2min read
Locum OT Paula
6 years Occupational Therapist experience
She’s sailed three quarters around the world, so Occupational Therapist Paula is no stranger to adventure. It’s no wonder then that travel contracting was so enticing, and a few placements in remote facilities is all it took to put Paula back on the path of adventure.
She’s not alone either. Enjoying the travel contracting lifestyle (and getting paid in treats) is her co-worker Tully, a 3-year-old Groodle whose professional title is Therapy Dog. 🐶
We asked how their time at Affinity is going!
1. How long have you been working as an occupational therapist for, and do you specialise in a particular area of practice?
I am in my 6th year of practice as an occupational therapist however was working prior as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and hold both registrations and qualifications still today.
I consider myself as a rural generalist these days but have post graduate qualifications and experience in hands therapy, lymphoedema accreditation, and child and adolescence child development and mental health specifically working within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
2. What made you pursue travel contracts? What are you enjoying the most about it?
I love adventure!! I have travelled most of my life, even sailing 3/4 around the world in my 20s but after returning to my home region working on the Gold Coast during COVID, I remembered life is what we make it.
After initially travelling up the Queensland coast on QLD health contracts, I discovered locum agencies and contract roles. I enjoy working in remote rural places exploring and working in the unique communities and experiencing culture that most people don’t know exists.
3. How has your time been at Portland District Health in Victoria?
For my first time working in Victoria, Portland District Health has been a great experience. I even extended my contract to 6 months. It is a friendly and supportive Allied Health Team.
4. What does your typical workday look like?
I am predominantly covering the inpatient case load which consists mainly of acute, orthopaedic, chronic conditions and subacute GEM and Geri patients in the mornings.
Then I work in community health in the afternoons seeing CHSP clients and completing home assessments. On Fridays my therapy dog Tully spends the day at work visiting the wards and spreading her joy to all the staff and patients while I am working.
5. What have you gotten up to in Victoria while on contract?
Portland is a great base to explore both Victoria and South Australia!! Lots of hiking trails, resident seal colonies, wineries and close to the Grampians and Great Ocean Road. Most importantly for me it’s coastal, with many beaches for Tully to run around on.
6. Any hobbies you bring with you while on contract to relax between shifts? What makes you feel at home while travelling for work?
I am a hiker and camper in my roof top tent, so weekends are spent exploring the region with Tully. I also find the best local gym and pool where I spend most afternoons after work if I am not taking Tully for a walk.
7. Would you like to tell us about Tully?
I am normally known as Tully’s mum by the end of all my contracts everywhere I work (that is ok). Tully is a beautiful 3-year-old mini Groodle who is an amazingly intuitive therapy dog who loves spending time with everyone she meets.
She has worked in every setting I have!!! From crazy Katherine NT emergency rooms to helping calm nonverbal or non-English speaking children and people living with dementia to assess and engage in therapy. To working in rehab with major trauma patients, de–escalating behaviors on wards and Geri patients to comforting children in paediatric wards and palliative care units.
She brings joy to all the staff, currently Fridays in allied health are known as Tully Days. She reminds me every day that sometimes people just need a hug to make life better.
8. What has been the highlight of working with Affinity so far?
My recruiter Frances is amazing. She always checks in, sorts everything and is great to chat with.
9. Do you have a favourite photo from your travels? What’s the story behind it?
Recent walking wine tour in Coonawarra Wine Trail with Tully and locum physios.
10. What advice would you give other allied health professionals who are thinking of using their skills out in regional, rural and remote areas of Australia?
Just do it, it will change your perspective on life and remember the quote “not all those who travel are lost”. If you haven’t experienced working in places like Far North Qld, the Kimberlys in WA, Northern Territory, you haven’t lived. These areas have been life changing experiences for me.
Remote and rural areas are full of amazingly skilled supportive staff who genuinely want to make a difference in regions of Australia that are sometimes forgotten by the health system.
Ready to change your perspective? If you are skilled, supportive, and want to genuinely make a difference, Allied Health travel contracting is where you’ll shine. Register with Affinity today and start your adventure. *Furry companion not included!
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