you’re passionate about, consider your past experiences. What have you enjoyed most while working? What is something that first excited you about healthcare? Once you’ve got an idea consider doing agency work in these fields to try them out. 4. Be open to change Healthcare is filled with change. There are new technologies, procedures, discoveries, and information coming in constantly. To work in healthcare, you need to be prepared for, and open to, change. You’ll be required to constantly learn and evolve your skills in order to keep up. Sometimes unexpected career opportunities may open up. Exciting developments are occurring in healthcare, creating fresh job opportunities and innovative approaches to working within the field. When an opportunity that interests you arises, give it a go, even if it wasn’t part of your plan. Trying things out may allow you to find whole new passions. 5. Dress for success What you wear is important for progressing your career, even these days. As they say, dress for the job you want, not the job that you have. Your clothing can reflect your level of professionalism and competence. It can also give you confidence, allowing you to step up to be who you want to be when meeting with others in your industry. Scrubs will always be a staple in healthcare and have their time and place. But when it comes to networking events, interviews, or meetings, it’s important to dress the part. You don’t need to break the bank. Simply wear well-fitting, clean, and pressed clothing to convey that you’re put together and take your career seriously. 6. Continue your education A key component to a long and successful career in healthcare is to never stop learning. As we’ve said earlier, it’s an industry which is constantly evolving, so staying on top of everything requires a love of learning. Pursue new training opportunities where you can. Learn about new technologies, theories, or procedures. Look to professional organisations, your employer, or third-party learning companies for more ongoing educational opportunities. Growing your skills will grow your career opportunities, helping you reach your goals. 7. Start now When’s the best time to start working on your career? Right now! Starting right now allows you to keep up your motivation, and maintain your momentum. Waiting could leave you procrastinating, and missing opportunities. Get started with a plan as soon as you can. From there, you’ll be free to focus on education and upskilling, which will be guided by your plan. Start now and you’ll change your career for the better, forever! Conclusion Working in healthcare is an incredible experience. There are so many wonderful moments, opportunities, and people to meet. It’s an unforgettable career path. To make the most of it, you need to put together a plan, surround yourself with the right people, and get on with pursuing your passions. Start trying out these tips and see how they shape your career. For a change in your career check out agency nursing by getting in touch with us!
A nurse is smiling for the camera in a hospital hallway.
By Matthew Power August 23, 2024
At First Choice Care (FCC), we take pride in celebrating the incredible work of our nursing staff. For August, we are thrilled to announce Kat as our Nurse of the Month! As a dedicated travel nurse, Kat has made a lasting impact on patients across Australia while balancing her personal and professional life. Here's a closer look at her journey with FCC. What do you like most about FCC? "One of the things I like the most about FCC is the variety of contracts on offer to nurses throughout Australia and the work/life balance I've been able to achieve working as a travel nurse." Why did you want to be a nurse? "I chose to become a Registered Nurse because the profession offers a unique combination of personal and professional fulfillment. The ability to provide care, support, and comfort to patients during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives gives me a profound sense of purpose. Furthermore, I have always been fascinated by the human body and how its complex systems work in unison to sustain life. You can probably guess some of the subjects I enjoyed most whilst at university!" What has been the highlight of working with FCC? "The best part of working with FCC has been the opportunity to improve my clinical skills, meet new people, and explore locations I wouldn’t have discovered if I had continued working solely in Brisbane." Would you recommend FCC to other nurses and why? "I would recommend my consultant, Sasha, to any of my nursing friends considering travel nursing. I have found Sasha to be dependable, an excellent communicator, and proactive in securing contracts for her clients." Conclusion Kat's passion for nursing, her adventurous spirit, and her dedication to delivering top-quality care make her a shining example of what it means to be part of the FCC family. We are proud to have her as our Nurse of the Month for August and look forward to supporting her continued success as she travels and makes a difference across Australia. Congratulations, Kat!
A picture of a woman with the words nurse of the month on the bottom
By Matthew Power June 21, 2024
At First Choice Care (FCC), we pride ourselves on recognizing the outstanding contributions of our nurses, who consistently demonstrate dedication, compassion, and professionalism in their roles. This month, we are thrilled to honor Hollie as our Nurse of the Month for June 2024. Hollie exemplifies the qualities we value at FCC, and we are excited to share her story with you. An Interview with Hollie What do you like most about FCC? FCC has a streamlined sign-up process; the consultants are approachable and helpful. Why did you want to be a nurse? As a nurse we are able to improve people’s experiences within the healthcare setting, making a real difference in someone's life. I truly believe that helping others is the most rewarding thing one can do with one's life. What has been the highlight of working with FCC? Working with first choice care has enabled me to travel to a variety of locations within Australia. I have enjoyed the exposure to different facilities and the skills and experiences gained from this. Would you recommend FCC to other nurses and why? I have and would recommend FCC to any nurses wishing to travel and work within Australia. The signup process is streamlined and the consultants are down to earth and very helpful. 
A female doctor is holding a clipboard and smiling.
