James has been working as a Rural LAP locum nurse for just over a year and for him, the experience has been defined by one thing: how well Rural LAP looks after its staff.
“Being a locum isn’t always easy,” James admits.
“But Rural LAP seeks specialised staff and provides them with specialised treatment.”
James first heard about Rural LAP through word of mouth. “I’d only ever heard good things,” he says.
That reputation rang true when he took on his first placements.
One highlight was four weeks in St Helens, Tasmania, in January 2025. “It was an amazing, welcoming facility in a spectacular part of Tasmania during the best time of year,” he recalls.
“Rural LAP provided fantastic accommodation and transport, which made it such a contract to remember.”
While rural locum work can sometimes feel isolating, James says Rural LAP makes sure support is always at hand.
“The Rural LAP program officers are fantastic and responsive. Just knowing they’re at the other end of the phone when needed is a big help.”
Practical support also makes a difference.
“A unique inclusion of my Rural LAP contracts has been their endeavour to provide a hire car. I completed a three-month contract in Tasmania last year, and having access to a car on my days off was honestly a game-changer. It gave me peace of mind and freedom to explore.”
Accommodation is another area where James has noticed a difference.
“With Rural LAP, my requests, like not sharing and having a full-sized fridge, have always been able to be accommodated.”
James also values the strong reputation Rural LAP nurses have in facilities.
“As an agency nurse of over four years, every contract I’ve started with Rural LAP, I’ve heard: ‘We know they send good ones!’ That kind of welcome means a lot.”
James’ advice to other nurses considering locum work?
“Make sure you’ve got a broad skill set and be prepared to hit the ground running. After a short time with Rural LAP, I’ve found myself striving to represent this great organisation.”
