What is the difference between Travel Nurse, Remote Nurse and Regional Nurse?
Australia is a large country with a relatively low population density and a growing ageing population. Given these factors, the healthcare system is expanding rapidly.
There are numerous opportunities for qualified healthcare professionals across Australia, not only in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne but also in remote areas where support is needed most.
Finding a job as a nurse in Australia is not particularly difficult, but becoming eligible to work as a nurse involves more complex steps.
Australian regulations vary by state, and while some aspects may differ—such as the required years of experience to work as a travel nurse—all nurses must be registered with AHPRA.
They must also have their bachelor’s degree in nursing science recognised and demonstrate experience in their chosen fields.
Each sector may have different specific requirements. To work in aged care, registered nurses must comply with fewer requirements than those working in an acute care centre, for example.
If you are a nurse or are considering studying for a nursing degree and want to understand where you can fit in the Australian healthcare system, there are various areas you can choose to practise your profession, regardless of your chosen specialisation.
The most important requirement is: you must be registered and have working rights to practise your profession in Australia!
You can work as a registered nurse in regional, remote, and rural areas. RNs that work remotely, on short or mid-term contracts, are known as travel nurses.
Travel nurses typically work in different facilities and locations, with contracts that can run from 4 weeks to 13 months, depending on the client’s requirements.
Why do healthcare facilities opt for travel nurses?
Healthcare facilities in remote and rural areas are always in need of extra support, especially in peak seasons. They also might need to cover a permanent nurse who is on maternity leave, on long holidays, etc.
Difference between Travel Nurse, Remote Nurse, and Regional Nurse and their pros and cons:
What is a Travel Nurse?
Travel Nurses are Registered Nurses (RNs) who take on short-term assignments in healthcare facilities across various locations. These assignments typically start with a minimum 4-week contract, often extending up to 13 weeks, to address temporary staffing needs.
Regardless of whether the assignment is in a regional or remote area, both Regional Nurses and Remote Nurses are considered Travel Nurses.
What are the Pros and Cons of being a Travel Nurse?
Pros:
- The Pay
Travel nurses have access to more competitive wages compared to permanent roles. They can earn more money, especially when they are keen to take shifts on weekends, bank holidays, or overnight shifts.
- Flexibility:
Travel nurses are usually available to do flexible shifts, which can help them better choose when they have free time to explore the amazing areas they might go to in Australia.
- Ongoing Learning:
Travel nurses can learn from different professionals and facilities that might require different policies. They are exposed to various situations, gaining more experience in a shorter time.
- Live an Adventure:
Being a travel nurse in Australia can be very exciting, with many awesome places to visit, new people to meet, and opportunities to explore while earning money.
Cons:
- Stability:
Travel nurses usually have 6-week contracts, depending on the areas they go to and the agencies they associate with. It’s important to save money and be prepared for the time between jobs. Another challenge is maintaining a routine with frequent travel.
- Feeling Far Away:
In remote areas, it might be hard for some people to adjust to different cultures, lingo, and manners. Being away from family and friends can be tough, although some facilities assist nurses in bringing their family or partners.
What is a Remote Nurse?
What are the Pros and Cons of being a Remote Nurse?
Pros:
- The Pay
Remote nurses have access to more competitive wages compared to permanent roles. The salary can range from $120,000 to $150,000 + super, depending on the location, shifts, and specialties.
- Explore Remote Areas:
Australia is a beautiful country. Remote nurses have the opportunity to explore new areas while working, giving them free time to travel and visit new places.
- Support Community in Need:
Remote nurses often develop bonds with the communities they serve, becoming integral parts of these communities and experiencing a sense of family and belonging.
- Caring for Patients in Need:
Remote areas often lack support and need qualified care, making the nurse’s role even more vital.
Cons:
- Midterm Challenges:
Living in a remote area for an extended period can be challenging. However, Zonda ensures that nurses have access to the necessary requirements to live comfortably and safely, even in areas with limited resources.
- Cultural Adjustments:
Adapting to different cultures and manners can be difficult for some.
- Feeling Far Away:
Being away from family and friends can lead to loneliness, but some facilities assist nurses in bringing their family or partners.
Regional Nurse:
Regional Nurses are Registered Nurses (RNs) who work in healthcare facilities located in smaller cities, towns, or rural communities outside major metropolitan areas, providing a wide range of healthcare services to regional populations. These locations are ideal for novice travel nurses, as they feature hospitals with the necessary resources for comprehensive healthcare services.
What are the Pros and Cons of being a Regional Nurse?
Pros:
- The Pay:
Regional nurses also have access to competitive wages. The salary may vary depending on the location, shifts, and specialties.
- Lower Cost of Living:
Living in regional areas often comes with a lower cost of living.
- Explore Small Towns and Rural Areas:
Regional nurses have the opportunity to experience the authentic Aussie culture.
- Proximity to Big Cities:
Regional areas offer a balance between being far from the city but not too isolated, ideal for those new to travel nursing.
- Caring for Patients in Need:
Like remote nurses, regional nurses provide much-needed support to their communities.
Cons:
- Limited Amenities:
Rural areas often have fewer amenities and entertainment options, impacting lifestyle and comfort. Zonda prioritises assisting nurses to ensure they have the necessary resources.
- Cultural Adjustments:
Adjusting to different cultures and manners can be challenging, though not as extreme as in remote areas.
- Cultural Adjustments:
Adjusting to different cultures and manners can be challenging, though not as extreme as in remote areas.
Conclusions
Being a travel nurse, whether in a remote or regional area, can be very interesting for those who want to explore Australia, earn extra money, and have more flexibility.
Travel nursing assignments vary in duration, location, and requirements. Flexibility is key for navigating these changes and adjusting to different environments and patient populations.
Therefore, being flexible is one of the most important factors in embracing a travel nurse career, and with that comes accountability. Being accountable with shift rosters is a crucial skill travel nurses need to have to find excellent opportunities in amazing locations across the country.
In a previous blog post, we wrote about the five skills travel nurses need to balance their work-life while enjoying the benefits of travelling to multiple places and serving different facilities.
If you are a Travel Nurse, you should be prepared to move to remote areas with very small communities or rural areas with more resources. You can also choose to experience both. Whatever you choose, we at Zonda will always take care and ensure our nurses have access to the minimum they need to be safe and comfortable.
If you possess all these skills and are looking for travel nursing jobs, the best way to find remote facilities and secure continuous employment is by partnering with a trusted nursing agency.
Zonda’s are always partnered with nurses and client’s to match the right job to the right person. In the end, when we have a very happy employee, everyone wins.
If you are looking for your next role and you want a recruiter that helps you in this journey, get in touch with us by email at info@zondaglobal.com.au or 1300 633 775.
