From Queensland mining towns to Norfolk Island, Tyla’s nursing journey has taken her to some of Australia’s most remote and rewarding places - where she not only discovered her passion for aged care but also found love!
My nursing career started back in 2015 when I became an Assistant in Nursing (AIN). I spent seven years in that role before becoming an Enrolled Nurse (EN) for another three.
I grew up in Mount Isa, spent time working in the Central Queensland mines, and later moved to the Sunshine Coast, I also stayed in London at 18, so I’ve always liked moving around and chasing new adventures!
Experience as a Rural Remote Nurse
I hadn’t planned to become a nurse; after returning from London, I followed in my mum’s footsteps, who was also an AIN and wanted to give it a go! I explored different areas, including mental health, but quickly realised how much I loved working in aged care, which is now my specialty.
While travelling, I received job listings from Alliance Rural and Remote Health each week. At first, I took on short-term contracts, but over time, I found myself drawn to longer placements—especially on Norfolk Island. I first arrived in 2022 for a short-term contract and came back again in 2023. Finally in 2024, I committed to a six-month contract!
Life on Norfolk Island
The Norfolk Island hospital is small with just eight hospital beds and thirteen aged care beds, but I absolutely love it. Working in a close-knit community means I’m able to build strong connections with my patients, and I really enjoy the slower, more personal approach to healthcare. The community on the island is so helpful and loving.
'Working in a close-knit community means I’m able to build strong connections with my patients.'
Finding love...
Along the way, I met my now-husband on a hiking trip. We got married in January on Norfolk, and it was the most perfect day! We had the ceremony in Anson Beach, and we hired a Pontiac that had been on the island since the 1950s to drive us to the reception. We made it up the hill to Queen Elizabeth Lookout to enjoy the scenery and take some photos, but when we continued back up the hill, the car wouldn’t start! In the end, we had to hop in the back of the photographer’s dad’s ute to get to our wedding reception, it was a real Norfolk wedding!
Alliance is an incredible support system
The team at Alliance is amazing. My case worker, Di, and the rest of the team has been an incredible support system, always checking in with me.
For anyone considering agency nursing, my advice is to go for it! While rural and remote work can sometimes be challenging, it's extremely rewarding. Take a first leap and give your all! Once you overcome that initial fear, you can go anywhere.
Thinking of travel nursing and working away from the big city? Call us on 07 4998 5550 to find out more or register your details with us so we can match your skills and expeirence with the right role!
