Graduate nurses relishing rural health roles

Paige Harpley, Brianna Chown, Piper Landers and Darsi Cole spent time working together at Temora Hospital before graduating with a Bachelor of Nursing Degree from Charles Sturt University, Wagga, on Friday 11 April.

Paige, Brianna and Piper are Registered Nurses at Temora, while Darsi was an Enrolled Nurse at the facility before accepting a graduate year at Young Hospital this year.

Brianna has worked at Temora Health Service since May 2018, initially as an Allied Health Assistant and then as the Transitional Aged Care Program Coordinator.

“Now working as a Registered Nurse, the work-life balance has allowed me to spend more time with my young family, while also making a difference in the lives of my patients,” Brianna said.

“I aim to develop my skills and confidence as a Graduate Registered Nurse. In the longer term, my goal is to complete a Graduate Diploma in Midwifery and contribute to safe maternity care within the new Temora Hospital once the redevelopment is completed, supporting women and families in a growing rural community.”

Brianna said she felt proud and emotional as she graduated alongside her colleagues.

“We have all been through so much together – early mornings, late nights, endless study and clinical placements that tested us in every way and to stand side by side at the finish line felt like a shared victory,” she said.

“For us, it was not just about getting a degree, it was about becoming part of a profession that is about care, resilience and compassion.”

Brianna is a huge advocate for rural healthcare and the opportunities it offers to professionals.

“If you are considering becoming a Registered Nurse and starting your careers in MLHD, you are not only choosing a profession, you are choosing a purpose. You will become part of a tight-knit community, develop strong and trusting relationships with patients, and gain diverse clinical experience you might not get in metropolitan areas,” she said.

“Rural health offers a unique opportunity to make a real, tangible difference in people’s lives.

“It is challenging, yes - but it is also incredibly rewarding. You will grow not only as a clinician, but as a leader, an advocate, and a lifelong learner. If you are ready to step into a role that truly matters, rural nursing is calling,” she said.

Unlike Brianna, Paige is relatively new to the healthcare industry, starting as a Registered Nurse at Temora in February this year after completing her degree.

“Graduating was a proud achievement, and it felt great to do it alongside the girls working with me in Temora. It was a fun day of celebrating all our hard work and achievements with a lot of excitement for the future,” Paige said.

While continuing to find her feet, Paige is keen to pursue a long-lasting career in MLHD.

“My goal is to hopefully stay working within the Murrumbidgee region and continuing to build relationships with all the wonderful healthcare staff that work alongside me,” she said.

“To anyone considering working in the Murrumbidgee region, I would say to take the leap; the rural setting offers a unique blend of challenges and rewards where you are constantly expanding your skill set.

“There is also a really strong sense of community between staff and consumers in rural settings with the ability to build deep relationships and be part of a closely knit community.”

Piper has worked in healthcare for five years, as a Care Worker, an Enrolled Nurse and now as a Registered Nurse. 

“I have been so blessed to work in many settings ranging from aged care to surgical nursing and now to general medical nursing. All these experiences have come with their up and downs but have moulded me into the nurse I am today,” Piper said.

Having moved from Sydney to work regionally, she is ready to commit to Temora and the Murrumbidgee region.

“I took a huge chance coming out rural for work and am happy to have made this decision,” she said.

“Rural nursing comes with many challenges I never had to face as a metro nurse, but the community is unmatched and I feel very blessed to have Temora Hospital to help me advance my career.

“My long-term goal is to complete my midwifery course and hopefully work alongside the incredible midwives at Temora Hospital.”

After being in the nursing world for around eight years, Darsi began her graduate year at Young District Hospital in February.

“Graduating alongside the people who supported and stood by me throughout the journey made it all the more meaningful. After sharing the highs and lows of nursing school together, it truly felt like a shared achievement,” Darsi said.

“Starting my grad year in a regional hospital has already exposed me to a wide range of clinical situations, and being able to help people during vulnerable moments has been incredibly fulfilling and has confirmed why I chose this career.”

With aspirations to move into midwifery in the future, Darsi said working at MLHD has opened the door to valuable opportunities.

“Working in rural/regional health is incredibly rewarding. You get hands-on experience, strong community and patient connections, and work within supportive teams,” she said.

“In places like the Murrumbidgee region, you’re not just a number—you’re a valued part of the healthcare system.

“You’ll grow personally and professionally in ways you wouldn’t expect. It’s a great place to build confidence and make a real difference for yourself and others.  If you’re considering it, I’d say go for it.”