Unlike regular nurses who are employed for as long as they and the employers want, travel nursing involves filling up temporary posts ranging from an average of two to 26 weeks. However, the most prevalent length of contract is between four and six weeks.
What they usually cover are positions vacated by nurses on their annual leave and those under maternity leave. But the fact that there really is a long-standing nurse shortage in Australia cannot be ignored. This is especially the case of those healthcare facilities in remote towns in some regions where travel nurses are even offered full-time nurse roles and not just short-term substitutes.
The reason for the shortage outside the major cities is understandable because not many nurses would want to be assigned to a small remote town or island with a very small population and without many establishments that they can enjoy to unwind in after an exhausting duty. Hence, agencies are offering their best benefits to lure these nurses to accept the posts.
Why Choose Travel Nursing in Queensland?
If you are wondering what is so special about Queensland that can make you want to choose to work there? There are actually plenty of things this state has to offer for a travel nurse. But overall, what are the things to look forward to in this region considered to have the fastest growing population?
Queensland is a very diverse state that boasts stunning coastlines, rugged outback, as well as tropical rain forests. The temperature is basically warm, which is a true characteristic of tropical weather that it has.
The further you go up north, the more humid the climate gets and tropical rain is also expected from time to time, even in summer. However, they are usually in short bursts.
If you want to see snow in Queensland, it might be quite a stretch as it rarely happens. But it doesn’t mean it isn’t possible.
If you plan to drive, take note that Queensland and actually the entire of Australia uses the left side of the road and vehicles are right-hand drive. Road rules vary from state to state, so if you’re frequently moving assignments, it pays to familiarise yourself with the slight difference. However, wherever you are in the country, wearing seatbelts all the time is a must.
It is also worth noting that from October to April, Queensland will be behind by 1 hour compared to other East Coast areas. This is because the state doesn’t use Daylight Saving Time.
Amazing Regions of Queensland
Queensland is the second largest state in Australia in terms of land area, after Western Australia, with an area of 1.853 million km². So, can you imagine how massive the options are on where to be assigned because each one of these has a lot to offer? It is divided into 14 regions, which are listed below, together with the cities and towns that they are composed of (Local Government Areas), and what they are famous for.
Brisbane
This is Queensland’s capital city and was ranked as the top sports city in Australia. Consequently, it will be home to the 2032 Olympic Games. It is comprised of Logan, Ipswich, Moreton Bay, and Redland LGAs. I owe a lot to Paul of Presha Cleaning who let me land on my feet, providing the best roof cleaning Brisbane has to offer, until I found my way into the Qld Health system.
Gold Coast
This lone Gold Coast’s LGA is the one that has jurisdiction over one of the top holiday destinations in Australia. This is due to its stunning beaches, surfing paradise, and theme parks, among other forms of travel destinations.
Central West
Central West Queensland is comprised of Boulia, Barcaldine, and Longreach LGAs. It is known for its warm and dry climate and breathtaking landscapes and also a multi-million-dollar agriculture industry that includes beef, fruit, grain, and cotton production.
Darling Downs
This region is famous for both its natural and heritage attractions such as Goomburra State Forest, the Queen Mary Falls, Cunninghams Gap, and Spicers Gap. It is comprised of Goondiwindi, Southern Downs, Toowoomba, and Western Downs LGAs.
Far North Queensland
The majority of the tourists visiting this region are most likely heading to see the Great Barrier Reef. Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Mareeba, Napranum, Tablelands, and Weipa are the LGAs that form part of this awesome side of Queensland.
Fitzroy
The Fitzroy Natural Resource Management (NRM) region is the largest of its kind in the Great Barrier Reef Region and the largest river catchment within it. Banana, Central Highlands, Gladstone, and Rockhampton are its LGAs.
Mackay
This region is composed of Isaac, Whitsunday, and Mackay LGAs, which are located at the mouth of the Pioneer River. It is Australia’s sugar industry centre and also a producer of dairy products, alcohol, and lumber.
North West Queensland
If you are up for the off-the-beaten-track experience where you can enjoy cultural heritage sites and fossil sites, as well paddle down the majestic Lawn Hill Gorge, then, visit this side of Queensland. Its Burke, Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Flinders, McKinlay, Mount Isa, and Richmond LGAs offer a lot of attractions for you to enjoy.
Northern Queensland
With it comprising of Burdekin, Charters Towers, and Townsville LGAs, you can also explore this region’s snorkel and dive sites, enjoy its spectacular waterfalls, cycle or hike, go white-water rafting, or even skydive. This place never runs out of good things to offer.
South West Queensland
This region comprised of Maranoa and Roma LGAs is known for its fresh produce, fine wines, and gorgeous wildflowers. It is also famous for its different industries such as opal mining, cattle grazing, and cotton farming, and it’s also rich in oil and gas deposits.
Sunshine Coast
Noosa and Sunshine Coast LGAs’ stunning beaches with surfing locations, as well as their Heritage-listed national parks and lush rainforests will never cease to amaze tourists and locals alike. With pristine waters come a bounty of fresh seafood which will give you a unique dining experience, paired with wines from its breweries.
West Moreton
Consisting of Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim, and Somerset LGAs, West Moreton offers an array of recreational and outdoor adventures that include water-based activities, hiking areas, and national parks. This region is defined mostly by its rich heritage, varying landscapes, and agricultural richness.
Wide Bay-Burnett
Bundaberg, Fraser Coast, Gympie, North Burnett, and South Burnett LGAs make up this stunning region. It is best known for its beautiful swimming and island-hopping spots which include Lady Elliot Island, Fraser Island, and Great Sandy Biosphere.