1. What has been your most memorable experience whilst working with Vanguard Health? Please share any photos you have of this experience.
Working on beautiful Thursday Island. Not only is it a beautiful place, the local staff we worked with were wonderful and welcoming. They embraced us as part of their team.
2. Have you been able to travel and see parts of Australia you would not normally see? If so, please let us know about this....
Absolutely. When I worked in Cooktown I took a weekend drive down to Daintree and experienced something I'd always dreamed to do since I was a little girl. I thought that fairies lived in the Daintree, and funnily enough there was a seat with wings to pose against. So my childhood dreams came true!!! I've also been to Bamaga QLD, Thursday Island QLD and Milingimbi NT.
3. Did Vanguard Health make is easy for you to travel? How did Vanguard Health make it easy for you?
Vanguard Health looked after everything travel related. They booked all of our flights, accommodation, car hire, etc. All I had to do was pack a bag and get to the airport.
4. What is the work culture like with Vanguard Health?
The culture is wonderful. I've formed some really lovely relationships with not only the nurses I've worked with, but with the staff at head office. They also put on a killer Christmas Party!
5. Did Vanguard Health offer you flexibility with your allocations?
Vanguard always offered allocations, never was I told I had to go somewhere. They were flexible when arranging the length of time away from home and understanding when home issues had to take priority.
6. Did you feel supported by Vanguard Health? If so, how did we support you whilst on site?
We had been posted in Milingimbi for 3 months. Milingimbi is a very remote town with only one small supermarket. There were no areas for activities. No where to swim (BEWARE OF CROCODILES!). So we were intermittently sent to Darwin for respite for the weekend. It made a massive positive impact on our mental health to be able to go out for dinner and drinks, swim, shop and drink coffee.
7. What advice would you give to a new recruit? What would you like to tell them when they begin with Vanguard Health?
Do it! Send that email or make that call. You won’t regret it. My main advice is to take a good pillow with you. You never know when you're going to end up with either a pancake or overstuffed pillow that makes sleeping uncomfortable.
8. Is there anything else you would like to share?
The experience you'll receive working in rural and remote is so valuable with regards to your future goals. It's looked upon very highly by future employers as it shows your dedication and commitment. You'll learn so much about some of our First Nations people, learn their stories, form friendships and have memories that you'll hold in your memory for many years to come.
