Nahir’s career takes off after regional student placement

After landing her dream job at Geraldton Regional Hospital, Occupational Therapist Nahir Cazula-Calatayud is right where she wants to be.

Raised in the Pilbara, Nahir always knew she’d return to the bush, so she didn’t hesitate when offered a position at the Midwest’s biggest regional healthcare facility.

Having completed a Master of Occupational Therapy, which included a student placement in country WA, Nahir has now been a valued member of our Allied Health Workforce for six months.

“We work in population health, which means we service communities, so we get to travel throughout the Midwest,” she said.

“I’ve recently been in charge of the North Midlands case load which includes Eneabba, Leeman, Green Head and Dongara, and I’m currently flying out to the Murchison region.”

Allied health professionals are an integral part of our hospital, primary health, mental health, and aged healthcare teams.

Working with people of all ages and backgrounds, our occupational therapists help patients across country WA keep, regain and improve their independence by taking part in meaningful activities.  

For Nahir, supporting patients in their own communities is one of the biggest drawcards of the job.

“I always knew I wanted to do something where I had the opportunity to give back and help people,” she said.

“I really love supporting families in the community. I was also drawn to occupational therapy because there’s so much variety involved; you have the opportunity to work in different areas.”

For Allied Health students and staff seeking a diverse workload, Nahir said regional WA was the place to be.

“What’s quite special is that you get a split case load, so I work both in paediatrics and servicing older adults in the community,” she said.

“It’s great because it allows you to build on your clinical skills in both areas while working in the same job.”

At WA Country Health Service, we are committed to offering a broad range of professional development opportunities to our more than 12,600 employees.

It’s these opportunities, along with the sense of community that comes with living in the bush, keeping Nahir’s feet firmly planted in the Midwest.

“My plan is to build a home here, so five years from now I think I’ll definitely be in country WA,” she said.

“One thing that’s really great about WACHS is the career progression, and my goal is to be a Senior Occupational Therapist in the future.”

Nahir encouraged anyone considering a shift to country healthcare to “have a go”.

“Just do it! It’s a great opportunity to get some experience under your belt, meet lots of great people, and develop your skills as a clinician.”