From Construction to Care: A Recruiter’s Journey into Women & Children’s Health

By Monique Missak| Published 22 January 2026

Some moments stay with you. For Caitlin, one of those came not long after Christmas, when a midwife she’d placed shared simple, but powerful news – she’d helped deliver a baby on Christmas Day. It was a moment full of joy, and one that reminded Caitlin of the real impact behind every placement.

Starting out in construction recruitment, Caitlin was used to tight deadlines and fast turnarounds. But she wanted more from her work, something she could connect to on a deeper level. With a background in healthcare studies and a desire to make a difference, she found her way to Cornerstone Medical Recruitment (cmr).

Now, as a Senior Consultant in cmr’s Women & Children’s team, Caitlin supports communities across the country by helping to place midwives and nurses where they’re needed most.

“I chose healthcare recruitment because I had previously studied within that space and I was really looking to recruit in an area that I felt I could relate and make a little bit more of a personal impact in the industry.”

Senior Consultant, Caitlin O’Hanlon

Making an Impact Where It’s Needed Most

In regional and rural parts of the country, healthcare services rely heavily on agency staff to stay open and keep running. Caitlin works closely with a variety of healthcare settings (maternity wards, paediatrics, and community clinics) to help fill urgent and ongoing gaps.

Her role isn’t just about sending someone to a job. It’s about making sure care continues. Whether it’s helping a rural hospital stay fully staffed over Christmas or finding a midwife for a small community clinic, every placement has a ripple effect.

“When your clients are calling you and they do have a desperate need… being able to go and support that hospital and present them with help, it does feel very rewarding knowing you are supporting that client, that hospital and the community.”

Placements That Go Beyond the Job

Some of Caitlin’s favourite stories come from what happens after a placement is made. There was the midwife and her physio partner who wanted to travel and work together, and thanks to cmr’s collaborative team, they both landed roles in the same regional town. Then there are the clinicians she’s placed who’ve been recognised as Locum of the Month, celebrated for their incredible contributions.

These aren’t just contracts, they’re stories, relationships, and real moments of impact. That’s what keeps Caitlin motivated, day after day.

When my candidates have been recognised as Locum of the Month, it shows their hard work and loyalty doesn’t go unnoticed – it’s rewarding for me as well to see them experience that joy when they’re on placement.

Cailtin’s candidate Renee, receiving the October Locum of the Month Award

Confidence, Growth and Finding Her Place

Caitlin didn’t come to cmr with years of healthcare recruitment under her belt, but with the right support, mentoring and encouragement, she quickly found her rhythm. She credits the onboarding and team culture with helping her grow, not just professionally, but personally too.

With her healthcare background, she’s able to ask the right questions, understand her candidates’ needs and guide them through the process with care. And when things get complex (like onboarding, compliance or credentialing) she knows that getting it right really matters.

Looking Ahead with Purpose

Caitlin has big goals on the horizon, like buying her first home. But what keeps her grounded and inspired is knowing her work has real meaning. Every call, every placement, every thank you, it all adds up to something bigger.

Her advice for anyone thinking about a change? If you’re looking for a career that challenges you, grows your confidence and lets you make a real difference, healthcare recruitment might just be your perfect match.

Ready to find more purpose in your recruitment career?

If Caitlin’s story sparked something in you, our Talent Team would love to hear from you. Whether you’re experienced in healthcare recruitment or looking to make a meaningful sector change within the industry, we’d love to chat about where your skills could take you.

Reach out today and let’s talk.

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