When registered nurse Reanna Huntington-Tildsley packed up life on the bustling Gold Coast and moved to the tiny rural town of Dysart, she knew she was stepping well outside her comfort zone.
With no previous emergency nursing experience, the move to a small rural hospital in 2024 was a leap into the unknown. Two years later, she describes it as one of the best career decisions she's made.
Originally born in the United Kingdom, Reanna moved to the Gold Coast with her family as a child before completing a Bachelor of Nursing at Southern Cross University. After her graduate year at Gold Coast University Hospital and Robina Hospital, she relocated to Dysart while her partner was working FIFO in the local mining industry.
"I saw it as an opportunity to experience rural nursing," Reanna said.
"I knew it would push me outside my comfort zone, particularly without an emergency nursing background, but I was keen to learn.
"Looking back, it was one of the best career decisions I've made. Working in a rural hospital has accelerated my learning and given me experiences that have helped shape me into a more confident and capable nurse."
For Reanna, one of the biggest differences between metropolitan and rural nursing has been the breadth of clinical experience available.
Instead of working in a single speciality, she now cares for patients across a wide range of presentations, building confidence, critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills.
"The diversity that comes with rural nursing is something I love," she said.
"No two days are ever the same and every day presents new opportunities to learn, grow and challenge myself."
The supportive team at Dysart Hospital has also played a significant role in her development.
Joining the small rural hospital and tight-knit team could have been daunting, but experienced colleagues and mentors encouraged her to embrace new challenges and continue expanding her skills.
Since arriving in Dysart, Reanna has completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Emergency Care and recently stepped into an acting Clinical Nurse role, where she is coordinating patient care, delivering staff education and leading quality improvement initiatives.
"The role has challenged me to grow not only as a clinician but also as a leader," she said.
"I'm incredibly grateful for the support and encouragement I've received from the Dysart management team, which has given me the confidence to continue taking on new challenges."
Working in a small rural hospital has also reinforced the importance of adaptability, resilience and teamwork.
"Every day is different, and you need to be prepared to think critically, work collaboratively and make the best use of the resources available," Reanna said.
"It's also shown me the value of supporting others and creating a positive team culture because strong teamwork ultimately leads to better outcomes for our patients."
Outside of work, Reanna enjoys travelling, visiting family and friends back on the Gold Coast and spending time with her partner. Dysart has quickly become home.
"It's a welcoming community with a great sense of connection," she said.
"Working here given me the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with both my colleagues and the community. It's been a place to grow both personally and professionally."
Looking ahead, Reanna hopes to continue building her career in emergency nursing while exploring future opportunities, including with the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
For anyone considering a move to the country, rural nursing offered opportunities that can fast-track both professional and personal growth.
“Being able to care for a close-knit community while continually developing my skills is what makes the role so rewarding,” she said.
"I'm proud of the nurse I've become and grateful for the experiences and support that have helped shape my career."