A Closer Look: Rural vs Urban Nursing - Which is the Right Fit for You?

Canada is a huuuge country. Like we're talking second biggest country in the world after Russia…so if you didn't know, now you know.😅 It can take between 6-8 hours via flight to get from one side of the country to the other. And on top of that, the majority of the population live spread out across the Greater Toronto Area, British Columbia and Alberta. With that being said, there are many nooks and crannies in Canada where the rest of the population resides and who require healthcare as well. This is where rural nursing comes into the picture. But before I dive into the comparison, I want to give you the run down on nursing in rural areas and what my experience has been.

Rural nursing is basically nursing in smaller communities and townships, that typically have populations of give or take 10K or less. These areas can be many hours outside of a major city. This means that a town may have a small hospital that is limited to performing certain procedures, tests, healthcare services as well as having less resources. If certain cases exceed their capacity, the patient is transferred out. This is similar for hospitals in the city as well, if the hospital itself manages lower acuity cases (although transfer times are shorter and quicker in these scenarios). Going into a rural setting as a travel nurse, you have to truly be comfortable in your skill set and make sure you can add to the team while you’re there. I’m not saying this to discourage or scare you, but, I want you to go in feeling confident, knowing you’ll be able to face whatever assignment you are given. Any and everything comes through those sliding doors of the ER; requiring you to stabilize the patient before they are sent out, if a higher level of care is needed. Trust me, if I can do it, you can too! You gain SO much valuable experience and learn to trust your nurse intuition and lean on the experienced nurses you meet in those areas. They are truly exceptional! In some cases, if you have seen a lot…they have seen more. Rural assignments have pruned and grown me as a healthcare professional and I’m so grateful for the experiences, so don’t count it out, especially to my city folks!

Being raised in the surburbs/city life, hearing about people who live in rural areas was foreign to me. I truly did not know what that looked like until I started travel nursing. One of my first big surprises were seeing only two grocery stores in town! Two!? Who knew that was a thing? City girl was written all over my face! But it’s okay, I made it work and that’s what you have to do, make it work! New experiences stretch you, help to mature you, and grow you in unimaginable ways. Albeit different from what you may be used to, be open to embracing the new. Small towns and cities are hidden gems. From breathtaking scenery to enjoying the peace and serenity you cannot get in the city. Rural nursing is an experience you should try at least once on your travel journey. You are more than capable!

Below is a quick comparative between rural and urban nursing and what to consider before choosing your next contract!

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Rural

• In smaller townships can mean access to fewer amenities - they have gyms, stores and areas of entertainment but on a smaller scale

• Typically no transit system, taxis and walking become your clutch unless you have a friend who can help you out or you drive your car over. Depending on where you go, sometimes even the taxi system isn't as consistent either -ask locals and/or co-workers for the best ways to get around

• Potentially further travel time to the location - remember the contract location can be quite some distance from the city

• New possibilities for adventures (hiking, cottage, local activities which can be pretty unique yet fun)

• Can get lonely sometimes - a great way to make some new friends and lean on your existing support systems

• It can get DARK! Yes there are street lights but not as frequently as you see in the city. There is more risk to of getting lost if you're out alone too late (depends on time of sunset). Always keep family/friends/co-worker you trust abreast of where you are at

• If you have a car, keep an emergency kit with you - food, blankets, water, booster cables, flashlight and an extra jug of gas. Better to err on the side of caution!

• More opportunities to secure the bag because there may be less to do - when they call you for OT and shift pick ups that is more coins in your pocket
  

Urban

• More access to amenities you’re used to (chain restaurants, gyms and shopping centres)

• Typically more access to transit and uber options

• New Possibilities for adventures too! But not as easy to access the outdoors - hiking trails, waterfalls etc

• It can get lonely in the city too, especially when you do contracts with no partner or family member (yes you can have accommodations for others to live with you) - this is a nice way to explore what activities the city has to offer, meet up with other travel nurses to go out or take yourself out to a nice restaurant you've been wanting to try

• City lights illuminate the sky so even when its dark, you can most often still see everything around you. But be wise, you are in a new city and there are areas and neighbourhoods that are still unsafe - be mindful and be aware of your surroundings

• May be staffed with more travel nurses and staff - not as many opportunities to pick up OT and/or extra shifts

• Easier access to travel back home, especially if you get home sick (depending on if you have a vehicle or the location of your contract)

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Talk soon.

Your friend,

Sarah