Around seven million Australians live in rural and remote parts of the country. People in these areas typically have limited access to doctors and primary care services due to geographical isolation.
They also tend to struggle with more complex health challenges compared to people in major cities. There are higher rates of overcrowding, homelessness and unemployment in these areas. As a result, societal and health conditions are perpetuated in these communities, such as alcoholism, depression, anxiety and domestic violence. The prevalence of obesity, heart disease, diabetes and cancer are also higher in remote and rural areas. Lower rates of physical activity, nutritional deficiencies and reduced access to healthier food, resources and lack of education on healthy living are all contributing factors to the higher rates of these chronic health conditions.
Nurses in these communities are known as remote area nurses and are integral to the local healthcare workforce. They can work autonomously and with a wide scope of practice, delivering essential and advanced nursing care to remote populations. The terms ‘regional’, ‘rural’ and ‘remote’ are often used interchangeably to represent remote nursing jobs in Australia. Each term denotes a different level of remoteness and population size. As far as nursing roles are concerned, rural nurses, regional nurses and remote nurses also have distinct roles with different responsibilities and unique challenges. The more remote a particular area becomes, the more advanced nursing skills and experience you need for the role.
Remote area nursing in Australia requires a specialised knowledge base and skill set that differs from nursing in urban or other healthcare settings. We’ll explore what it means to be a remote area nurse in Australia, including the different types, distinctive challenges, necessary skills and support for nurses in this role. We’ll also cover the postgraduate courses that can help you get the most out of your remote nursing career.
The significant role of remote area nurses
Remote area nurses (RANs) are registered nurses who deliver frontline healthcare to regional, rural, remote and isolated communities. They must hold registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) under the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). In some instances, RANs need to have at least three years of nursing experience to work in this role.
RANs can service Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, working in small clinics and community centres or providing in-home visits. They help older people, families, children and anyone residing in small towns, regional centres, mining, agriculture and tourism areas. The roles and responsibilities of remote area nurses vary depending on their location and job requirements. They may include a range of nursing, leadership, education, community engagement and administrative duties.
Local healthcare facilities or hospitals as well as recruitment and nursing agencies employ remote area nurses. If working with an agency, remote nurses may be posted to a specific location and work on site for a dedicated period. Or they may also need to travel significant distances to provide nursing services, sometimes involving long working or on-call hours.
Similar to travel nurses and agency nurses, some rural and remote nursing positions have specific inclusions, such as covered meals, travel and accommodation costs. Their role may also involve collaborating with and referring to other health professionals either locally or via telehealth services to enhance patient care.
Enhanced scope of practice for remote nurses
RANs need a broad skill set to meet rural and remote populations’ changing and complex health needs. Nurse coach, Madeline Kessler, emphasises the importance of bringing diverse expertise to a remote nursing role. “Remote work would be great for people with lots of nursing experience”, she says. Madeline added that knowledge of vaccinations, cancer care, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and midwifery would also be valuable to a remote position.
Working in remote areas often requires nurses to go beyond their basic qualifications due to the unique challenges, variable environments and responsibilities associated with the role.
Due to this increased remote-community need for highly skilled nurses, nurse practitioners are often sought after to fulfil these roles. A review paper published in the Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing highlights the value of nurse practitioners in these communities. The authors noted that their utility goes further than their nursing skills and experience. A nurse practitioner’s ability to collaborate and connect teams, make important decisions in unfamiliar health contexts and use their available resources to provide high-quality patient care gives them an advantage in a remote nursing position.
There may always be a certain degree of learning as you go into any nursing role, as you adapt to the environment, healthcare setting and patients’ needs. However, supporting yourself with further qualifications can help boost your confidence in providing optimal patient care. Upskilling to become a nurse practitioner can greatly benefit rural and remote nursing roles, providing enhanced authority and a designated broader scope of practice.
Types of remote area nurse jobs
The Department of Health and Aged Care developed the Modified Monash Model to determine whether an Australian location can be characterised as metropolitan, rural, remote or very remote. This allows for appropriately allocating health professionals and services according to the area’s inherent needs. The Modified Monash Model also provides useful data regarding the health workforce landscape across Australia in remote areas.
