These nursing and midwifery graduates form part of the 2,800-strong cohort who will begin work across 130 NSW public hospitals and health facilities this year in a major boost for the NSW Health system. Pleasingly, more than 40 per cent of NSW's graduates will be working in rural and regional areas.
FWLHD's cohort includes two local nurses and also welcomes nurses and midwives from NSW and interstate.
'The Far West LHD is very pleased to welcome the new graduate nurses and midwives to the District,' said acting Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Ms Wendy Gleeson.
'These graduates have worked hard to complete their university education and clinical placements during the COVID-19 pandemic and they will be a welcome addition to the dedicated nursing and midwifery workforce in our District,' she said.
Ms Gleeson said the benefits of the GradStart program are that it exposes graduates to different clinical and professional settings, thereby enhancing their nursing and midwifery knowledge and clinical skill development. They will be supported to gain experience in a wide range of services including in Emergency, Intensive care as well as in community and primary health care.
'These graduates will also gain first-hand experience of working in our remote facilities and engaging with and living within communities, which is an invaluable experience, and helps encourage nurses and midwives to consider a career in our region.' The program places nurses in Broken Hill, Wentworth, Dareton, Ivanhoe, Wilcannia, Tibooburra and Balranald.
The graduates will undergo orientation this week featuring practical and classroom activities. They will also meet staff and mentors/ supervisors who will support their transition from undergraduate university student to Registered Nurse/Midwife.
Between 2012 and 2021, the nursing and midwifery workforce in NSW increased by 9,599 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff, or 23 per cent, to 51,794 (FTE).
The NSW Government is also investing in a further 5000 nurses and midwives from 2019-2022 under a record $2.8 billion boost to frontline staff.