By Matthew Power May 28, 2024
Healthcare is an incredible industry to work in. There are so many opportunities, amazing people to work with, and so much good to do. Because of all these positives, remaining focused on your professional development is important to make the most of your career. To help you get the best out of your healthcare career, we’ve put together our top 7 tips for healthcare success. 1. Make a plan To find success you must have a plan! This should always be the first step taken in setting up your career. So, what should you include in your plan? It’s all about what you want to achieve. Think about some goals. Look to your future and where you want to be. Put together the steps you need to take, and the skills you need to develop to get there. The trick to making your plan effective is to include SMART Goals. That means specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals. Your SMART Goals will help you keep on track as you progress in your career. 2. Surround yourself with the right people The right people make all the difference. By surrounding yourself with people who have similar goals and aspirations you’ll find the support and motivation you need to keep pushing ahead. You’ll also be able to utilise this network for advice, to find job openings, and for help around upskilling. The best way to find like-minded people is through networking events or by joining professional organisations. Have a look online or ask around for events happening near you. While they may seem intimidating at first, once you’ve gotten to know a few people they will be fun and great for your career! 3. Pursue your passions The best way to advance your career, and have a blast doing it, is by pursuing something that you’re passionate about. Following your passion will keep you motivated and provide positive experiences regardless of the challenges you face. To find the fields or specialisations you’re passionate about, consider your past experiences. What have you enjoyed most while working? What is something that first excited you about healthcare? Once you’ve got an idea consider doing agency work in these fields to try them out. 4. Be open to change Healthcare is filled with change. There are new technologies, procedures, discoveries, and information coming in constantly. To work in healthcare, you need to be prepared for, and open to, change. You’ll be required to constantly learn and evolve your skills in order to keep up. Sometimes unexpected career opportunities may open up. Exciting developments are occurring in healthcare, creating fresh job opportunities and innovative approaches to working within the field. When an opportunity that interests you arises, give it a go, even if it wasn’t part of your plan. Trying things out may allow you to find whole new passions. 5. Dress for success What you wear is important for progressing your career, even these days. As they say, dress for the job you want, not the job that you have. Your clothing can reflect your level of professionalism and competence. It can also give you confidence, allowing you to step up to be who you want to be when meeting with others in your industry. Scrubs will always be a staple in healthcare and have their time and place. But when it comes to networking events, interviews, or meetings, it’s important to dress the part. You don’t need to break the bank. Simply wear well-fitting, clean, and pressed clothing to convey that you’re put together and take your career seriously. 6. Continue your education A key component to a long and successful career in healthcare is to never stop learning. As we’ve said earlier, it’s an industry which is constantly evolving, so staying on top of everything requires a love of learning. Pursue new training opportunities where you can. Learn about new technologies, theories, or procedures. Look to professional organisations, your employer, or third-party learning companies for more ongoing educational opportunities. Growing your skills will grow your career opportunities, helping you reach your goals. 7. Start now When’s the best time to start working on your career? Right now! Starting right now allows you to keep up your motivation, and maintain your momentum. Waiting could leave you procrastinating, and missing opportunities. Get started with a plan as soon as you can. From there, you’ll be free to focus on education and upskilling, which will be guided by your plan. Start now and you’ll change your career for the better, forever! Conclusion Working in healthcare is an incredible experience. There are so many wonderful moments, opportunities, and people to meet. It’s an unforgettable career path. To make the most of it, you need to put together a plan, surround yourself with the right people, and get on with pursuing your passions. Start trying out these tips and see how they shape your career. For a change in your career check out agency nursing by getting in touch with us!
A picture of a woman named nurse of the month.
By Matthew Power May 17, 2024
Congratulations to our nurse of the month for May 2024 – Rebecca! We’re really excited to present you with this award. You’ve been working hard shown dedication to your patients. You make a difference in the lives of others every day. Thank you! You can read all about Rebecca’s time with FCC at the interview below. What do you like most about FCC? I enjoy the flexibility and freedom of being able to work the hours and shifts that fit in with my life. The allocations system is easy and uncomplicated, the staff are great and easy to work with and talk to. I appreciate FCC always trying to find shifts that suit me and my availability. Why did you want to be a nurse? I love science and problem solving and I love helping people so nursing for me is the perfect mix of that. After many years, it has taught me so much about people and the human experience in general, so the continual learning is what keeps me motivated and keeps me going. What has been the highlight of working with FCC? The exposure to working in different facilities has been fantastic - it's great for networking and expanding your knowledge base, it's also confidence building. Plus, I have enjoyed meeting many other FCC nurses on the job who are all fantastic!! Would you recommend FCC to other nurses and why? Yes - definitely. The sign-up process is very streamlined and straightforward - easy to follow and FCC don't waste any time either with on boarding - it's all pretty quick. I like the allocations system where you can put your availability in ahead of time so FCC can start filling you up with shifts, so you are not always having to wait to the last minute for a confirmation. FCC staff are also supportive and easy to talk to if you have any issues.
A woman is smiling in front of a blackboard.
