Back to blog

Making the most out of Remote and Rural Nursing in your free time

First Choice Care • August 2, 2022
A man is taking a selfie on top of a hill overlooking the ocean.

As an agency nurse, one of the benefits is the flexibility in your schedule. Remote and Rural nurses are privy to the same benefit, which allows for plenty of time to get out and explore, which is one of the biggest attractions to travel nursing. 


Even though you’re taking off on a new and exciting journey, it’s important to keep that work-life balance as you would at your normal place of work. Before you embark on your adventure, investigate what’s on offer at your destination and create a bucket list for yourself! 

Our Remote and Rural Nurses can enjoy a new lifestyle and dive into exciting adventures and activities. 

 

Pack light



Before you embark on your exciting adventure, remember how long you’ll be gone. Let’s say you’ll be gone roughly a month or more, do you really need to pack 10 different pairs of shoes?


It’s important you look at what you can and can’t live without and the items you’ll use during your time away. We recommend a few items that will bring you comfort and help make your temporary space a home. That could be your favorite coffee mug or your silk pillowcase.


Whether you’re driving or flying, the less you bring the less you’ll have to worry about.

 

Plan and prepare – for best way to spend a day off


Remote and Rural nursing allows you to travel to beautiful places and gain invaluable experience in new settings and hospitals. You’ll also want to make sure you return home with good stories to tell your friends and family.


 To ensure you’re not wasting a second, it’s best to plan and prepare for the week ahead. Map out the places you want to see and put a plan in place for how you’re going to get there. If it’s a spot just out of town, you might like to factor in how long it’s going to take to get there and back – maybe organise a day trip if needed.


Check out what’s on, whether it’s a community event or a yoga class, mark it in your calendar. 

 

Take up new hobbies


If you’re in a more rural area with some time on your hands, why not pick up a new hobby? Being in new destinations comes with new experiences!


Let’s say you come from the hustle and bustle of Brisbane city, you might like to get out and take up weekday hikes. If you usually drive everywhere, get yourself a bike and explore your new home and trails.


Travelling is a great way to help you create new interests that you may not have considered back home. 

 

Make some friends


For some it may be a little daunting, but one of the great things about travelling is meeting new people. This could be a co-worker at the hospital or care facility you’re working at, or someone you’ve come across while you’ve been exploring.


It’s important to establish connections whilst you’re away as this will only make your experience even better. 

 

Looking to escape your day-to-day routine? Head to our jobs board today and check out the exciting opportunities at First Choice Care.

More articles

Smiling First Choice Care Nurse in navy scrubs using a stethoscope on a patient in a clinic
July 14, 2026
Thinking about agency nursing? Discover why more Australian nurses are exploring flexible work, diverse experiences and rewarding career opportunities.
Smiling woman in a gray cardigan and black top on a light blue background
July 8, 2026
Discover Mary's journey from IT to healthcare operations, where her passion for supporting others led her to help shape the future of nursing through Clinical Facilitation.
July 1, 2026
Diane finds great satisfaction in watching each new cohort grow throughout their placement, knowing that every group brings its own unique strengths, perspectives, and enthusiasm. Her passion for mentoring the next generation of nurses is evident in everything she does. With a career spanning back to the 1970s, Diane has witnessed the nursing profession evolve significantly. She values the diversity and inclusivity of today's student cohorts and enjoys helping shape the future of a profession she has dedicated her life to. Having been part of the First Choice Care community for many years, Diane has worked across mental health and aged care before joining our Clinical Facilitation team. She values the supportive relationships she has built with our staff and appreciates the flexibility that allows her to balance work with family life. Diane's wealth of knowledge, professionalism, and genuine commitment to supporting future nurses make her a truly deserving recipient of this recognition.  Congratulations, Diane, and thank you for your outstanding contribution to First Choice Care and to the next generation of nursing professionals. We are proud to celebrate you as our Nurse of the Month Join Our Clinical Facilitation Team If you are an experienced nurse looking to take the next step in your career, First Choice Care is always seeking Clinical Nurse Facilitators to support and inspire the next generation of nurses. This is a rewarding opportunity to share your expertise, guide students in their first placements, and make a meaningful impact in clinical education. If you’re interested in facilitation opportunities with First Choice Care, find out more here.
More Posts