Introducing Kirsty, our wonderful Team Leader, and Occupational Therapist in Far North Queensland! Kirsty was attracted to working as an Occupational Therapist after her father and brother both required extensive Occupational Therapy after attaining injuries whilst living on their cattle farm. After commencing her Occupational Therapy career in a hospital setting, Kirsty decided to enter the community allied health space with National 360 in 2019 and hasn’t looked back since.

We are so proud of Kirsty’s growth within the company, as she started at National 360 as an early career therapist and is now successfully leading our teams in Far North Queensland!

We asked Kirsty some questions to learn more about her role, what it is like being an Occupational Therapist in regional and remote areas in Far North Queensland, why she joined National 360, and her journey with National 360.

When did you start at National 360 and why did you join the company?

I joined the company in 2019 as an early career therapist. I was working in a hospital role at the time and was looking for an opportunity to work with clients on a long-term basis and have a more meaningful impact. I wanted to get to know people over a longer period and work in an OT role where I was able to be holistic and provide support for all aspects of people’s lives.

Why were you interested in pursuing a career as an Occupational Therapist in the allied health space?

Traumatic injuries in my family drew me to OT! I grew up on a cattle property. My Dad required extensive hand therapy after a run-in with a circular saw and my brother required extensive OT scar and soft tissue input following an injury involving a motorbike and barbed wire fence. I was so drawn to the ability to help people, the unique skills of the profession and the diversity of areas you could specialize in.

Could you tell us a little about your allied health background and career progression?

I spent my first 12 months working as an OT in the medical wards at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital before taking an Occupational Therapy community role at National 360. I’ve been with the company ever since. The regional location meant I had to not only use my clinical skills broadly but also develop relationships and grow the team. In my four years, I have been a Supervisor, Team Leader, Regional Manager and State Manager at National 360.

What do you love most about your role as a Team Leader for Far North Queensland?

The ability to support a passionate, local team to deliver nationally sourced, high-quality services to regional areas. I love the people I work with across the entire organization and the relationships I have built with clients and stakeholders in the Far North Queensland community. Everyone is so passionate about making a difference and finding solutions.

What has been a highlight of your time working at National 360?

Too many to list! Helping my client Cath to shower for the first time after 2 years is a career highlight, as is being nominated as a National Finalist for Rural and Remote Excellence at the Allied Health Awards.

How would you describe National 360 to another clinician, or someone working in the allied health space?

Supportive! We provide so much support, regardless of your career level to grow clinically and operationally. Everyone genuinely cares and wants to see their team members succeed.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

My husband and I are expecting our first bub in June 2023! Exciting times are ahead for both of us!

Join The National 360 Team!

If reading Kirsty’s career journey has inspired you to learn more about a career at National 360, we would love to hear from you! Our teams across the country are looking for talented Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists, Physiotherapists and Behaviour Support Practitioners.

Learn more about what it is like working at National 360, how we will support you as a clinician, and the opportunities, rewards and benefits available to our team by visiting our 360 Careers page for more details, and find us on LinkedIn.

If you’d like to express interest in joining one of our teams, contact careers@national360.com.au or call us on 1300 340 400.