Thirteen new nursing graduates started work with the Central West Hospital and Health Service this week (3 February).
Central West Health Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services Troy Lane said a further group of graduates would be taken on in August.
“These new graduates, after a period of orientation here in Longreach, will be placed across our hospitals and health services, including Winton, Barcaldine, Longreach, and Blackall,” Mr Lane said.
“Our new nurses will rotate across various clinical areas, including hospital wards and emergency departments.
“Graduate nurses will have the opportunity to rotate to other facilities during their first year.
“This rotation model is designed to help the graduates gain hands-on experience, applying their training while improving patient care throughout communities within the Central West region.’’
Longreach resident Kylie Patterson is one of the graduates looking forward to beginning her career as a registered nurse at Longreach Hospital.
Ms Patterson did her nursing degree through Central Queensland University and completed her degree while also working as an Enrolled Nurse at Longreach Hospital.
“I’ve always had a passion for nursing,’’ she said.
“I started by working as a personal carer at a nursing home in Longreach when I was 15 and then just progressed from there.
“Becoming a registered nurse was a continuation of my studies and opened new doors for my future career.’’
New nurse graduate Pani Awarau also did her nursing degree through Central Queensland University and was prompted to do a four-week placement at Winton Multipurpose Health Service during her final year because of family connections in town.
“My partner and I have a toddler and my partner has extensive family in Winton, so I thought it would be a good place to do my placement,’’ she said.
“I applied for the Central West nurse graduate program because of the family connections at Winton that would allow us to manage and balance family and work life with our growing family.
“We’re really excited and looking forward to being in Winton.’’
Originally from Taupo on New Zealand’s North Island, Ms Awarau said she was prompted to become a nurse because so many of her relatives in New Zealand were nurses.
“They certainly inspired me to think about nursing as a career,’’ she said.
Mr Lane said Central West Health offered a supportive and attractive environment for new nurses looking to launch their careers.
“We are thrilled to welcome these new nursing graduates,” he said.
“At Central West Health, we are committed to providing comprehensive training and mentorship to help new nurses transition from university into the workforce.”
The 12-month graduate transition program combines theoretical learning with practical assessments, offering graduates mentorship from experienced staff members.
“Our graduates are an integral part of our team, and we are proud to support them as they embark on a rewarding career,’’ Mr Lane said.
“We hope their first year in the Central West will inspire them to continue their careers here and take advantage of the opportunities we offer.’’
ENDS
For further information contact:
James Guthrie
Principal Media Officer, Rural and Remote Qld Media Unit, Strategic Communications Department of Health
(07) 3708 5379