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@ElsevierAUS
Sue Lenthall
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.
What is different about
working in rural and
remote areas?
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.