Back to blog

7 courses and tips to level up your Rural and Remote training.

Matthew Power • April 8, 2024
Two nurses are looking at a clipboard together.

Training is essential for reaching the next steps in your nursing career. That’s why we’ve put together this list of 7 awesome courses and tips designed to help Rural and Remote nurses give their careers a boost. These courses are designed to help rural and remote nurses with the situations experienced, in rural healthcare facilities.


We’ve gathered a variety of opportunities you can take to boost your Rural and Remote career, gain CPD points, and have a good time while doing it. Check them out, here.  



1. Remote emergency care (REC)


Want to respond to emergency situations with confidence, or need a refresher? This is the course for you. It’s designed to help Rural and Remote nurses develop the knowledge and skills required for Rural and Remote (R&R) emergency situations. Remote Emergency Care is a valuable skill set that enables individuals to provide life-saving medical care in challenging and often unpredictable environments where traditional healthcare resources may be unavailable or inaccessible.


This course is offered by CRANAplus. You can check it out at the link below. 


https://crana.org.au/learning-opportunities/courses/remote-emergency-care



2. Maternity emergency care (MEC)


If you want to try your hand at maternity care, then the MEC course may be a great option. Maternity Emergency Care refers to the provision of emergency medical care specifically tailored to pregnant individuals and their unborn babies during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.


Maternity Emergency Care is crucial for ensuring the health and safety of pregnant individuals and their babies, particularly in settings where access to obstetric services is limited or where emergencies may occur unexpectedly. By acquiring MEC skills, healthcare providers can effectively manage obstetric emergencies and contribute to better maternal and neonatal outcomes.


This is a course offered by CRANAplus and you can check it out at the link below.


https://crana.org.au/learning-opportunities/courses/maternity-emergency-care



3. Immunisation course


Upskill yourself through the Cunningham Centre’s Immunisation course. This course is recognised nationally by the Health Education Services Australia (HESA). You’ll receive a certification in immunisation and all the skills and knowledge necessary to safely administer vaccines across Australia.


This is a completely online course provided by the Cunningham Centre Nursing and Midwifery Education and Training (NMET) service. You can check it out at the link below.


https://www.health.qld.gov.au/cunninghamcentre/learn/immunisation-course



4. Pharmacotherapeutics


Learn more about the use of medication, the risks associated with them, and strategies to increase the benefits and minimise risks of treatment. This course will deepen and expand your knowledge of medication and its application in treatment so you’re able to utilise medications.


The course is offered by the Centre for Remote Health and is completely online. Check it out at the link below.


https://www.crh.org.au/online-courses/pharmacotherapeutics-for-remote-area-nurses-online  



5. Advanced life support (ALS)


There’s a variety of Advanced life support courses available through multiple providers. Generally, an ALS is a requirement for all  R&R contracts in Emergency settings, so if you haven’t undertaken yours yet, get started soon. It’ll open even more opportunities for work across the country.  


Have a look around to find the best provider of an ALS course for your circumstances.



6. Country Health Service Triage Certification


If you’re looking to take up R&R opportunities in Emergency settings, then you’ll need a formal Triage Certification. It’s an essential qualification for any nurse seeking work in public health facilities, in the emergency department, or in a multipurpose facility.  


This isn’t a training course. Rather it recognises your prior experience and training in triage. You’ll need at least 2 years of experience in an Emergency Department or Critical Care environment where your triage role is completed. So, if you’re looking to work in these roles ensure you gain the required experience and undertake any courses which upskill your triage knowledge.



7. Resus

 

If you work in an emergency setting, undergoing a resuscitation course is crucial. Working in an emergency department means being prepared to handle a wide range of medical emergencies, including cardiac arrest, trauma, respiratory failure, and other life-threatening conditions. A resuscitation course equips healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills necessary to initiate and lead resuscitation efforts effectively, potentially saving lives in critical situations.

 

By undergoing a resuscitation course you’ll acquire the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to effectively manage medical emergencies and provide high-quality care to critically ill or injured patients.



Conclusion


Upskilling your knowledge and skills is essential to advancing your career in Rural and Remote nursing. Try out some of the courses provided to increase your qualifications and unlock new opportunities. You’ll find a lot more variety in the facilities you can work in and the roles you can fill. Add to that a mentor relationship with a senior nurse, and you can develop your abilities and knowledge faster to achieve your career goals.


