New nurse returns to rural roots

Portland Tabulam Health Centre nurse, Nigel Richards 

Nigel joined Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District earlier this year as one our new nurse graduates. His first rotation is at Portland Tabulam Health Centre which provides residential aged care, general medicine, community health services and a range of visiting allied health services.

Coming into nursing as a mature-aged graduate, Nigel knew that deciding upon where to start his career would also affect his wife and children. Nigel grew up in rural NSW and Queensland and when the opportunity to live and work in the picturesque Portland area arose, it felt like the right move for his family.

“The rural setting is what I know and I appreciate the like-minded people. I moved here for work and the lifestyle. I applied, got the position and the decision was made – we sold up and bought here at Wallerawang,” says Nigel.

“Being so new I’m still half resident, half tourist. I love the idea of the outdoors. Yesterday we went to Jenolan Caves, my wife and kids have been kayaking on Lake Wallace and we’ve done a bit of four-wheel driving. It’s a good place to live and raise a family.”

His experience at Portland Tabulam Health Centre has been equally positive.

“It’s been great. Great residents, great staff and a great manager. I’m always part of the team and I feel well supported. There’s no shortage of people to answer any questions I may have,” says Nigel.

While he hasn’t determined a nursing speciality, Nigel’s next rotations at Lithgow Hospital Operating Theatres and Inpatient Unit will provide him with a broader exposure to caring for patients with diverse needs. Whatever the future holds, Nigel is content with his current situation.

“It’s great to be a contributing member of the community again. I could easily see myself staying here at Portland. I think life could be good.”