My Rural Story

Sue Lenthall

What is different about working in rural and remote areas?

I’m Sue Lenthall, I’ve worked extensively in remote areas of Australia. Quite a lot in Queensland. The first community I ever worked in was Doomadgee and I’ve worked in most of the Cape York communities from Aurukun, Kowanyama, all over, as well as three years at the outer islands of the Torres Stait. I’ve also worked in central Australia in about six or seven remote Aboriginal communities. So, all my work has really been remote with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The main differences about working in remote areas compared to the urban areas is your role. As a remote area nurse, it’s a very advanced practice. You get to do things and it makes you think. As a nurse, the buck stops with you, so you really are working at a higher level and more advanced level. The other area that is different is the need. The need in remote Indigenous communities is huge and the difference one person can make is huge. And that is very attractive, the fact that you can make a difference.

@ElsevierAUS