By Matthew Power April 23, 2024
Congratulations to our Nurse of the Month for April 2024 – Kathryn! You’re an incredibly important and valued part of the FCC team. We’re so proud of the hard work, dedication, and care you put into your work each day. You’re an absolute pleasure to work with so we’re excited to acknowledge this with the nurse of the month award. You can read all about her time with FCC at the interview below. What do you like most about FCC? I love how they make you feel important, and listen to your choice of nursing placement. Why did you want to be a nurse? Truthfully my friends decided to become nurses so I followed, best decision of my life. What has been the highlight of working with FCC? FCC have excellent choices [of] rural & remote towns over Queensland and work hard to deliver your requests. Would you recommend FCC to other nurses and why? Would recommend to friends as they select the best suited accommodation, central to work, shops and restaurants. Great income benefits that help with the high cost of rural living. There is so much more but this would become a thesis.
Two nurses are looking at a clipboard together.
By Matthew Power April 8, 2024
Training is essential for reaching the next steps in your nursing career. That’s why we’ve put together this list of 7 awesome courses and tips designed to help Rural and Remote nurses give their careers a boost. These courses are designed to help rural and remote nurses with the situations experienced, in rural healthcare facilities. We’ve gathered a variety of opportunities you can take to boost your Rural and Remote career, gain CPD points, and have a good time while doing it. Check them out, here. 1. Remote emergency care (REC) Want to respond to emergency situations with confidence, or need a refresher? This is the course for you. It’s designed to help Rural and Remote nurses develop the knowledge and skills required for Rural and Remote (R&R) emergency situations. Remote Emergency Care is a valuable skill set that enables individuals to provide life-saving medical care in challenging and often unpredictable environments where traditional healthcare resources may be unavailable or inaccessible. This course is offered by CRANAplus. You can check it out at the link below. https://crana.org.au/learning-opportunities/courses/remote-emergency-care 2. Maternity emergency care (MEC) If you want to try your hand at maternity care, then the MEC course may be a great option. Maternity Emergency Care refers to the provision of emergency medical care specifically tailored to pregnant individuals and their unborn babies during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Maternity Emergency Care is crucial for ensuring the health and safety of pregnant individuals and their babies, particularly in settings where access to obstetric services is limited or where emergencies may occur unexpectedly. By acquiring MEC skills, healthcare providers can effectively manage obstetric emergencies and contribute to better maternal and neonatal outcomes. This is a course offered by CRANAplus and you can check it out at the link below. https://crana.org.au/learning-opportunities/courses/maternity-emergency-care 3. Immunisation course Upskill yourself through the Cunningham Centre’s Immunisation course. This course is recognised nationally by the Health Education Services Australia (HESA). You’ll receive a certification in immunisation and all the skills and knowledge necessary to safely administer vaccines across Australia. This is a completely online course provided by the Cunningham Centre Nursing and Midwifery Education and Training (NMET) service. You can check it out at the link below. https://www.health.qld.gov.au/cunninghamcentre/learn/immunisation-course 4. Pharmacotherapeutics Learn more about the use of medication, the risks associated with them, and strategies to increase the benefits and minimise risks of treatment. This course will deepen and expand your knowledge of medication and its application in treatment so you’re able to utilise medications. The course is offered by the Centre for Remote Health and is completely online. Check it out at the link below. https://www.crh.org.au/online-courses/pharmacotherapeutics-for-remote-area-nurses-online 5. Advanced life support (ALS) There’s a variety of Advanced life support courses available through multiple providers. Generally, an ALS is a requirement for all R&R contracts in Emergency settings, so if you haven’t undertaken yours yet, get started soon. It’ll open even more opportunities for work across the country. Have a look around to find the best provider of an ALS course for your circumstances. 6. Country Health Service Triage Certification If you’re looking to take up R&R opportunities in Emergency settings, then you’ll need a formal Triage Certification. It’s an essential qualification for any nurse seeking work in public health facilities, in the emergency department, or in a multipurpose facility. This isn’t a training course. Rather it recognises your prior experience and training in triage. You’ll need at least 2 years of experience in an Emergency Department or Critical Care environment where your triage role is completed. So, if you’re looking to work in these roles ensure you gain the required experience and undertake any courses which upskill your triage knowledge. 7. Resus If you work in an emergency setting, undergoing a resuscitation course is crucial. Working in an emergency department means being prepared to handle a wide range of medical emergencies, including cardiac arrest, trauma, respiratory failure, and other life-threatening conditions. A resuscitation course equips healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills necessary to initiate and lead resuscitation efforts effectively, potentially saving lives in critical situations. By undergoing a resuscitation course you’ll acquire the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to effectively manage medical emergencies and provide high-quality care to critically ill or injured patients. Conclusion Upskilling your knowledge and skills is essential to advancing your career in Rural and Remote nursing. Try out some of the courses provided to increase your qualifications and unlock new opportunities. You’ll find a lot more variety in the facilities you can work in and the roles you can fill. Add to that a mentor relationship with a senior nurse, and you can develop your abilities and knowledge faster to achieve your career goals. For more tips around training, get in touch with us or check out our blog !
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