The remoteness, population and town size of a particular location can be classified into seven categories:
- MM 1: Metropolitan areas
- MM 2: Regional centres
- MM 3: Large rural towns
- MM 4: Medium rural towns
- MM 5: Small rural towns
- MM 6: Remote communities
- MM 7: Very remote communities
Regional nurses
Regional nurses under the MM 2 classification can work in regional centres with populations exceeding 50,000. These areas are typically larger towns or smaller cities outside state capitals and metropolitan areas. Examples of regional areas around Australia include Albury in New South Wales, Ballarat in Victoria, Howard Springs in the Northern Territory and Toowoomba in Queensland. Regional areas are often well-resourced, with access to healthcare facilities and larger teams, including doctors and specialists. Nurses in these areas may be involved in general nursing practice, emergency care, education or may support regional community health initiatives. Working as a regional nurse can provide a valuable learning experience as a step toward rural or remote nursing in the future.
Rural nurses
Rural nursing jobs are classified as MM 3 to MM 5, which include large, medium and small rural towns with populations ranging from 5,000 to 50,000. They may be close to bigger healthcare facilities but are generally less resourced compared to regional areas. Rural nurses provide a range of nursing care similar to regional nurses, depending on the specific location. Some roles may require additional skills in chronic disease management and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. Rural nurses may also need to travel for work, providing services to surrounding communities.
Remote nurses
As mentioned, remote nurses are also called remote area nurses and work in MM 6 and 7 areas, characterised by significant geographical isolation and challenging environments. Remote areas are communities with fewer than 5,000 people and can include populated islands 5 km offshore and beyond. These communities often lack basic healthcare infrastructure and resources, which means skilled and versatile nurses are in high demand. RANs provide similar nursing care to regional and rural nurses, including emergency and critical care, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health knowledge and can often work independently. Frequently, the need to work autonomously, in the absence of other healthcare providers is a requirement of remote area nursing. They may also need to provide midwifery care, surgery, advanced life support and on-call services.
Flight nurses
Some remote nurses are flight nurses operating in MM 6 and MM 7 areas. They are involved in aeromedical evacuations, medical transfers, rescues and retrievals for people in these locations. Their primary role is to deliver emergency and critical care before and during flights, ensuring patient stability and safety between remote areas and medical facilities. Aeromedical services or government health departments typically employ flight nurses.
FIFO nurses
Another type of remote area nurse is a FIFO nurse or fly-in-fly-out nurse. FIFO nurses travel to MM 6 and MM 7 locations, offering healthcare services to remote communities on a short or long-term contract basis. FIFO nurses commonly attract a high pay rate and usually work with agencies or are directly employed by a company in a remote location, such as a mining or construction site. Travel and accommodation costs are usually covered as part of their contract.
Nurses may work a rotating roster, such as two weeks on-site and one week at home. DIDO nurses (drive-in-drive-out nurses) are similar to FIFO nurses, travelling by road rather than flying to reach remote locations. FIFO and DIDO nurses may be responsible for dispensing medications or delivering acute care for injuries and trauma on site, particularly in construction and mining sites. They also help provide ongoing care to patients during their on-site rotation.
Unique skills for a successful remote nursing career
Rural and remote nursing can be unpredictable, demanding and rewarding. The experience it provides nurses can be unlike other nursing settings. Developing specific skills can help you overcome some of these challenges while maintaining a high provision of care to the communities you serve.
Here are some useful skills remote nurses should have to excel in their roles effectively.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural and health knowledge
Understanding and respecting the cultural differences and beliefs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is essential for nurses working in remote parts of Australia. Knowledge of their particular and complex health needs, including mental health conditions, diabetes and heart disease would also be valuable.
Madeline highlights that working with these communities can be a spiritually and culturally rich experience. Building trust with people in these communities is important to affirm cultural safety and promote a positive experience for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in need of healthcare.
Emergency care expertise
Remote nurses frequently encounter urgent medical situations, which means these professionals need to be proficient in emergency care, triaging and midwifery. Nurses may also be involved with patient transfers or need to provide support until further help is available.
