Anastasia Ellis: Registered Nurse at Young

After relocating from Sydney and completing her graduate year at Young Hospital, she was delighted to accept a permanent position as a Registered Nurse.

“My family is all in Sydney, but I enjoyed my time at Young so much I decided I wanted to stay!” Anastasia said.

“I feel lucky to have had the experience of beginning my career at a smaller hospital because it has helped me to really utilise my skillset and further develop my capacity to critically think and hone my assessment skills.

“We are a relatively small team which has helped me to form positive working relationships and lifelong friends with the team at Young Hospital.”  

Anastasia decided to become a nurse after completing the Kokoda Trail in 2018.

“I experienced the diverse range of communities that live within the Owen Stanley Ranges in PNG, and the various challenges that come with accessing healthcare in such remote areas.

“It inspired me to pursue a career that allowed me to gain practical, health improving skills that could be used to benefit people in various rural and remote settings globally, so when the graduate position at Young was available, I was excited to apply.”

Anastasia has made the most out of building connections and joining in with all the community has to offer.

“I love the close-knit community in Young, everyone I meet has been friendly and welcoming, which helps so much when you have moved away from home,” Anastasia said.

“I love the op shops, taking long walks with my sausage dog, chatting to the people I meet and have taken up pole dancing at a local studio.

“As a black belt in Karate, I am also enjoying working out in a less formal space - and it is the biggest work out!”

Anastasia feels that the training and support at Young Hospital allowed her to fully embrace her learning opportunities.

“I was fully supported by the team at Young Hospital in all aspects of my working life, and the experiences and training available in a smaller rural setting has given me the tools to research and seek out policy and best practice methods of my own accord. 

“I think upcoming graduates should really consider a placement in a rural setting and keep an open mind about accessing various learning opportunities and experiences that come their way.

“As Maya Angelous says ‘Nothing will work unless you do’ – I suppose that has been my motto in life, and working in a rural and remote setting really gives you the opportunity to work really well and to grow as a health professional.

“On top of that it is really something special to be able to live and work in a smaller town and develop meaningful friendships with the people in the community around you and to be able to make a positive difference in a smaller regional town.”

If you’d like to become part of our team of dedicated health professionals in the Riverina, discover our exceptional experiences and endless opportunities by visiting our Work with us page.