Working in rural and remote areas as a graduate nurse or midwife

Benefits of working in rural and remote areas

Rural and remote nursing and midwifery is an exciting and rewarding career option. It can be a professional and personal adventure, with so many possibilities.

Working in rural and remote settings offers experiences you won’t find in metropolitan hospitals, including:

• caring for a diverse range of patients, and their families
• enjoying greater autonomy and variety in your role
• developing a broad and adaptable skill set
• practicing at the top of your scope with strong support and mentorship.

You’ll also be a key member of both your hospital team and wider community.

As graduates, you’re our future workforce in rural and remote areas. We'll give you every opportunity to grow your skills so you can practice to the full extent of your professional scope.

What your experience will be like

Working among pristine landscapes, you’ll have a pace of life that lets you connect with your patients and colleagues.

Beyond the rewarding work, there are educational and financial benefits, such as faster career growth and professional development.

You’ll make a real difference where it matters most, where your skills are valued, and where every day brings the promise of something extraordinary.

Join us in shaping the future of healthcare in Queensland's rural and remote areas. It’s not just a job, it's a calling worth answering.

Choosing a rural and remote experience

If you’d like a rural and remote career, make sure you choose rural and remote locations for your preferences when you apply.

Read more about our rural and remote health facilities or reach out to the facility and have a chat.

We offer fantastic incentives for nurses and midwives in many rural and remote areas. Read more about incentives for rural and remote career opportunities.

Accommodation in rural and remote areas

Many of our rural and remote Hospital and Health Services (HHS) have accommodation for graduate nurses and midwives. It’s usually on hospital grounds, but there’s also some accommodation off site.

We can’t guarantee you accommodation before you apply. And there isn’t usually accommodation for families, but you can ask your HHS about your options or an allowance for private accommodation.

You can learn more about your options when you talk to HHS staff at or after your interview.

Types of accommodation

Single hospital accommodation with shared facilities

Accommodation for a single person at a hospital. You’ll have your own private bedroom, shower and toilet, and may share a laundry, kitchen and general areas.

Single hospital accommodation with your own facilities

Self contained accommodation for a single person at a hospital. You’ll have your own room and facilities, and won't be sharing with others.

Single offsite share accommodation with shared facilities

Accommodation for a single person near a hospital. You’ll have your own private bedroom, and may be sharing facilities such as a shower, toilet, laundry, kitchen and general areas. This may be home style accommodation that you share with other staff.

Single offsite accommodation with your own facilities

Self contained accommodation for a single person near a hospital. You’ll have your own room and facilities, and won’t be sharing with others.

Private accommodation and a rent allowance

In some cases your HHS will pay a weekly allowance toward the cost of your private rental accommodation.

Finding accommodation options

You can contact each HHS and ask what types of accommodation they have, or use the following tool to see the options they offer. If a HHS or facility isn’t in the list, then they don’t offer accommodation.