For many nurses, the profession is more than a job, it’s a chance to care, connect and create lasting impact in communities who need it. For Vahid Shahani, joining Rural LAP has transformed nursing into a lifestyle, one filled with purpose, personal growth and the adventure of a lifetime.
Since joining Rural LAP in October 2024, Vahid has taken his nursing skills beyond the walls of city hospitals and into the heart of rural and remote Australia. In just eight months, he’s completed several placements across the country, each one offering a unique set of challenges, opportunities and deeply human experiences.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to feel like you’re truly making a difference where support is most needed, all while exploring parts of Australia that many never get to see,” Vahid shares.
Nursing meets adventure
What drew Vahid to Rural LAP was the chance to combine travel, cultural connection and clinical practice. Whether working in a remote town’s multi-disciplinary facility or supporting aged care units far from metropolitan centres, he has embraced the unknown with curiosity and compassion.
His favourite placement? A remote town where he juggled responsibilities across urgent care, subacute and aged care, all under one roof.
“Every shift was different, and I was constantly learning. But more than that, it was the sense of community,” Vahid recalls. “The local staff were incredibly welcoming, and I felt genuinely appreciated not just as a nurse, but as a person.”
Overcoming challenges with resilience
Locum work comes with its own hurdles. For Vahid, adapting quickly to new protocols, team dynamics and settings has been one of the biggest challenges, and one of the greatest teachers.
“You often have to hit the ground running with minimal orientation,” he explains. “I’ve learned to be flexible, ask the right questions early on, and build rapport quickly with local staff. These experiences have made me more resilient, resourceful and confident as a nurse and a person.”
He also notes the emotional weight of being far from loved ones in isolated areas, which is a reality that many locums face. But by embracing local communities and staying connected with friends and family, Vahid has built a rhythm that keeps him grounded.
Advice for aspiring locums
For healthcare professionals considering locum work but still sitting on the fence, Vahid has a clear message:
“Just go for it but go in with an open mind and willingness to adapt. Locum work can be incredibly rewarding, both personally and professionally. You’ll gain diverse experience, grow your confidence, and see parts of Australia you might never have visited otherwise.
Start with one placement, give it your best, and you’ll be surprised how quickly you find your groove.”
Learn more about becoming a locum with Rural LAP and how you can be part of something bigger – www.rurallap.com.au
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