For more tips around training, get in touch with us or check out our blog

More articles

By Leanna Clancy April 1, 2025
So, you’ve nailed your application and interview—congrats! But before you can start picking up shifts as a casual nurse or healthcare worker, there’s one final (and very important) step: completing your compliance and credentialing requirements. Many applicants underestimate the time it takes to get their paperwork in order, and missing even one required document can delay your start date. To ensure a smooth onboarding process, here’s a checklist of the most common compliance mistakes and how to avoid them. Not Providing the Right References Your referees play a crucial role in verifying your experience and suitability for agency nursing. However, many applicants make the mistake of: Providing personal references instead of professional ones Listing references who haven’t supervised them in the last 12 months Forgetting to notify their referees that they’ll be contacted What You Need to Do: Submit 3 referees with their current phone number and email address Ensure referees have directly supervised you in the role you’re applying for within the last 12 months Contact your referees in advance and let them know they’ll receive an email or call from First Choice Care Missing Critical Proof of Experience If you’re applying as an Enrolled Nurse (EN) or Registered Nurse (RN) student, you’ll need to prove your recent clinical experience. A common mistake is not providing the right documents or thinking placements alone will count. What You Need to Submit: 2 x recent ANSAT reports or University Transcript (for EN/RN students only) 2 x recent payslips (from the same role you’re applying for—important for verifying recent experience!) Forgetting to Upload Key Qualifications Many applications stall because nurses and healthcare workers forget to upload their essential qualifications. Make sure you provide: Copy of your relevant certificates (Postgraduate Certificate, Bachelor, Diploma) Current AHPRA Registration (For nurses only—check your renewal date!) Not Completing Background Checks Your police clearance and working permits are non-negotiable for agency roles. A common mistake is not having the correct up to date documents or having the documents ready to go. What You Need to Submit: Certified Copy of a Current National Police Clearance (Dated within the last 6 months & clear of disclosable outcomes. Current Blue Card with Yellow Card Exemption (Required for Disability Support Workers only) Working with Children’s Permit (If applicable to your role) Proof of Work Rights in Australia (Passport, Australian birth certificate, or Confirmation of Enrolment for student visa holders) Not Meeting ID Requirements Not providing the correct identification and clear headshot is a common roadblock in onboarding. You need to provide at least 100 points of ID, such as: Passport (70 points) Australian Driver’s Licence (40 points) Marriage Certificate or Change of Name Certificate (25 points) What You Need: A clear headshot from the shoulders up for your ID badge. Think passport photo, not selfie. Not Submitting Immunisation & Health Clearance Records You’ll need documentation proving immunity to: Hepatitis B (Serology results with titre level OR record of 3 completed vaccinations) COVID-19 (Evidence of vaccinations required) Hepatitis A (If required for your role) Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) (Serology results OR record of 2 completed vaccinations) Diphtheria/Pertussis/Tetanus (DTP) (Vaccination within the last 10 years) Varicella (Chickenpox) (Serology results OR record of 2 completed vaccinations) Fluvax (Yearly dose—mandatory for Aged Care, Community, and Disability roles, highly regarded for Acute nurses) Tuberculosis Clearance (BCG, Mantoux results <5 OR negative, QuantiFERON result required if applicable) Relevant certificates required: First Aid Certification (Must be completed within the last 3 years) Don’t Let Paperwork Hold You Back! Completing compliance might seem overwhelming, but getting it right the first time will speed up your onboarding and help you start working faster. Triple-check that all required documents are submitted in full Contact your referees in advance to avoid delays Make sure your police check, AHPRA registration, and immunisations are up to date Respond promptly to emails requesting additional documents Tip: Keep a digital folder with all your credentials handy, so you can upload them quickly when applying for roles. Conclusion Completing your compliance and credentialing requirements correctly is an important step in getting started with First Choice Care quickly. Review your compliance and credentialing documentation and match it to this list to ensure you're getting it right the first time. Then you'll be ready to start picking up shifts and enjoying the flexibility that agency nursing offers. Ready to join First Choice Care, Australia’s most supportive nursing agency? Check out our current roles or register your interest here .
By Matthew Power March 20, 2025
