This complete checklist will help you feel confident, organised, and fully prepared before you hit the road.
1. Confirm Your Contract Details
Before anything else, ensure the fundamentals are clear and documented.
- Start and finish dates
- Location and facility type
- Award classification and pay rates
- Accommodation inclusions and costs
- Travel reimbursements or allowances
- On call or weekend requirements
- Uniform expectations
If anything feels unclear, clarify with your recruiter early. Rural placements leave little room for last minute surprises.
2. Make Sure Your Credentials Are Up to Date
Rural sites often require a broader scope of practice, so ensure you are fully compliant.
- AHPRA registration
- Mandatory competencies such as BLS, ALS, Manual Handling, and Fire Training
- Immunisation records including Flu and COVID
- National Police Check
- Working With Children Check if required
- Any facility specific modules or eLearning
Keep both digital and printed copies. Connectivity in remote areas can be unreliable.
3. Pack Smart: Clinical and Personal Essentials
When services are limited, being prepared makes a world of difference.
Clinical must have
- Stethoscope
- Pen torch
- Scissors
- Several pens
- Watch with a second hand
- Notebook for handover
Personal essential
- Comfortable, durable shoes
- Weather and culturally appropriate clothing
- Any regular medications
- Toiletries and favourite items that may not be available locally
- A small first aid kit
- Reusable water bottle and lunch gear
For travel
- Phone charger and power bank
- Offline maps
- Snacks for long road stretches
4. Understand the Local Context
Rural nursing is not just a job. It is an immersion into a community.
- Research the town including population, nearest services, and cultural notes
- Learn about the common local health needs
- Identify the closest emergency resources such as RFDS availability, retrieval pathways, and referral hospitals
For placements in Aboriginal communities, take time to learn cultural safety principles and community history. Respect and understanding go a long way in building trust.
CRANA Plus also provide courses to help you improve your understanding of culturally safe and inclusive practices. We recommend completing their module in preparation for your placement – Find it here
5. Prepare for Broader Clinical Responsibilities
In rural healthcare, you may need to stretch beyond your usual role.
Expect exposure to:
- Emergency presentations
- Primary healthcare tasks
- Aged care or community care
- Mental health assessments
- Paediatrics or maternity depending on location
- In Charge, On Call, Sole RN
- Minimal access to a Dr
- Virtual team
It is normal to feel unsure at first. Lean on the team, ask questions, and embrace the learning curve.
6. Sort Out Your Accommodation and Daily Living
Whether you are in staff quarters or a self-contained unit, make sure you understand what to expect
- Check what is supplied such as linen, kitchen basics, and Wi Fi
- Ask about heating and cooling
- Understand local transport options
- Locate places to shop for groceries or fuel
- Plan for downtime by downloading movies or packing a hobby
7. Prioritise Your Wellbeing
Rural nursing can be intense but also deeply rewarding.
- Maintain routines that keep you grounded
- Stay connected with family and friends by scheduling regular check ins
- Set boundaries early, especially around overtime or on call
- Explore the local area including rivers, lookouts, cafes, and walking trails
Furthermore, if you need professional support during your placement, CRANA Plus offers a free 24/7, 365-day telephone counselling support line for the rural and remote health workforce and their families.
You can call at any time to speak with a psychologist experienced in the rural and remote sector, which can be incredibly supportive and beneficial.
It’s a non-judgemental, respectful, ethical, and culturally safe service available whenever you need it - Bush Support Line | 1800 805 391 | CRANA plus
8. Embrace the Adventure
Your first rural placement is more than a job. It is an opportunity for growth, confidence building, and personal discovery. You will meet new people, see parts of Australia many never experience, and develop clinical skills that make you a stronger and more adaptable nurse.
Go in prepared, stay open minded, and you will come away with stories and skills that last a lifetime.
Preparing for your first rural placement is easier when you have the right support behind you. Vanguard Health is an experienced partner for nurses stepping into regional and remote opportunities. Their team provides clear communication, consistent guidance, and personalised placement options that help you feel confident and fully prepared before you arrive on site.
Whether you are looking for your first rural contract or planning your next adventure, Vanguard Health is well suited to help you secure a placement that matches your skills, goals, and lifestyle. With a strong focus on supporting nurses and strengthening regional healthcare, they are a trusted partner for every stage of your travel nursing journey.