Complex problem-solving
Working in isolated settings with limited access to medical supplies and facilities requires nurses to be resourceful and have efficient problem-solving skills. The ability to quickly assess situations and develop practical solutions is crucial. Nurses must handle various medical issues, often with limited resources or support.
Adaptability and flexibility
The unpredictable nature of remote healthcare means that nurses need to think creatively, work rapidly and demonstrate adaptability. Remote areas can be prone to extreme weather conditions, affecting travel and communication. Their flexibility in the face of challenging and changeable circumstances is critical.
Strong communication
Besides compassion and empathy, being a strong communicator is another essential nursing skill that remote nurses need to be effective in their role. Communicating clearly and calmly with patients and their families of rural, remote and isolated areas helps people feel cared for and can facilitate better compliance and recovery.
Autonomy
Remote area nurses often work independently, making critical decisions without immediate support from a larger medical team. This autonomy requires confidence, expertise and a high level of competence in their practice.
Emotional resilience
Remote area nurses face emotionally challenging situations regularly. Building emotional resilience allows them to move through and recover from stressful situations and continue providing high-quality care without personal burnout. Prioritising self-care and seeking support from family, friends and co-workers helps foster connection and helps in the long-term with your remote nursing career.
Ongoing support for rural and remote nurses
The National Rural and Remote Nursing Generalist Framework 2023-2027 outlines strategies to support remote area nurses. This framework emphasises the importance of collaboration, professional development and resource allocation to ensure these nurses can continue to deliver high-quality care.
There is also a range of services and resources for rural and remote nurses in Australia, including support networks, government incentives and healthcare scholarships.
Rural healthcare workforce support networks:
Council of Remote Area Nurses Australia (CRANAplus)
This peak professional body represents the interests of remote and isolated nurses, providing support through education, networking opportunities and advocacy for improved working conditions. They offer a range of resources, informational seminars and tools to enhance the skills and confidence of rural nurses transitioning to remote health practice.
National Rural Health Alliance
A key advocate for rural health, the Rural Health Alliance, offers support through research, policy development and endorsement. They help ensure that rural nurses can access the necessary tools and training to perform their duties effectively.
Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF)
The ANMF provides a range of resources, including professional development opportunities and advocacy for better working conditions. It serves as a vital support system for rural nurses, helping them navigate the challenges of their roles.
Rural healthcare scholarships and workforce incentives:
Due to the geographic dispersal and isolation of certain areas, some states and territories have a greater need for rural and remote nurses. As a result, the Australian Government and other organisations have implemented various workforce schemes, incentives and scholarships to help educate and retain skilled health practitioners to support the health needs of these communities.
Rural healthcare scholarships
Healthcare Education Scholarship: This scholarship is available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to help cover tuition, learning materials, equipment and travel costs involved with postgraduate study.
Rural Nursing Scholarships: Australian Rotary Health provides scholarships for nurses in rural medicine and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. Rural nursing scholarships support students in their final year of clinical placement in rural Australian communities. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholarship assists tertiary students with education costs associated with studying medicine and nursing.
Health Workforce Scholarship Program: This program is for nursing, midwifery and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals working in primary health care in the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) sector, non-government organisations and private practice across Australia.
Agencies associated with this program include:
- New South Wales - Rural Doctors Network
- Northern Territory - Rural Workforce Agency NT
- Queensland - Health Workforce QLD
- South Australia - Rural Doctors Workforce Agency
- Victoria - Rural Workforce Agency VIC
- Tasmania - Rural Workforce Scholarships
- Western Australia - Rural Health West
Rural workforce initiatives
Strengthening the role of the nursing workforce initiative
This scheme includes programs like the Nursing in Primary Health Care Program, which supports nurses transitioning into primary care and provides workshops on chronic disease management, applicable to the remote setting. This nationwide plan aims to enhance the role of nurses in primary healthcare and raise awareness of the role of nurse practitioners in these areas. In light of this, the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association and the Department of Education, Skills and Employment have collaborated to help provide better education and training regarding primary health care to the rural nursing workforce.
