An influx of nurses and midwives is set to bolster the region’s health care service.
More than 150 new graduates recently joined the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service (SCHHS).
Nurse Educator and Graduate Program Coordinator Amanda Naumann said she was pleased to welcome the talented and passionate cohort, which was one of the largest groups to join the service.“There were more than 900 nurses and midwives applying for positions within our graduate program for 2022,” she said.
“We know the SCHHS graduate program is highly regarded and it’s always a very competitive process.“We’re pleased that this year’s intake saw a rise in the number of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants being offered a graduate position, who we know will make a valued and rich contribution to our workforce.
“We’re also proud to have a strong graduate retention rate at SCHHS.
“This is due to our graduates being well supported within an excellent education framework governed by the Practice Development Team of Nurse Educators, as well as by a team of dedicated, well-experienced clinical coaches at the point of care.“Our nurses and midwives play a key role in the future of our region’s health workforce, and we must continue to invest in supporting our novice clinicians as they gain confidence and competence as health professionals.”
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Nursing graduate Natalie Harmon, of Gympie, said she wanted to make a difference in people’s lives, which led her to choose the nursing profession.“I’ve been working as an enrolled nurse with Gympie Hospital, growing my skills and experience for the past 13 years, and have loved every minute of it,” she said.“Caring for my mother palliatively in 2008 further ignited my passion for nursing and desire to continue on studying my Bachelor of Nursing degree, which I completed last year.“Now, transitioning to being a registered nurse in the middle of a pandemic, I know I will be presented with many challenges as I consolidate my clinical skills.“I am in constant awe of every person working on the front-line and their ability to adapt and be flexible in these ever-changing times.“Patient and staff safety is always my priority. I also believe that laughter is the best medicine, so I strive to be remembered as the nurse that brought humour and kindness to my patient’s lives.“I’m looking forward to continuing to grow my capabilities both professionally and personally within the graduate program, engaging with my new team and the Nambour community as I take on my role there, and hopefully finding my very own niche in nursing.”
