Mikayla George, our Registered Nurse, receives rockstar treatment in Ingham, Queensland. After a busy shift in the emergency department, Mikayla received an invite to Adam Harvey's concert and rode at the back of an ambulance.
Someone once asked me why did I choose nursing as a profession? I can’t remember the exact reason why I chose nursing. I love a challenge, learning new things, and being busy. After an open day at the Australian Catholic University, seeing the practice rooms and meeting a few of the professors, I knew it was the right fit for me.
Packing up my bags to work as a rural and remote nurse happened when Shannon and I were laying in bed one day, chatting about our next step as a couple. We have been dating for a year but could not decide who was going to move – Shannon was working in Swan Hill, whilst I was at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne.
Mikayla with a brushtail possum
Shannon suggested we pack up and travel and without hesitation, I said “sure, why not!” Two months later, we were off with our Holden 4WD pulling a tool trailer packed with a rooftop tent, all ready to explore Australia on wheels. And here I am now, working as a rural and remote nurse, which I love. I enjoy the challenge of arriving somewhere new, learning new ways of nursing, and fitting into their culture whilst not getting too caught up in the politics of hospitals.
Our ride
Working with different nurses and doctors is always a great laugh. It is hard to believe that nursing happens globally, but it is performed so differently in each state, town, and region. The simplest thing can change from hospital to hospital – IV pumps, types of dressing, and medication choices. Nursing is a fulfilling job and like any job, it has its ups and downs. But it’s nice to arrive at a hospital when they are short of staff and seeing everyone’s face light up with gratitude that you have arrived to help, means a lot.
Camping with Shannon
I had so many adventures ranging from going to music concerts, food festivals, fishing charters, bike riding adventures, helping wildlife parks, and holding baby wildlife… the list goes on. If you follow us on Instagram, you might find a crazy adventure or two. However, one of my fondest memories was the rockstar treatment I received as the new Registered Nurse in town. After a very busy shift in the emergency department, I was stoked to receive an invite to the local Adam Harvey concert. I love country music.
The local ambulance crew gave my husband and me a lift to save my tired legs. I was treated like a celebrity… as we arrived at the local RSL for the concert, we jumped out of the back of the ambulance. I didn’t have to buy a drink all night – the locals were so friendly and well, the chicken parmigiana was a killer! Life’s too short to not have a crack, and trust me when I say this, "anything is possible in Australia!"
