Journey into rural nursing
Finding purpose in the unexpected
For Ainsley Kennedy, nursing wasn’t sparked by a single lifelong dream – it was driven by something many people can relate to: a fear of monotony.
That desire for variety may have led her into nursing, but it didn’t take long for something deeper to take hold.
During her first clinical placement in 2023, Ainsley cared for a 102-year-old woman living with pancreatic cancer – an experience she still carries with her.
“She thanked me for my kindness and told me how much of a difference I had made in her day,” she recalls. “That moment really stayed with me. I chose nursing for the opportunities and the variety, but if I had to choose again, it would be for the fulfilment in looking after vunerable people.”
“I’ve always liked the idea of not knowing what each day will hold.”
“Even though most shifts start the same, something unpredictable will always happen – sometimes one thing, sometimes ten – and I learn from every one of them.”
Finding her place
Ainsley is working as a New Graduate Nurse in the rural town of Cooma – just over an hour from the NSW snowfields. One thing that surprised Ainsley most was how quickly she found her place.
It’s this culture of support that has helped Ainsley navigate the transition from student to practising nurse – something she admits hasn’t always been easy.
“I didn’t expect to feel so accepted so quickly.”
“Not only are you welcomed into the team, but you’re genuinely valued. Nurses go out of their way to support each other, often without expecting anything in return, and that makes me really proud to be part of this profession.”
Stepping into responsibility
“The biggest challenge for me has been self-doubt,” Ainsley shares. “After three years as a student, where you’re always supported and supervised, stepping into a role where you’re responsible for your own patient load can feel overwhelming.”
It’s a shift that takes time to adjust to – but with every shift, that confidence grows.
“The support from other new graduates and my colleagues has made a huge difference. And over time, you start to trust yourself more.”
Life as a graduate nurse
Life as a graduate nurse is exactly what Ainsley hoped it would be: busy, fast-paced and full of learning.
Alongside the learning, Ainsley is also finding her rhythm.
“There’s always the temptation to pick up extra shifts, but I’m learning how important it is to find a balance. I’m starting to feel more settled on the ward and really looking forward to the next stage of my rotation in the Emergency Department.”
“Every week feels like there’s something new.”
“I’ve had the chance to attend wound workshops, stroke education sessions, cannulation and venepuncture training, and work with the Mobile Simulation Centre.
Those opportunities have been incredible for building both skills and confidence.”
A day on the ward
While unpredictability is part of the job, Ainsley says there is still a structure that guides each shift.
“It usually starts with a safety huddle and patient handover, where you get an overview of your patients and any key concerns,” she explains. “From there, I review notes, plan my shift – medications, observations, personal care – and check all the bedside safety equipment.”
But even with the best planning, flexibility is essential.
“You can have a plan, but things change quickly. You just have to adapt and prioritise as the day unfolds.”
Advice from experience
Looking back, Ainsley is clear about what helped her feel prepared stepping into her graduate role – and what she’d recommend to others.
“If you have the opportunity, work in the industry while you study,” she says. “I worked as an Assistant in Nursing in both aged care and a private hospital, and that experience made such a difference. It gave me practical skills, confidence, and a real understanding of what the job involves.”
It’s also something she believes helped her stand out when applying for graduate programs.
Facing the bigger challenges
While Ainsley speaks passionately about her role, she’s also aware of the broader challenges facing the profession.
“Burnout is a huge issue – not just in Australia, but globally,” she says. “With staff shortages, nurses are taking on more patients, working longer hours, and dealing with a lot physically and emotionally. It takes a toll.”
It’s a reality she hopes the healthcare system continues to address, to better support nurses and retain them in the workforce.
A career that keeps evolving
Despite these challenges, Ainsley sees a bright future for nursing – and a role that is continuing to expand.
“Nursing is changing so much,” she says. “There’s more recognition of the skills we bring, not just clinically but as leaders.”
From Nurse Practitioners who can diagnose and prescribe to leadership roles in hospitals and aged care, the opportunities are growing.
“Nurses are playing a bigger role than ever in healthcare, and it’s exciting to be part of that.”
Why a rural community
The appeal of going into rural nursing for me has always been the strong connection to the community that comes with caring for people in a small town. Cooma is where I was born, and although I grew up in the rural town of Coffs Harbour, I have always enjoyed returning and have always felt a connection to the area.
During my second-year rural placement, I worked at a GP surgery in Cooma, undertaking over 75 year-old home visits across the Snowy Monaro region. Through these visits, I had the opportunity to get to know many locals, hear their stories, and better understand their strong connection to the place they live.
That experience confirmed for me that I wanted to pursue nursing in a rural setting. What particularly appeals to me about working in Cooma is the opportunity to be part of a close-knit healthcare team comprising doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals who collaborate to care for the community.
I am also drawn to the unique role of a small rural hospital that serves such a large geographical area, supporting surrounding communities including Jindabyne, Nimmitabel, and Adaminaby. The variety of presentations, the teamwork involved, and the ability to build long-term relationships with patients are all aspects of rural nursing that I find highly rewarding.
Other rural heroes like Ainsley
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Dr Cam Hollows
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Dr Sue Masel
Dr Sue Masel has lived and worked in Goondiwindi in western Queensland for 25 years. She works as a rural GP and is incredibly connected to the town
