Nine new nursing graduates have started work with Central West Hospital and Health Service this week (5 August) and undertook orientation at Longreach.
Central West Health Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services Troy Lane said the August graduates brought to 22 the number of nursing graduates who had joined the health service this year, following an intake of 13 graduates in February.
“Our new graduates will work in clinical areas including our hospital wards and emergency departments, as well as in primary health care,’’ he said.
“Initially, the students will be posted three to Longreach Hospital and two each to Blackall, Barcaldine, and Winton.
“After six months at their initial location, they will then have the opportunity to work in another facility for six months. Longreach will rotate with Winton and Blackall will rotate with Barcaldine.
“They will be able to learn on the job and translate the skills they’ve learnt at university into better outcomes for patients across our region.’’
New nursing graduate Brooke Mahon was inspired to apply to work in the Central West after completing a six-week clinical placement at Longreach Hospital last year as part of her degree through James Cook University in Townsville.
“I had the most amazing time in Longreach and, as soon as I got back to Townsville, I knew Longreach and the Central West was where I wanted to work once I completed my degree,’’ she said.
“I was given experience in so many different nursing areas, including theatre and the ward, and it opened my eyes to the wide variety of work I could do out here.’’
Ms Mahon, who is from Townsville, said she had decided to go into nursing as she had a passion for caring and helping people.
“I thought nursing would be the perfect career for me,’’ she said.
Mr Lane said Central West Health was being regarded as an increasingly attractive area for new nurses to launch their careers.
“We are very excited to welcome our new graduates as they began their careers,’’ he said.
“As a health service, we are committed to providing training opportunities for graduate nurses. They are an important part of our team, and we value the contribution they will make.’’
Mr Lane said the 12-month graduate transition program for new nurses involved theoretical and practical assessments.
“Graduate nurses are provided support and mentorship by experienced staff to help make the transition from studying at university to life in the workforce,’’ he said.
“They have chosen a rewarding and fulfilling profession that provides many pathways for career development and is a fabulous way of serving the community in which we live.
“We hope their first year of practice in the Central West will open their eyes to the opportunities and diverse range of professional experiences available in our region and opt to continue their career with us in the future.’’
For further information contact:James Guthrie
Principal Media Officer, Rural and Remote Qld
Media and Communication
Department of Health
(07) 3708 5379
Jim.Guthrie@health.qld.gov.au