HELP debt reduction for rural and remote health practitioners
The Australian Government's rural medicine incentive program offers Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) debt reduction to doctors and nurse practitioners who work and live in rural, remote or very remote areas, encouraging healthcare professionals to practice in underserved locations. Eligible health professionals can qualify for a waiver of indexation on their outstanding HELP debt and partial (50 per cent) or total (100 per cent) debt reduction, depending on the duration and location of their service under the Modified Monash Model (MM3-7). This initiative aims to address healthcare shortages by attracting and retaining professionals in these critical areas.
Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professional organisations
This initiative provides funding to four professional organisations that support the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce as part of the Stronger Rural Health Strategy. The organisations involved are the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association, Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives, Indigenous Allied Health Australia and the National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners. The expansion of this workforce will enhance cultural capability and support better care for communities of The First Australians. Key objectives include improving recruitment, retention, skills and cultural safety as well as supporting professional development and student engagement.
The Innovative Models of Care (IMOC) Program
The IMOC program supports organisations in trialing new primary care models in rural and remote communities to address chronic workforce shortages and improve patient access. It aims to attract and retain rural health professionals by promoting multidisciplinary team-based care, different employment models and resource sharing among small communities. The program has funded over 20 healthcare organisations across Australia, focusing on governance, community engagement and program management. The trials are evaluated for effectiveness and financial sustainability, with the goal of improving rural health services and outcomes.
Postgraduate courses for Australian rural and remote nurses
If you’re interested in this challenging, dynamic and rewarding career, you can kickstart your nursing journey with an undergraduate degree by enrolling in the University of Canberra’s Bachelor of Nursing.
If you’re already working in a rural or remote nursing role, consider enhancing your skills and qualifications with a postgraduate nursing degree.
GlobalHealth Education's university partners offer a range of online postgraduate courses for rural and remote nurses in a range of specialisations, including:
Acute care nursing
- Graduate Certificate in Acute Care Nursing - University of Technology Sydney
- Master of Advanced Nursing Majoring in Acute Care - University of Technology Sydney
The courses below are listed by qualification level, from lowest to highest.
Advanced nursing practice
- Graduate Certificate of Nursing Majoring in Advanced Practice - James Cook University
- Graduate Certificate in Nursing - Victoria University
- Master of Advanced Nursing - University of Technology Sydney
- Master of Advanced Nursing Majoring in Chronic and Complex Care - University of Technology Sydney
- Master of Nursing Majoring in Advanced Practice - James Cook University
The courses below are listed by qualification level, from lowest to highest.
Child, family and women’s health
- Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health - University of Technology Sydney
- Graduate Certificate in Women's and Children's Health - University of Technology Sydney
- Master of Women's and Children's Health - University of Technology Sydney
The courses below are listed by qualification level, from lowest to highest.
Critical care nursing
- Graduate Certificate in Critical Care - University of Technology Sydney
Education
- Graduate Certificate of Nursing Majoring in Education - James Cook University
- Graduate Diploma of Nursing Majoring in Education - James Cook University
- Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education - University of Technology Sydney
- Master of Nursing Majoring in Education - James Cook University
The courses below are listed by qualification level, from lowest to highest.
Mental health
- Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing - Southern Cross University
- Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing - Victoria University
- Master of Mental Health Nursing - Southern Cross University
- Master of Mental Health Nursing - Victoria University
The courses below are listed by qualification level, from lowest to highest.
Leadership
- Graduate Certificate of Nursing Majoring in Leadership and Management - James Cook University
- Graduate Diploma of Nursing Majoring in Leadership and Management - James Cook University
- Master of Nursing Majoring in Leadership and Management - James Cook University
- Master of Nursing (Leadership) - Victoria University
The courses below are listed by qualification level, from lowest to highest.
Enhance your career with online study today
Remote area nurses are pivotal in enhancing healthcare accessibility and outcomes in Australia's regional, rural and remote locations. By acting as the first point of contact for health services, these nurses are indispensable to their communities, offering care that might otherwise be inaccessible.
Curious about other health professions? Explore GlobalHealth Education’s university partner courses in social work, public health, counselling, nursing, psychology, leadership and mental health and enquire to speak to a Student Enrolment Advisor who can advise you on courses and career pathways that best suit you and your study needs.