Introducing our nurse of the month for March 2025 – Aisling! Congratulations, you’ve been working hard to deliver exceptional care to your patients. We’re really excited to present you with this reward. If you want to learn more about Aisling’s time with First Choice Care, check out her interview below. What do you like most about First Choice Care? I love working for First Choice Care as they are a great team. From signing up to providing full-time hours they are always helpful, supportive and understanding. Why did you want to be a nurse? My Dad was my inspiration to become a nurse, seeing him in hospital and his positive outlook on life no matter what cards he was dealt made me want to be there to care for people, to bring them some sort of normality in a very abnormal setting. Every day is worth going to work for when you can see patients making progress or be there to comfort those who are in their final days along with their families. Being an advocate for patients and ensuring they get the care they deserve is what is most important to me. What has been the highlight of working with First Choice Care? First Choice Care have given me the opportunity to gain huge experience. I have the opportunity to work in different facilities and in different specialties learning something new in each one. Would you recommend First Choice Care to other nurses and why? I already have! First Choice Care will always do their best by their nurses; you get to speak to the same people and you're not just a number with a space to fill. The allocations team really are amazing at what they do!
By Leanna Clancy March 5, 2025
Are you ready to start working as a casual nurse with a leading nursing agency like First Choice Care? That's a great choice! Agency nursing offers unmatched flexibility, variety, and control over your shifts. But, when applying many nurses unknowingly make small mistakes that can cost them an interview. To help you avoid these pitfalls, we’ve compiled a list of the most common (and easily avoidable!) mistakes nurses make when applying for casual work. Typos & Incorrect Contact Details Imagine this: You’ve submitted your application, your experience looks great, but when the recruiter tries calling you calling... the phone number doesn’t work. Or worse, your email address is missing a letter, and you miss that interview invite. Fortunately, these are easy to fix. Common mistakes: Incorrect phone number or email address Not checking voicemails or unknown numbers Emails from the agency going to your spam folder Double-check your contact details before hitting submit. A small typo in your phone number or email can mean missing out on an interview. Make sure your voicemail is set up too and remember to check them. Not Meeting the Minimum Clinical Experience Requirement Unlike graduate programs or permanent hospital roles, casual nursing jobs require applicants to have a minimum amount of clinical experience. This is to ensure that agency nurses can step into different healthcare settings with minimal supervision. Common misconceptions: Thinking that newly graduated nurses can apply without any post-grad experience Assuming that clinical placements during university count toward the required hours Forgetting to clearly list your experience on your CV First Choice Care typically requires nurses to have a minimum of 12 months of recent clinical experience in their specialty (this can vary based on role and location). Before applying, check that you meet the minimum experience requirement listed in the job ad, this experience is clearly stated in your CV and you're able to provide evidence of this experience. If you’re unsure, reach out to the First Choice Care recruitment team! Sending a CV That’s Too Long (or Too Short) Your CV should highlight your nursing experience, skills, and qualifications clearly and concisely—but many applicants go wrong here: Too much detail: Listing every duty from every job you’ve ever had can overwhelm recruiters. Too little detail: A bare-bones CV that just lists job titles without responsibilities or specialties may not stand out. Ideal CV length: 1-2 pages, with clear sections on qualifications, clinical experience, and key skills. Bonus Tip: Tailor your CV for agency work by including: Years of experience in each role (e.g., “XXX hours in an acute ward”) Range of settings you’ve worked in (e.g., hospitals, aged care, community) Specialised skills (e.g., ICU, paediatrics, wound care) Using a Generic or Outdated Cover Letter Cover letters are not always required but if you do choose to send a cover letter keep it brief and personalised. Mention why you’re interested in agency nursing, your flexibility, and what you bring to the team, this is especially important if you are new to working as an agency nurse. If you have specific preferences, such as type of facility or shifts, the cover letter is a great place to include that information. Conclusion Getting your application right is the first step to starting your journey as an agency nurse. With these tips, your application is sure to stand out and get you through the recruitment process quickly. Ready to join First Choice Care, Australia’s most supportive nursing agency? Check out our current roles or register your interest here.
More Posts
Share by: