From Robina to rural Queensland, registered nurse Clare is making an impact where it matters most.
With nearly two decades of nursing experience - much of it spent in intensive care - Clare has never shied away from a challenge
But after three years living and working in Cape York, she discovered a new way to share her skills and make a meaningful difference in some of Queensland’s most remote communities.
When she and her family eventually returned to the Gold Coast last year, Clare was determined not to lose that sense of purpose.
Instead, she found the perfect balance: combining short-term contracts with Gold Coast Health alongside rural placements through Queensland Health’s Rural and Remote Connect.
We caught up with Clare during a three-month stint in Robina Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to hear how a varied nursing career has kept her passion alive.
“I’ve been nursing for nearly 18 years, mainly in ICU, and I just felt I needed a change,” Clare said.
“I was highly specialised, but I wanted to be more of a jack of all trades. That’s what first drew me to remote nursing with my family.”
That interest had been sparked years earlier during a six-week student placement on the Tiwi Islands.
“I’ve always been interested in remote and Indigenous healthcare, but it hadn’t felt like the right time to pursue it until more recently,” she said.
Working in remote communities was eye-opening for Clare, particularly when it came to understanding the health gap experienced by Indigenous Australians.
“You’re really made aware of the disparities when you work in these communities,” she said.
“I had to learn so much about conditions like rheumatic heart disease and acute rheumatic fever, because they’re far more prevalent.
“It was a completely different type of nursing but incredibly rewarding at the same time.”
Being pushed outside her comfort zone is something Clare thrives on, and she credits remote work with making her a stronger clinician.
“For me, nursing is about making people’s lives better, whether that’s having a yarn or helping them feel more comfortable with pain relief,” she said.
“No matter where you show up, the goal is the same.”
Behind Clare’s career flexibility is a strong support network at home and she credits her partner and two children for making it possible to keep pursuing the work she loves.
“They lived in Weipa with me, so they understand how important this work is,” she said.
“I only go away for two to four weeks at a time, but when I’m home, I’m more present. It’s a balance that really works for us.”
Her advice to other nurses considering a career refresh is simple.
“Keep your nursing varied,” she said.
“And remember, you’re never too old to try something new or learn new skills.”
Find out more about remote and rural nursing opportunities with Queensland Health here.
